Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-05-30
DEATH OF REV. s. It. RISER.
PASTOR OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF STAUN
ToN-A TALENTED AND PROMISING YoUN
MINISTER,

| PASTOR OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF STAUN
ToN-A TALENTED AND PROMISING YOUNG
| MINISTER.
It's with unfeigned sorrow that we announce
the death of Rev. Sidney T. Riser, Pastor of the
Lutheran Evangelical Church :. of this city
which occurred at 10 o'clock last Friday night
at the early age of 25 years.
Though his death was not unexpected, as he
had been i'll for several weeks, and it had been
known for several days before it occurred that
his condition was exceedingly critical, yet the
| announcement of the sad event moved this
| whole community very deeply.
Since he was called here from Charleston,
South Carolina about nine months since. he
had been the beloved. devoted, and efficient
pastor of the Lutheran congregation of this
| city. and by his merits as citizen, and his
pure Christian character. he had endeared him
| self to the whole community. Hislife was love
ly and pure, and his death was not only placid
and peaceful, but triumphant. His spirit was
at peace with God. and his chief concern. even
| in his last moments, was for the peace and
harmony and fraternal concord of his congre-
cation. for whom, in the language of DR.. Nc
Farland. he had so zealously, earnestly, hero
ically, and successfully labored.
the funeral services took place at half past 3
of which he had been the pastor. Some time
before the hour appointed for the services had
arrived, the church was filed auditorium, gall
lery, aisles and vestibule-and many had to
stand closely crowded throughout the services,
and many could not get admission at all. The
pulpit was heavily draped in mourning. The
casket was profusely and tastefully decorated
with flowers. All the ministers of this city,
and most of the Lutheran ministers from this,
and some from other counties were present.
The scripture passages of the Book of Wor-
ship were read by Rev. ]. A. Snyder, of Shenan-
doah. An earnest and feeling prayer was Of
fered by Rev. C. Beard, of Waynesboro. The
sermon was delivered by Rev. Prof. F. V. N.
Painter, of Roanoke College, based on the text,
jeremiah x: go Lord. know that the way
of man is not in himself: it is not in man that
walketh to direct his steps,
He dwelt npon the provdences of God, both
general and special, which, though not under,
stood by us at the time, are always directed in
wisdom, and frequently time made that plain
to us which at first was incomprehensible-and
that which seemed misfortune was really a
blessing.
AT the conclusion of the sermon, Rev. DR.:
Mcfarland, pastor of the first Presbyterian
Church of this city, made some rem arks upon
the noble and consecrated Christian character
of the deceased; his efficient and earnest work
as minister; his devotion to his duties and his
deep love for his congregation. He spoke, also,
of the strong hold he had on the esteem and
affection not only of his own congregation, but
of this whole community without distinction
as to creeds or church relations and that his
death was loss deeply felt and mourned by
all. He had been by the bedside of the deceas-
1afC tic
speak with deep concern of his congregation
praying that all differences might be healed,
and that peace and harmony and fraternal af-
lection might prevail. He felt no concern
about himself-he was prepared to meet his
God-his great concern was about the members
of his flock. The remarks of DIR. Mcfarland
were ELOQUENT in their simplicity and earnest
ness. and as his own heart was deeply moved,
and his voice trembled with emotion, the
hearts of that vast congregation were similarly
moved, In an impressive and earnt st manner
he exhorted the flock of the deceased pastor to
heed his dying prayer. and also expressed the
hope that other congregations would likewise
profit by the lesson.
AT the conclusion of DR.. McFarland's re-
MARKS the remains of the deceased were con-
veyed to Thornrose cemetery for burial.
The pail. bearers were the members of his
church council, and the honorary pail bearers
were the ministers of this city and county.
His mother and sister were with the deceas-
ed some time before his death. and they, no
doubt, felt melancholy pleasure at the DEM
onstration of universal sorrow manifested at
the funeral of their lost son and brother, and
the evidences there given OF the affection,
esteem, and love enter tanned for him by this
whole community.
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
The following resolutions were adopted by
the members of his church =
WHEREAS it has pleased Almighty God our
Heavenly Father in the wisdom that sees the
end from the beginning, to call from his labors
our beloved Pastor, Sidney Thomas Riser
ReSolUed, 1St., That while we deeply feel bis
loss we sorrow not as those who have no hope,
but with abiding trust in the love of our
Heavenly Father we accept this visitation
with submissive hearts.
2. That we bear testimony to the earnest
spirit and faithful labors of our departed
pastor, and to the good work which, with the
blessing of God. he accomplished among US.
3D. That we endeavor. with the help OF God,
to secure the unity and harmony for which,in
his last hours. he prayed, and that, as the best
evidence of our love. we carry forward with
greater earnestness the work of God in our
congregation.
4th. That we extend our sympathies to the
bereaved family, and commend to them the
precious consultations OF the Gospei Of Christ.