The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-05-17

Edtfof Free ffess: -.
Sunday evening, May 9Th, closed the
three years passionate OF Rev. II. w;
Stevenson. for the "Church of Christ"
at Mankato. Though hard field he
has worked il successfully, having
brought many into the church through
his ministry. He won the love and con-
fidence of the whole church, and was
highly esteemed by all who made his ac-
quantance. His life while in our city
has been such as to recommend the
cause which he advocated and the church
of which he is member. He will be
sadly missed by the church and the
many friends who have learned to love
him and his amiable Christian wife. She
was a great help to all the interests of
the church. The ladies' will miss her
cheerful smile and efficient help in their
society work and in the social circle.
They leave us with the love and best
wishes of all, hoping they will meet as
warm friends in their new home as they
leave here.
The farewell address was worthy the
occasion and the man. The church was
well filed by an intelligent and appreci-
alive audience, who were moved by the
words of instruction and admonition.
They we're exhorted to remain steadfast
i'm the future and make good record,
that he might hear only good OF the
church in Mankato At the close OF the
address all hearts were sad, and many
ewes we've dimmed with tears, remem-
bering that they might not see his face
again In the flesh.
AT the close of the services 1t was an
nounced that the friends of Mr.. and
Mrs. Stevenson would give a farewell re-
ception at Mr.. George Blake's, on Pleas
ant street, Monday evening. According
TO announcement, about eight O'Clock
the members of the church and other
friends of Mr.. and Mrs. Stevenson began
to arrive at the residence of Mr.. and
Mrs. Blake, who gave full possession o.
their pleasant home to the company
Alter an hour of social intercourse al
were invited to partake of the gooc
things of the tables, which the goot
women had with no little care provided
The tables were tastefully decorated
with flowers, and bountifully supplied
with fruit and other delicacies too nu
merous to mention. After enjoying thu
bounteous repast all returned to the
rooms prepared for them, where the at
tention of the company was called ~
Elder Vandervort, who called upon OIL
| v. -.
who said tive were hopeful for tn,
| church when we heard of Bro. Steven
sons coming among us to preach tn,
glorious gospel and to labor in the min
istry for us. That we were highly graft
| fed with his labors among us as
preacher and brother i'm the great fam
| lily of God. That we are panied to know
that after three years successful worl
we are unable to retain him as our pas
tor, although it is the unanimous wisl
that he remain. After other approprl
ate remarks, with fearful eyes he ex
tended to Mr.. and Mrs. Stevenson tn
parting hand.
Bro. A. M. Morrison then read a shor
address appropriate for the occasion, II
which he referred to the happy season
of the year when our brother cam,
among us. 1t was i'm the first of Ma
when all the air was vocal with the song
of birds, and sweet with the fragance q
flowers. That it was happy omen Q
the pleasant years spent among us. II
was to leave us in like season. III
hoped that success and blessings nigh
attend him and his through life, and ex
tended the parting hand.
Bro. Il. ID. Craeen spoke OF the sacre'
ties of Christian brotherhood, and es
pecially that which is felt among tn
brethren here; of the sorrow of partin
where such ties exist, and the hope G
meeting where parting is no more.
Deacon Rouse was somewhat ovel
come with sorrow, but SAID he was sur
Bro. Stevenson would be welcomed bac
ere long.
Ex-Sheriff Piper, of Garden City ,spok
of the warm attachment the friends 9
that place had for Mr.. and Mrs. SteveT
son, and especially his own high esteei
for them. He also hoped they Nigh
return.
Elder Vandervort spoke of the siler
partner in the firm, the twenty-fifth rit
He thought she should have at least ha
the credit, and he hoped she might sti
J be as an anchor to him.
After the men had all had their sa
Mrs. A. NJ. Morrison asked the lik
privilege, and made an appropriate littl
,, speech to Mrs. S. in behalf OF the sister
and presented her with purse as t.
, ken of their regard.
After all amid tears had extended tn
parting hand, Rev. w. III. Burgess PR
nounced the demolition.
II A SPECTATOR