Morning journal and courier., 1889-04-02
FAREwELL RECEPTION

To Rev. '. M. Foster at the St. J0hn Street Church Paflor Last Evening" Large Gathering Despite she na1n Many Parting Words of Regret. A large number of the parishioners of the St. John street M. E. church assembled in the reception room of the church last even ing, despite the rain, to give enthusiastic reception to the retiring pastor, Rev. I. M. Foster. Many happy children, who are members of the Sunday school, were present. The occa- sion was one of joy tempered with sadness, which was indicated by the evidences of sor- row beneath the smiles of many of the pas tors friends who were present. They were pleased to see such cordial reception in which so many participated, but their hearts were evidently filled with regret that the pleasant associations between pastor and people were to be terminated by his de- parture to another field.
 After beautiful piano duet by Mrs. Pres- ton and Harry Jepson the choir of the church led by Prof. Benjamin Jepson sang several selections from s'Creation." ''The Heavens are Telling" was also ably rendered by the choir, after which Rev. Dr. Chapman of the First church, who was present, was invited to make an address, which he did in an easy and
 
 substantially as follows:
 CT don't like farewell receptions, or any, thing of the kind that Is suggestive of part ing with friends. While you are parting with beloved pastor, am parting with dear friend. When person loses friend, he loses what is beyond price. I am sure that each of you will give your own cordial good byes to your friend and pastor. Per haps after all it is best that the turning of the great Methodist wheels causes these sep- arations." Dr. Chapman then related story of man who had made all prepara- desire to live and his wife said to him: "You are prepared, and am resigned, so I think you had better die."
 Dr. Chapman continued, saying: "I am left, and a man who gets left is always sad; and some of us will get left as bad as mullen stalk in a sheep pasture.
 There is one of our brothers who is Good Enough to stay in Fair Haven, where he has enjoyed the sea breezes and eaten clans and oysters until his manly bosom rises and falls with the tide. But there is duty to be done here which should be performed by one who is not present, so I am assigned to fill the gap"
 At this time the folding doors to an ad- joining room were opened and an elegant easy chair upholstered with handsome red plush was rolled into the room, and formally presented to Rev. I. M. Foster, who came forward and occupied the chair while Dr. Chapman finished his address, after which the reti1ing pastor responded in manner that showed full appreciation of the gift. His remarks indicated that his stay with the people of the St. John street church had been 20 pleasant that he regretted the parting.
 After the close of the pastors response Dr. Chapman said his agreeable duty was not ended with that presentation, and another chair was then rolled into the room and on behalf of the people of the church presented it to Mrs. I. M. Foster. Dr. Chapman said there doubtless have been times in the past when one chair was enough for thess two, but now as they require two chairs this beau tiful chair is donated to Mrs. Foster. The speakers address was very appropriate.
 MT. Foster, who was invited to respond, replied eloquently as follows: Sometimes silence means more than words, and that is my condition tonight. There is in my sadness. As go out from among you I shall think of you, and especially of the young people of the church. with an intense interest,"" Mrs. Fosters response was very interesting.
 Prof. Benj. Jepson, who is the director of music at the church said that during the last 25 years he had seen many pastors of the church come and go, but as he had been very intimate with the retiring pastor he should part from him with unusual regret. He then presented him with an elegantly framed photograph of thirty members of the choir and said that another and larger picture was to be presented to the pastor later.
 After another appropriate response by the remainder of the evening passed in social co0