Sacramento daily record-union., 1890-07-24
FAREWELL TO A PASTOR.
Reception and Testimonial to Rev. W.
Merrill.


Reception and Testimonial to Rev. W. c.
Merrill.
Many members of the congregational
Church and invited guests assembled last
evening to tender farewell reception to
the retiring pastor, Rev. W. G. Merrill. and
his wife. who are about to remove to San
Diego.
Mr.. S. E. Darlington briefly outlined the
objects of the meeting. and spoke of the
valuable services rendered by the retiring
pastor in the cause of religion.
The following poem, written by Mrs. Ira
G. Hoitt, was read by Miss Fisher:
Dear Pastor, for these many years
We've kept our way together.
through love and grief, through hopes and fears,
In storm and sunny weather.
You We shown us how to turn our feet
From error all-surroundirg-
To make our lives g fragrance sweet,
Our homes in honor founding.
But now, with swift, relentless force,
Lies wheel makes sudden turning;
we hold no more our wonted course,
Each others ways discerning
Our paths diyerge; new work, new aims
Await your warm endeavor;
New friends press on with earnest claims
The olden ties to sever.
But though we part, we viii not yield
Our friendships sweet possession
And TO your new and untried field
Take this, our last confession:
If, while you sowed the seeds of Right,
Some fell on arid places,
Some, too, have budded in the light,
And promise fruit of graces.
And, in our hearts reeesses deep,
Your words of warning hidden,
A Shield and buckler we Will keep,
To guard from lures forbidden:
And be this last regretful hour
Sweet with our friendships beauty
An inspiration and power
In future paths of duty.
So, every heart and every hand
Now brings you farewell blessing;
We once again before you stand,
Our los al love confessing.
Take with you, to your chosen home,
Our God-speed true ana tender
And know, wherever you may roam
He IS your strong defender.
Miss E. ". Connolly, in behalf of the
Kings Daughters Circle, presented Mrs.
Merrill with beautiful bracelet.
Frank Miller, on behalf of the congrega-
tion, in few well-chosen remarks, pre-
sented Mr.. Merrill with a sealed package,
containing 1925, as token OF esteem and
affection.
The following resolutions. engrossed and
framed, We're adopted by unanimous
vote OF all present:
WHEREAS. The Rev W. c. Merrill has re-
signed the pastorate of this church to the very
great regret and disappointment of all the mem
bers of the church and society, to acceft call
to sister church, which action he believes 70
be clearly IN obedience to the Masters will
and, whereas, his work in Sacramento, aided by
the very efficient co labor of his devoted WIFE,
has been attended with the most gratifying re-
suits IN building up our church to greatly in
creased membership and attendance strongly
uniting the people in the activities of our So
clety, ana extending a strong. attracting and
salufary influence among the young people of
the community therefore, be it
ReSotUed, That the entire membership of this
church and society hereby express most sincere
and profound regret at the resignation of Mr..
Merrill, ana the loss thereby sustained by this
church and community
Res0tUed, That we extend our most cordial and
earnest wishes for the same marked success in
the new field that has accompanied the pastor
rlchest blessings in health and happiness upon
Mr.. and Mrs. Merrill and family in their new
home
Mr.. Merrill was for a time overcome with
emotion, but managed after while to ex-
press his thanks and those of his wife for
the testimonial.
Mrs. Merrill was also made the recipient
OF couple of beautiful embroidered
wall-banners a.gift from the members of
the Chinese Mission of the church.
Nearer, Ny God, to Thee was sung.
Miss Nourse accompanying the singers
with pantomimic delineation by means
of the deaf aud dumb method of express
sion IN so realistic manner as TO be intel
igible to all present
Refreshments were then served, and
most enjoyable evening was passed.