Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1890-08-29
American Institute Fair.
STATE CORREsrUrD1sno.
NIflfOrdss Pastor HonOred.


MANY PARTING TRIBUTES OF ESTEEM SHOWN
REV. F. L. FERGUSON BY MILFORD PEOPLE.
MILFORD, Aug. 27.-It has always been
a pleasure to Milford people to gather at
the home of Hon. I. G. Smith for both he
and his wife always have a genial and
happy welcome for their guests. The
principal feature of the evening at the
recent lawn party held on their grounds
was the reception given the pastor Rev.
F. L. Ferguson and his wife, who are to
leave this week Many were the words of
appreciation and regard which came from
those of his own congregation and from
other church people of the community.
Mr.. John G. North in behalf of the
friends of Mr.. and Mrs. Ferguson, pre-
sented them with the sum of one hundred
dollars as a token of esteem and affection.
Mr.. Ferguson accepted the gift with
much feeling and thanked his many friends
for this token of their regard for himself
and Mrs. Ferguson. He promised that
both he and his wife would cherish these
precious friendships as long as they
lived.
On Sunday morning the congregation of
the First church assembled in such large
numbers that extra chairs were brought in
to accommodate those who desired to hear
| for the last time the pastor
Rev. F. L. Ferguson. The text
of the pastors remarks was: eff
| any mans work abide which he has built
| thereon he shall receive n reward" The
| Christian life was the highest and grandest
experience of human life, and the various
conditions which entered into this expert
ence in church life between pastor and
people was portrayed in inspiring and elo-
quent words The twenty-six months in
| which he had ministered to those of this
| oh had ft1ll of
he said. The permanent results of his min
| isterial work would be found in the future.
His endeavor had been for the creation
of stronger love in the church. ''They
only shall prosper who love Zion" This
had been busy church for two years and
hearty support had been given his efforts
During the past twenty-six months he had
preached nearly every Sunday and con-
Quoted the Friday evening service nearly
forty-fve into the church, baptized eigh-
teen, attended thirty funerals of which
eight had been of persons over eighty years
and one over ninety years of age, married
twelve couples and received in gifts of
money, $685. He had seen the church
raise about $40, 900 for its different uses.
At the meeting of the church after this
service the following resolutions were
passed unanimously by rising vote,
| Wnlch numbered IN the nunQreuS.
Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of
Rev. Frank l.. Ferguson as pastor of this church
| we hereby desire to put on record our apprecia-
ton of the loving and faithful labors he has per
| formed in the two years he has ministered to us;
that he has done q noble work, been earnest and
Jealous for the spiritual and material welfare of
the church, successful in adding q large
| number to its membership, in devising ways
| and means to decorate and uphoster our church
of worship, assisting in building up the interests
| of the Sunday school and Young People Society
of Christian Endeavor; that by his endeavors the
early pastors of the church are now honored
with tablets, and also that the 25Oth anniversary
| exercises were conducted in such a manner as to
| bring great credit and honor to the church, town
and state, and for preserving permanent record
of the same in a memorial volume. For his un
| stinted generosity of time and money both In
public and private, in the various departments Of
Christian character in all his going out and com
ing in among this people such as has won fol
him the high esteem of the church and commu
4 nifty.
Resolved, That it is with gratitude we regard
the work under God he has been Instrumental ii
deep regret and sincere sorrow that we now par
from him.
Resolved, That wherever by the providence Of
God he may be called to labor, we affectionately
and cordially commend him as one singularly
| able to guide and lead the church of God ii
| the faith and service of Christ And our sincere
| prayers and heartfelt wishes will follow him tina
his future may be full of Christian happiness
usefulness and enlargng power, and that whel
the close Of his earthly service is come the grea
word of approval may be heard from his lin
who only has the right and power to give It
'sWen done, good and faithful servant ente
thou into the joy of thy Lord