The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-02-12
MR. Wells FARHWELLS.
Touching Services in the
Bethany Church, New
aTk-NoW a Welcome.
special % tAs .Jerssg oitv Ne.s..

NEWARK, Feb. 1e. Is9l.--The good peo-
pie of the Bethany Presbyterian Church.
on Spruce street, near Belmont avenue,
to its utmost capacity. the occasion being
farewell reception to their pastor, the
Rev. J. Lester Wells, who has accepted q
call as assistant to the Rev. Mr.. Scudder
OF the Tabernacle, Jersey City.
1t was evident the people felt they were
losing a good friend, good leader, for as
they stepped forward and shook the hand
of their pastor and said the simple words
good bye" their voices trembled and
tears bedimmed their eyes. Especially
was this so OF the young men whom
found in the reading room.
The buildings Of the church are not
grand and imposing. but the evidences Of
the work done aud being done are many.
The buildings are like patch work. First
this part was erected ana then another as
prosperity would admit, until all in all il
may be said every convenience for the
successful carrying on of the work was
at hand.
The Rev. Mr.. Wells has taken a special
interest in young men. He recognized
the snares and pitfalls that surrounded
them on every hand and he determined
to do his part in Offering n place where
they would be somewhat removed from
temptation. He established a reading
room and gymnasium. and here the
young men nnd enough to engage their
attention during the evenings. Last
night-Mr. Wells took me into the reading
room There were books and papers.
magazines and also checkers aud domi-
noes. and seated around were many
young men finding that enjoyment which
was at hand. Their appearance
ch hnv haF m, l.a Iat Il
workers, their clothes old and In few
cases threadbare, but this seemed to serve
as background to their clean aad tidy
appearance of face and hands, nice y
combed hair, and other evidences OF
respectability. When Mr.. Wells
entered ne lid all happy good evening,
and shook hands with all.
The church proper by this time had be-
come crowded and we returned. Mr..
George A. Schultz, prominent memb Der
OF the church then stepped forward, and
after referring to the leaving of their
pastor for which all felt sincerely sorry,
he introduced Mr.. Samuel Wilson, who,
on behalf OF the young men presented Mr..
Wells with handsomely bound set of
resolutions expressing their regret at his
leaving, testifying TO his untiring efforts
In their behalf and wishing him all sue
cess in his future work.
The Rev. Mr.. Fraser, of Newark, then
addressed the duuleuce IN lRppy strain.
He presented Mr.. Wells with purse on
behalf OF the parishioners, sayiug:-'Yoa
came aud found nothing. You stayed
here, and your years of labor and self
sacrifice. doing what the Master would
have you do. made Bethany, and as you
go, enjoying the confidence, affection and
respect OF everyone IN your parish. We
all will miss you. Our prayer is TO go to
Jersey City with all the blessings of God.
There find your labor blessed one hun.
dred fold more than at Bethany. No one
told you TO 60. God Is sending you and
says:-'tThis is the way, walk you in
peace" Go with the best wishes and
warmest prayers of all who love you.
Go, and the blessings of God go with
you.
Rev. Mr.. Wells was overcome with
emotion as he stepped forward. He
thanked all present for their manifesto
tions of esteem. He urged all 20 carry on
the good work, and especially with re-
gard to the Young men He urged the
parents to be good, the children 10 be
obedient, all to walk In the right path.
Music was rendered ny the choir under
the leadership of Mr.. F. Tegan, Jr.
Refreshments were then served by the
ladies and an exhibition given In the
gymnasium.
At the conclusion OF the exercises Mr.,
Wells stood at the entrance and shook
hands with all as they left for their
homes.