The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-06-03
BARRlNGTON.

DhUnlNu ONs
The tribute offered to the memory of
the late Hon Lewis H. Smith at the town
hall on Thursday evening was emble-
matte of the position that he held in the
hearts of the entire people. His life was
an open book. known and read OF all, and
his memory will be treasured as "a price
less legacy. by all of his townsmen.
The meeting was called to order by j.
L. Starkweather, and Chas. Ii. Merriman
was chosen as chairman, ana Georxe Il.
Baker as secretary.
The following resolutions were unani-
mously passed:
WHEREAS, II has pleased Almighty God TO re-
move from among us our much esteemed and hon.
WHEREAS, This meeting Of the citizens of Bar
ass S iGe eenss the s Hi
In view Of this sudden Bereavement, therefore
Resolved, That In the death OF Mr. Smith this
town has met With a great and irreparabie loss.
Resolved. That IL Is our desire TO place upon re-
SGsa se GS SoS & paSe and prSe Which
he has freely rendered "a community
@arkaSly progressve spirit, ne has been % for many
years a leader among us In every good word and
ResoIred, That we tender 10 his bereaved family
'u Riseired Thst copy OF these FesoIutons he sent
70 the Providence papers for publication and copy
Of same to the family Of deceased.
Frederick p. Church then spoke in
part as follows: Mr.. Chairman and Eel
low w-citizens,-I deem it high honor and
privilege TO be allowed to lay my spray OF
laurel upon memorv's altar as tribute
to the sterling worth of a nobleman. l
thought as looked into the face of this
gathering, what an eloquent tribute To
the worth of fellow-citizen this meetin z
would be If no words were spoken, and
after the passage of those resolutions we
should all return to our homes.
Respect. admiration and esteem for
his character has brought us to this place
tonight. Respect for one who has often
been weighed in the balances of public
opinion and never found wanting in the
true values OF righteous man.
| will speak briefly of two traits that
have had much TO do with this spontane-
Gus gathering. First his spirit of kind
ness. lie was great hearted man, pecu-
liarly susceptible to trials aud needs of
his neighbors and friends. He had great
confidence in men, especially those OF his
own town. IL the kind offices rendered
to the dead and living in this place
by this noble man could be voiced songs
of praise and blessing would rise such as
never were heard here before
Mr.. Smith was man of strong con-
victions and he had the courage TO ex-
press them, ana to push them. No per-
sonal consideration could restrain him il
he was convinced he was right. All did
not agree with him always but to-
night we all not only admire his
courage and perseverance, but re-
spect and esteem the strong, noble
Christian character that was his.
Mr.. Bicknell then spoke in part as fol-
lows: There has gone in and out among
this people, as boy and man, for seventy
five years, one OF natures true nobility.
Born TO the narrow lot of farmers life,
he early learned aud practiced the lessons
of industry, temperance, economy and
A. II. .N,.e.- - l.s th..l. .t
Nayatt, mis- only residence during long
and busy life, was not known to the
world but was shut in for mile in all
directions save towards the beautiful bay
which he never ceased to worship.
But these temporary barriers could not
confine his ambitious spirit. The district
school. the reading circle, Forest Chapel
with its literary club aud n brief term or
two at the select school at Washington,
X. l., were the few agencies at the boys
command, which he used faithfully. His
example was contagious, and around hun
gathered little band of young men aud
women, the choice spirits of that earlier
day OF whom our Longfellow sings;
"Fu they while their companions slept
Were toifIng upwards In the night
The boy of II connected himself with the
orthodox church of the town and com
menced at once round of Christian ac-
tivity aud service which found its earthly
terminus in the same sanctuary, when
his youthful vows were plighted fifty
eight years ago. This act was an index
of his character in its deeper aud broader
development lie took up the duty that
Law at his door he accepted the opportu-
mites which came to hand and made the
most of them.
That he loved the church and its work,
the labors aud sacrdces of his life bear
ready witness. A natural leader in AT
fairs. with strongly predominatiDg re-
ligious nature, he found in the church of
the fathers his constant delight. Aud HE
youthful enthusiasm led TO changes in its
material conditions aud spiritual life
which can be appreciated only by his con
temporaries Of an earlief day.
Treasurer Of the church since 1853, n
deacon since 1857. "a Sunday school super
intendent aud teacher for nearly sixty
wears. a constant attendant on all its SER
vices. a comforter and advisor in all the
concerns of individual society, and Chris
tian life as related To the good OF the
church he loved aud the Master he served.
lie leaves a record OF personal and official
devotion to the local and the larger mis-
sionary work OF the Christian Church
which ali may initiate aud few expect To
excel.
strong, sympathetic, earnest testimony
to the true worth OF the deceased were
uttered by the Rev. John w. Colvell, the
Rev. William VI. Chaplin, Charles H.
Starkweather, Irving ~ smith, David a.
Waldron. Robert Fesseuden. George L.
Baker. A testimonial in the form OF
flowers was authorized TO be sent 10 the
FUNERAL. which will take place at his late
rostdanca nj = o'clock today.