The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-10-17
Bef1tting Testimonials from his Churcl
and Brother Clergy.

has rendered to this CongregationalC Church and
Society of Ravenna, Ohio, his resignation as
Pastor, with a request for its its early accept
ance; therefore, be it
"REsoLvED, That we, the members OF said
Congregational Church and Society of Ravenna,
o.. in the prayerful consideration and accept
ance of said resignation, hereby express our
sincere appreciation of the conscientious, ear
nest and helpful service rendered this people,
fully recognizing his marked ability in pulpit,
well his successful leadership in ali depart
ments of Church work, during period of nearly
eight years. And while we regret this separa-
tion of church and people with beloved Pastor,
it is our expressed and prayerful hope that in
his new field of labor to which he has been
unanimously called, he may be abundantly
blessed, and that glorious results may crown his
efforts in every good work. And that his faith
full wife and sons, who have shared in his labors
and anxieties here, may with him continue
faithfully unto the end, in that same spirit of
love and devotion toward the advancement of
Christ's Kingdom which has characterized their
lives thus far. And may Gods richest blessings
go with them and be continued to them all in
their new field and future home.
Affectionately submitted,
VIM. GRNNELL,
MRS. JOHN MEHARe,
E. Y. LACEY,
Committee.
The resolution was adopted unanimously, and
as by it's terms the resignation of the Pastor was
accepted. its adoption rendered the formality of
direct vote on the proposition unnecessary.
Rev. Meek then advanced to the rostrum, and
in words of affectionate earnestness spoke of
the change decided upon and what in his judg-
ment was for the best interests of the church to
! do under such circumstances. His remarks
were very appropriate and of much practical
helpfulness to the church and society.
The attendance at the meeting was unusually
large.
Mr.. Meek took for the subject of his morning
discourse, 1.-THE Trial of Your Faith
| Although it was his last sermon to his people
| he preached no farewell discourse" taking NO
departure from the accustomed Sunday morning
service. He said, in the course of his sermon
| that young believers too often think that the
| same spirit of enthusiasm experienced at con
version will remain with them ever afterward
and that it will be easy to live the Christian life
Hope seems to predominate in their lives to the
exclusion of any forethought of what is to fol
low in the line of trials and hardships. If the!
have joined the church under any fine enthusi
asm, let them not be discouraged or turn bacl
when brought to face the stern, sober realitie
of the battle of life. They will certainly fnt
that different conditions and experiences avail
them.
He spoke of various causes for the waning o
faith, and said people are in danger of thinking
their own trials and adyersities to be exception
al. The error of such thought was earnestl
pointed out and ably commented upon. He sal,
there comes trial when we perform duty from
| al fb,1cs fin
sentiment of the hour, which no longer suppor
us. The most reliable Christians are those VIII
act from DUTY. 1t is evidently Gods plan tina
we enter the Kingdom of Heaven through trials
Physical strength comes from physical contest
! and the same law applies to the moral growtl
| of the soul He who overcomes dificu1tie
has no toughness of fiber. Trials bring us t
, find our weak points and strengthen them, +
look for spiritual nourishment, to DETERMIN
and put forth ENERGY, and are our best bless
ings, more precious than gold.
The union temperance meeting at the Congre
gational Church Sunday evening was addresse
) by DR.. Samuel Findley. editor of the Ohio Edr
cational Monthly, and x-Superintendento of pull
lie schools, Akron, o. DIR. Findley is a very eal
nest, devoted worker in the temperance rank
and presented some very timely and valuabl
thoughts on the subject of consideration. 3
has evidently given much time and reflection
. the solution of the saloon problem. evidenced
his thorough acquaintance with the methoc
and influences made use of by the liquor interes
i in the prosecution of their ends, and the suggc
: tions made in the line of meeting and combatir
l them. His address was listened to with muc
: interest.
: At the close of this meeting an appropria
+ and pleasing testimonial was given by the Pa
n tors of other denominations present, and Deacc
e W. J. Shrop, of the affectionate esteem in whis
= the retiring Pastor of the Church, Rev. s.
! Meek, is held by his brother clergy and the pc
! ! pie of Ravenna and vicinity.
= Rev. Andrew Wilson was the first speake
q and we think we never heard the Reverend ge
r tleman give utterance to more graceful or bef
l. ting sentiments for given occasion. He pa
a very hearty tribute to the ability and minist
> rial worth of Mr.. Meek, and then made partic
\ lar reference to their former experiences al
g | relations when the Congregational Pastor W
n first installed at Ravenna. sat that time," sa
|. Mr.. Wilson, I'VE crossed theological swords, b
C we have learned better than this from bett
Is acquaintance with each other, and now O.
, swords are beaten into ploughshares and o.
L spears into pruning hooks. We have work.
side by side in temperance and other lines
% Christian endeavor, and while the denomin
o tional lines have not been entirely broken, tn
Ie have been very much modified until you can S
t. through them occasionally. We can take ea
E. other by the hand and feel that we bo
> | engaged in Christian work, and both trying
contribute to the redemption of mankind fro
+. sin and error. He testified to profound regr
ar at the departure of Mr.. Meek, and wished hi
=. God speed in behalf of himself and the chur
r, of which he is Pastor.
Ie He was followed by Rev. q. D. Stauffer, VI
Il / said he was glad to be permitted to express
n appreciation of Mr. Meek. He said that no Ii
o contained so much cf disinterested self denial
D. that of the Christian ministry, and eulogized
Is sacred calling and the abiding character of
-e work. He expressed an earnest desire for t
|. early realization of perfect church union, al
e closed by a very pleasing reference to the ST
q cess of Mr.. Meek during his Ravenna pastoral
w. J. Shrop, in behalf of the church to whi
n Rev. Meek was about to bid farewell, and of t
e Anti-Saloon League, which contained no mo
Le earnest, faithful and efficient worker than t
T retiring Pastor, spoke in feeling allusion to t
- relations of Pastor and Church, and render
% some very high tributes to the qualities of hes
o and mind possessed by him to whom they we
k about to say farewell.
e Rev. Jesse Hill, Pastor of the Rootstown Go
gregational Church, who was IN the audlenC
e was called forward and testified to the wal
q personal friendship existing between Mr.. Me
Y and himself, and of the helpful relationship
e had experienced with him. He spoke of
unbroken attendance and labors at the Chur
# Conferences, and alluded to him as having be-
a almost Pastor to the Church at Rootstown.
Rev. Richards was the last speaker to rend
d au expression of appreciation and good will I
: ward Mr. Meek. He said, among other thing
l. there was no man for whom he had more p1
d found respect or deeper love; one whom he
D ways found sincerely and thoroughly honel
l. and one who was a strong pillar in church wor
d eff" said Mr.. Richards, " he should ever retu
. to Ravenna, let him remember that many hear
n here would give him q warm reception. The
n is universal regret at his departure"