The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1894-10-10
From the Pews.

Mr. Editor: - Sunday morning, in the
Church of the Messiah, the Rev. j. e.
Wright reviewed his pastorate of quarter
of century, an event of rare occurrence,
and giving much commendatiou to the peO-
Pile of the parish for their generous and
kindly support, their sympathy with his ef-
forts, their patience with his SHORTCOMINGS,
etc. This calls for a reversal of the view,
and a grateful, but humble, acknowledge
ment from his people of what his work has
been to them.
By some of the older Of these, Mr. Wright
is remembered as a boy, having been born
here, and spending the first tweln years
of his life with his parents, in the house
once occupied by his grandfather the
Rev. Chester Wright, the first pasttr of
the Congregational church in this village.
These antecedents - for the Rev. Chester
Wright had been reverently respected
and much beloved - made the return IF
his grand son to Montpelier as sub
stitute for the Rev. Charles n. Allen
the founder and pastor of the society,
warmly welcome. And the hope, then fre-
quently expressed, that the mantle of be-
nightly and the sweet spirit of the elder
Wright should descend upon the younger
h ~ been realized to the fullest satisfaction.
For the young pastor entered at once, not
only the work of the pulpit but all move-
ments for the moral and educational interests
of the community, and gave to refOrmatory
efforts much needed impetus and support.
Debarred from participation in the
strictly religious work Of the more conserv-
ative denominations he has been allowed
to cooperate with them-yes, often called
to lead in philanthropic activities looking to
the public good. And, if to believe and to
teach the Fatherhood of God the Brother
hood of man, and a reverent obedience to
the precepts of Jesus Christ whom he ever
follows and presents as the Great Teacher,
the Supreme Example-if this be ran kest
heresy," then is Mr.. Wright hereto of the
most pronounced type.
Very early in his ministry he began to
talk of a public library-to use his own
words, as he spoke Of it, "the library that is
to be''-and his efforts to raise subscriptions
sufficient even for a small beginning were
indefatigably continued year after year. and
when at last few hundred books were
purchased, and room hired for this pur-
pose, by universal acclaim Mr.. Wright was
honored as the father of the library.
Identifying himself with all efforts for the
promot of temperance, he tiinched not at
the point when conscience called for an adj
vanced guard to raise the colors of prohibi-
ton, and to stand by them at the polls, even
when this act Of moral heroism was con-
demned by many OF his co-workers.
In benevolent and philanthropic work
Mr.. Wright has come TO he trusted as wise
dispenser of the benefactions of others, and
for himself giving sincerest sympathy with,
aud untiring effort to relieve Distress The
kindiest thought-the helpin hand.
What Mr. Wright is to his parishoners
especially-who can tell? We patient with
his shortcomings? No. There have been
none. But his patience with ours seems
almost Infinite, and with deep humiliation
we confess that we give but poor proof of
our appreciation of this Chrstlike ministry.
That it may long continue, and that our
lives may yet attest its blessed influence, is
the PRAYER Of his grateful though consciously
unworthy parishoners. NV. F.
Montpelier, October L 1894