The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-12-18
PREACHERS AND PEOPLE.
Churches of AbbeviIle Bid Adieu TO
Rev. HI. w. Bays, ID. ID.


The monthly union service for the churches
the Methodist church. A fter the sermon,
preached by Rev. s. l.. Wilson, the Rev. j. l..
Wilson, D. D., stated that after consultation
and agreement among the ministers and a
number Of laymen of the several churches 1t
was desirable that the union give expression
to their feeling of regret, because of the trans
fer of DR.. Bays to another field of labor.
Judge Lyon was called to preside over the
meeting and Mr.. +. L. Morrow TO act as secre-
The meeting being organized Mr.. w. A.
Templeton read the following preamble and
resolutions:
Gods providence for his people brought TO
our city three years ago a son OF Virginia
who is worthy to stand In the foremost ran
of the sons of that grand state, ana the
churches Of Abbeyille are proud OF the priVl-
Iege Of having been the first to welcome him
and his to the hearts and fresides of South
Carolina and Of making him IN name as he
was before in nature and WORTH, a Irue Cafo, ;r
same all-loving Providence, we are called up
on TO send him forth to bless other churches
and other communities with his services and
Be it resolved by the Protestant Christian
churches of the city of Abbeville, S. c., in reg
ular monthly union meeting:
1st. That the ministry Of Rev; II. ". Bays,
D. D. has been acceptable and signally bless
ed In the edification OF our people 10 the ialtn
and love OF the Master and in the bond OF
Christian union and fellowship.
I'd. That in him and bis family we have have
com anionship delightful addition to the
society of our city, and In their work for the
church Jealous service for the advancement
I'd. That we Commend him and the men,
bers of his family each TO the affectlonate con.
sideration of the Christian people among
whom he goes to labor and bespeak for them
a cordial welcome 10 their homes. And in
this sorrowful hour of parting we invoke
upon this devoted minister and his loved
ones the richest blessings of the Triune God
whom he has so faithfully led US to serve and
adore.
4th. That copies OF these resolutions be fur.
nished for publication to the Christian and
secular press.
The Rev. S. L. Wilson moved the adoption
Of the ey speseb
Revs. ]. i. Wilson. D. D., w. n. Ariail and
w. E. johnson made speeches In the ORDER
named, in support Of the resolutions. Al o. o.
the ability, christian spirit and department OF
DR.. Bays during his three years as pastor IN
AbbevllIe. He is beloved by all and his go
Ing away is universally regretsssd' gtss bv rising
vote. DR.. Bays responded In speech OF great
tenderness, declaring his love and affection
for all the people in Abbeville OF every de-
nomination. Hymn No. 75l was sung:
"Blest be the tie that binds,
Our hearts In Christian love-"
DR.. j. l.. Wilson led in prayer, and for a
doxology O stanza of "God be with you till
we meet again" was sung. Benedictlon by
Rev. s. l.. Wilson.
This is perhaps the first meeting OF the kind
ever held In Abpeville, and is the evidence OF
new era. How these Christians love one
another. ....-
DIR. Bays and family LETT for Charleston yes.
terday morning. His successor, Rev. Clifton,
arrived in the evening OF the same day. AND
so 1t was, the parsonage was vacant but a lew
hours.