Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1895-06-13

I and efficient laborers in the Master
vineyard.
Prominent among these are Albel
L. Irving, now professor in Oberli
Theological Seminary, Chalmers
! Hart and Hague. There have beef
six native ministers and many law
yers and physicians who have beef
members or regular attendants OF thi
church, and many who have since be
come prominent in their business o.
profession.
The first settled pastor was Rev
Aaron Cleveland, grandfather o.
President Grover Cleveland, who had
but brief pastorate, but his mantle
fell on the shoulders of another, who
was pastor of this church for over
three generations of its history, dur
| ing which time 100 members united
with the church; and there are some
here to-day that were baptized by that
sainted man.
There are some here who can well
remember that man of whom l speak
and Others who know Of him only by
memory.
But whether he was known to us or
not, there has been an influence ex-
erted by him which must continue
for all time. He lived life of toll
and self-sacrifice in the Masters SER
vice. He never blushed to preach
that gospel which was incarnate in
his very life.
1t was on Sabbath day in the gol-
den autumn that the noble soul was
called home to his reward in heaven.
Home, did Isay? Yes, home; for if
ever sainted hero deserved a peaceful
rest, Heavens reward and benedic-
ton, it was Rev. Ami Nichols.
| know not what new visions have
been revealed to him since he left his
earthly abode, but | do know that by
his life and work many life has been
enobled and many one inspired to
better service.
Is his work done? No; for the
words which he spoke and the deeds
which he performed, and which were
part of his very nature, cannot be !
lost from the life of humanity.
In the words of scripture, "For he !
who leads many to righteousness must
shine as the stars for ever and ever"
His life seems to nave been summed
up by the poet:
"But in his duty prompt at every call.
He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all;
And, as bird each fond endearment tries
To tempt his new fedged offspring to the skies,
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay,
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way
There are many other names of
men and women which | might men
ton: Dorcas Nichols, who lived to
celebrate her l04th birthday, and her
granddaughter, Mrs. Rebecca WILDER,
who is here to-day and attended
church here weekly ninety years ago,
and Mrs. HARDWOOD, who has been a
of this church for sixty years.
The names of the eight original
members were Isaac and Dorcas
Silas and Esther Coburn,
Samuel and Elizabeth Bass, Reuben
and Mary Partridge. The two first
leacons were Isaac Nichols and Sam
lel Bass.
The first circular conference on rec
ord was held with this church in 1916.
The other churches represented were
Center, Randolph Center
md Williamstown. And suffice it to
ay that the work has continued to the
present time, but other churches have
been added to the conference, thereby
irving much needed strength.
1t was in October, 1862, that the
,reat abolitionist, William Lloyd
Garrison, visited Braintree and made
speech in this church. At that time
people came from the hills and valleys
o hear the eloquent voice of the man
Who did more than any other to
rouse the nation to sense of its dan
.er in fostering an institution like
luman slavery.
When he had finished his plea for
he slave he expressed his admiration
or the beautiful scene which was pre-
ented, the hills and mountains. say
NO that such country could be peo-
lied only by those who love liberty,
nd since they insist ON freedom for
themselves they should insist on free
ON for all Others also.
So we may say that if this church
las been religious institution, it has
lways upheld right and the best in
erests of mankind: and shall we not
ny that where right prevails, there is
In conclucion let me say that those
arly founders were the architects of
hat which is most valuable to their
and we have abundant
eason to thank Almighty God for
UGH ancestors and the rich blessings
rhich they have bestowed to all COM
az time. We thank God to-day that
n the spot where our forefathers w0r-
lipped, there we may this day meet
nd speak of some of their noble acts
nd nobler lives.
Before another hundred years shall
ave come and gone, these scenes that \
ow know us shall know us no more
nd what the immediate future will 4
e no tongue can picture and no pen
escribe.