The Newtown bee., 1895-06-14
MONROE.
THE ORDINATION OF A. R. LUTZ.

HE ohbINAlIoN OE A. hs LUILs
 On Tuesday of this week the Fairfield East Consolation of Congregational churches met in Monroe for the purpose of ordaining A. R. Lutz to the work of the gospel ministry. The day was one of the hot days of June, tempered by only few stray zephyrs; but the heat did not hinder large representation of the ordaining Council from assembling, nor did it in any way mar the thorough enjoyment of the services of the after noon. Punches of peonies and other cultivated flowers were tastefully arrang- ed about the platform and lent beauty and color to the scene. In giving state ment of his personal experiences in the Christian life Mir Lutz said that he had been born into Christian home and had grown up under the very best influences, that through his early life he had often considered seriously the question of entering the gospel ministry, but he had tions upon the hardships of the service and the many things connected with it which were far from ideal. After grad uatng from Franklin, Marshall Colleg in Pennsylvania, he had looked for his life-work first toward journalism and then toward teaching; but what he be- lieved to be special call from God came to him in the manner of marked spirit ual experience, and he felt he could no longer resist Gods will concerning him. MT Lutz also read an extended paper stating his belief as to the main points of Christian doctrine. This paper was fol- lowed by many questions from the mem- bers of the Council, but only to bring out more fully the statements made. The vote of the Council to proceed to the or. daining services of the afternoon was un- animous and strong, and might we'll be taken as marked compliment to MT Lutz. On the re-assembling of the Coun- cil at l.30 in the afternoon for the ordain- tion service, the prayer of invocation was made by Rev W. F. White of Trum- bull and the Scripture read by Rev C.. W. Francis, who has lately taken up the pastorate of the Brookfeld Congrega- tional church. The sermon, delivered by Rev W. l.. Phillips, pastor of the Church of the Redeemer, New Haven, was a masterly effort. The text was the phrase from Philippians :2l, "For to me to live i5 Christi" and the whole discourse en- deavored to show what the ideal of the Christ-life man might be Such life would reveal itself in the th7eefold character of reverence, obedience, cri- flee, were models of the finest.expression and lifted the audience to a great height
 
 by Rev Joel 5. Ives, of Stratford, was both impressive and earnest. Rev Otis W. Barker, of Newtown, in extending the right hand of fellowship to MT Lutz said that he gladly welcomed him as young man, for ever since the aged apostle penned the words, 1T write unto you, young men, because ye are strong" the strength of young men for the hard conflict had been acknowledged and their glorious opportunities for service had been manifest. Rev A. J. Park, of Huntington, gave the charge to the pas tor, earnestly exhorting him to be a faith ful shepherd over his flock, to preach only bis firm convictions of truth, and to hold himself strictly to the idea that he was a messenger of salvation through Christ. Rev W. G. Lathrop, now of North Haven, who served the Monroe church as pastor prior to MT Lutz, fitting ly made the address to the people. He charged them to be constant in their at tendance at the services of Gods house, to bring their children with them, to be | loyal to their minister, commenting him | for the good things that he would say and do, aud in all ways to strive to ful. | fill their part in the work. The benedic- tion pronounced by the pastor closed the | instructive exercises. Not the least en- | joyable feature of the day was the boun- tiful collation served by the ladies of the 1 church at the noon hour.