The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-07-24
A WATCH FOR THEIR PASTOR.
BAPTIsTs MAKE REV. THOs. j.
sHIPMAN HANDSOME PRESENT.

A Gold Watch, Chain and Diamond
studded Charm Presented Him by
the Baptists of the City-The Pre-
sentatiOn Made at the Duffy Street
Church by Mr. J. II. Cain of the
First Church-Mr. shipman TO
Preach His Farewell Sermon sun
day Night.
Rev. Thomas ]. shiDman. pastor Of the
Duffy Street Baptist church. was pre-
scented a handsome gold watch. chain and
charm BY the Baptists Of Savannah last
night.
The presentation took place after the
weekly prayer meeting service at the
DuIy street church. It was as complets
surprise 70 the pastor as It was possible
TO have been arranged. The church was
crowded by members of the congregation.
and OF the First church,
who had gathered at the last prayer SER
vice 70 be conducted here by Mr.. Ship
man. After the closing hymn Mr. J. r.
Cain Of the First church requested per-
mission TO make an announcement. Step
ping In front Of the pulpit, where Mr..
shlpman was sitting and holding the
prlsed pastor, and said:
Dear Sir and Brother-A pleasant task
Is mine, one in which ! am 10 attempt
70 express In brief words the tender feel
lnzs Of this people
There are thoughts too profound for
uJterance, feelings which words fail to
adequately express. such are the SEN
tments I would convey.
Ia behalf Of the Baptsts OF our city
desire 10 present a testimonial OF our
friendship and love. In selecting as
memento one Of pure gold. we have fit
emblem or your pure, unblemished life
among us, one untarnished by q breath
or suspicion or doubt
In these links SO closely entwined. we
express that fact enduring friendship
which knits our hearts to yours. In dis
| soluabe they fitly portray the tenacity
with which our hearts cling about yours.
The sweet influence OF your godly life
among US will ever serve to link US to
you with strong grasp and steadily draw
US 10 higher aims and hOlier lives.
IN this charm We hnd expression OF
that magic spell your presence imparts.
HOW OFT has this been an inspiration to
nobler efforts in the great work in which
we are all enlisted. In the genial warmth
or your nature We have realized the ma
! 1esty OF a prince combined with the hui
mllty OF q peasant. You have charmed
our lives my brother and though this
metal may corrOde and time efface these
links eternity alone will reveal what your
influence has done in this city.
In this crystal we md reminder OF
that transparency of your life and walk
among US. Without a flaw il stands out
in the pure light of day. AS the crystal
/ protects these hands, you have faithfully
protected the oraclcs OF Divine truth
against the malice of men and the
Vaccinations OF devils. As these
hands shall mark the hours through flu
/ ture years so your teaching and exam
| pie will mark our paths Of duty and point
| us to The Light Of Eternal day. Accept
| this token Of the esteem and affection
| from the Baptists of Savannah. Wear IL
| as a pledge of our perpetual good will.
Mr. Shipman stood for a moment be-
! fore the congregation unable TO reply.
/ Then in a voice filled with emotion, he
| thanked the donors for their unexpected
and beautiful remembrance. He spoke
| but a few words, but they were full OF
/ feeling In closing he turned tenderly 10
/ the people before him and said. May
/ God bless you all
After the congregation had been dis
missed the members crowded around the
| pastor to shake his hand. The watch ana
/ chain are handsomely engraved with the
/ letters r. ]. s. in monogram and the f1s-
ures 1896 also in monogram.
The gift Is from the Baptists of Savan-
nah, without regard to church member
ship and marks the love and affection
| which they have for the retiring pastor
Mr.. Shipman will preach his farewell
sermon TO his congregation Sunday night
and will leave Monday for his new pastor
ate in Roanoke, Va. His successor, Rev
Mr. Chapman. will arrive Aug and will
preach his first sermon as pastor of the
church Aug. 9.