The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-11-14
DEATH OF REV. II. d. L. WEBSTER.
E. G. s..
ST. JoHNsBURY. VT.

The event impending when our last
piper went to press. to which reference
was made in as definite terms as could
be employed remembering that while
there is life there is hope" came to pass
before our paragraph reached the rea-
der's eye. Rev. I'll. D. L. Webster entered
into rest Wednesday afternoon, Novem-
Der 4, at o'clock, at his home in this
city, No. 1893, Washington Boulevard,
after an illness of months in duration.
He was able to sit up in his chair in the
morning land at eventide there was
light" He passed away peacefully, as
one who falls into gentle sleep dying
seeming not
80 much even as the lifting of latch;
Only step into the open air
Out of a tent already luminous
W tn light that shone through its
Transparent walls"
Henry De Lafayette Webster was
born in the State of New York, August
30, 1924, and was therefore in his 73rd
year. Il Q entered upon his life work in
the Universalist ministry fifty years ago
last August. 1t was then in his mind
to announce his retirement from the
ministry and return his credentials.
Friends interposed and advised him
against the Unnecessary step, and he
vi ,lled and died in the formal fellow
ship of the church he had served in
youth and in age with honor aud fideli-
ty. Bro. Webster was never cumberer
of the ground; he was always faithful
worker and an earnest soul devoted to
the best interests of his denomination
Tae church will rejoice that he died in
it's service and that his usefulness ex-
tended to the last year of his advanced
age.
Mr. Webster began his ministerial
work at the age Of twenty-five. His first
settlement was near Paris, KY. in 1S4S.
where he served a congregation in the
old Kennedy neighborhood for few
months. -Four years were then spent in
Ohio and three years in Connecticut
the latter State was at Warren, of which
settlement he always spoke with great
pleasure as congenial and attractive
location. In 1856 he began his western
work in Elkhorn. Wis, and some time
afterward studied medicine and prac-
ticed as a physician for few years, re-
turning again to the ministry. always
the work that was nearest his heart.
Since 1868 he has filled pastorates in
Winona, MIMI. Ravenna. o.. Erie. Pa.
Springfield and Cleveland, o., Neenah
aud Racine, Wis. His last and most
influential passionate was at our neigh
boring suburb of Oak Park, where he
was the minister of the Unity Church
for several years and did excellent SER
vice in the pulpit and pastoral work.
Mr.. Webster was preacher of
marked ability and resource, logical and
convincing, always presenting his
thought in clear and systematic man.
ner. Not an orator in the sense of rapt
and imprisoned speech, he was, espec-
tally in his earlier years. an attractive and
helpful speaker. He could use his pen
to advantage in the preparation of his
sermons, which were always thoughtful
and instructive. He was faithful pas
tor and attached many friends in all his
pastorates. He loved music and the de-
votional services of the sanctuary, and
was faithful worker in the Sunday
school. His record in our ministry is
one of untarnished honor. His pure life.
fraternal spirit and helpful ministry will
keep his memory green among his
friends and contemporaries.
Since his retirement from the Oak Park
parish six or seven years ago, Mr.. Web
stsr has been in broken health and has
sought no pastoral settlement. But his
activity was marked and he was always
anxious to be at work for his church.
On his return from Europe few years
ago he became interested in the little
congregation at Tarpon Springs, Fla,
where he spent several summers. He
was largely instrumental in the develop
ment of the parish, and to his unwearied
efforts is due the erection at that place
of the present neat and attractive chapel
for the summer visitors. Mr.. Webster
served the Tarpon Springs parish for
several seasons as a labor Of love, and
never failed to render efficient help. He
has more recently visited California in
the vain search of health. and has rem
dered good missionary service at San
Diego and other points. Two months
ago he returned from California and has