Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-16
PRESENTED WITH A WATCH.
A Handsome Testimonial Ia Rev. Mr..
shipmnn from savannah Baptists

The Savannah (Ca) Morning News
publishes an interesting account Of the
presentation by the Baptlsts Of that city
Of handsome watch and chain to Rev.
Thomas J. Shipman, who recently resign
ed the pastorate OF the Duffy-Street
church to accept call 70 Roanoke, Va
Mr. Shipman is a bright Virginia boy
a son Of Rev. w. ]. shpman, who was
long pastor in Richmond. and brother
Of Mrs. S. A. Abrahams, Of 9lS west Main
street.
The News says:
Rev. Thomas j. Shipman. 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 tool. place after the
weekly prayer-meeting service at the
Duffy-Street church. 1t was as complete
q surprise to the pastor as II 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
service TO be conducted here by Mr..
Shipman. After the closing hymn MT.
J. r.. Cain. Of the First church, request
ed permission TO make an announcement.
Stepping 10 the front Of the pulpit where
Mr.. Shipman was sitting, and holding the
watch In his hand. he turned 20 the sur
prised pastor, and said:
Dear Sir and BrOther.-A pleasant task
IS mine, one in which | am TO attempt
to express in brief words the tender feel
ings Of this people.
There are thoughts too profound Tor
utterance, feelings which words fail TO
adequately express. Sush are the senu-
ments l would convey.
In behalf of the Baptists Of our CITY,
desire to present a testimonial OF our
friendship and love. In selecting as
memento one Of pure gold, we have ut
emblem of your pure, unblemished lie
among us, one untarnished by a breath
OF suspicion or doubt.
In these links so closely entwined, we
express that fact. enduring friendship
which knits our hearts TO yours lndls-
soluble, they fifty portray the tenaciy
with which our hearts cling about yours.
This sweet influence or your cody life
among us will ever serve to link us to
you with a strong grasp and steadily
draw us to higher aims and holier lives.
In this charm we find expression OF
that magic spell your presence lmparts.
How oft has this been an inspiration 10
nobler efforts I'm the great work in which
we are all enlisted. In the genial warmth
Of your nature we have realized the ma
iesty of a prince combined with the hu-
mility Of a 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 find reminder or
that transparency OF your life and
walk among us Without flaw 1t
stands out in the pure light Of day. As
the crystal protects these hands, you
have faithfully protected the oracles OF
Divine truth against the malice Of men,
and the Vaccinations OF devils. As these
hands shall mark the hours through
future years. so your teaching and eX-
ample Will mark our paths Of duty, and
noint us to the Light Of Eternal Day.
Accent this token Of esteem and affec-
ton from the Baptists Of Savannah.
Wear Il as a pledge Of our perpetual
goodwill.
Mr. Shipman stood for n 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
and chain are handsomely engraved with
the letters r. j. S. in monogram, and
the figures 1896, also in monogram
The gift is from the Baptists of
Savannah without regard 10 church
membership and marks the love and af-
lection which they have for the retiring
pastor.