The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-07-02
FAREWELL RECEPTION
Given by tn. Hammond Street A. c.
Church 10 It's Retiring Pastor.
Elder James A. Gardner Makes Fitting
Response Afr PreSentat on.

occasion of "a farewell reception at the Advent
Chapel ON Hammond street, given by NOM
bers Of the church and friends, 10 tho pastor
and his family. A large gathering of friends
filled tine seats ON either side Of the CHURCH,
large space having been left in the center for
the reception, which was held after the en-
tertainment Bouquets of flowers added 10
the attractveness Of the room. The Sunday
school orchestra, with the organ, furnished
music.
On the platform with the pastor were Dr.
Garfield OF this city, Elder G. T. Pike OF
Lafayette II. l., aand Elder Clarence Sea
mans of River Point, X. /. And besides mem
bers OF the church and congregation here
there were also members and friends from
the Naslck and River Point churches This
large gathering Of people, including many
children of the Sunday school, showed the
love and esteem with which Elder Gardner
was regarded by many.
The program Of the entertainment was as
follows: Overture orchestral Scripture
reading, Psalms xciii by Mr.. Lord prayer by
Elder G. Il. Pike; singing by the eongrega'
tion, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" re-
marks by DR.. Garfield. He spoke Of the
office and work of an ambassador, and applied
II TO the work of minister OF the gospel and
that Mr.. Gardner in his future work as an
evangelist, for time at least, while not being
a local ambassador, would be one with Gre
dentials for the whole world.
He said "Christ loved man while yet in
sin. and we can afford to love Him. Christ
gave His life for the world, and we can afford
to give our lives Christ saw something noble
in man, though sinner. He didn't die for
us while we we're quite good or professors
even, but while we were sinners" He spoke
words Of encouragement and sympathy 20
both church and pastor. Vocal solo, 1.-The
Holy City" Adams, with violin obligato, by
Miss Clara willard. Remarks from Elder G..
L. Pike. He said that words were sometimes
inadequate TO express our feelings, and that
while Mr.. Gardner leaves us for untried
fields, our duty to him is not ended. He
needs prayers, and he urged the church 10
bear him up to the throne Of grace IN their
prayers. Vocal duet, with violin Oblgato.
by Miss Sadie Remington and Miss Willard;
selection by tho orchestra; presentation Of
gift of money to elder Gardner in behalf of
the church and friends, by Mr.. Henry Boss.
Mr.. Boss said in part that he had been an
attendant at the church during five pas
torates. and that lately he had joined the
church, aud hoped Mr.. Gardner would con
tinue to be with them. lie said he had now
come TO the more substantial part, and would
present him with what tho world says
"mal1es the mare go" in behalf Of the donors,
and gave Mr.. Gardner the envelope of money.
Elder Gardner was much surprised and
thanked the people heartily for their kind
| gift, and also the reception. He spoke Of
| the seven years he had labored here as their
| pastor. Many changes had come during that
| time, and some that he had given the right
hand of fellowship TO at the altar were sleep
| ing. For a few years he had gone one Sun
| day of each month TO Natick and preached,
apd during the seven years of his pastorate no
had been able TO preach every Sunday but
one.
Presentation OF n fountain pen from the
Young Peoples Society of Loyal Workers by
| the president, Mr.. Walter Howard Mr.. How
ards remarks were very appropriate and well
chosen. He spoke of the gift as not being
| snowy, but plain and back the ink also was
| black, but he hoped the words Mr. Gardner
would write with il would be full Of light
| and be the means of leading some TO the foun.
| tain OF living waters.
Mr.. Gardner responded with heartfelt
| thanks to the society for their present. He
| said that while he was packing "A box he
| wondered what he should do with his ink
| bottles. He was afraid to put them there, as
| they might get broken and spoil his Billie
| but now he would leave his pens and ink bot
| tiles and take the fountain pen instead, which
| can be safely carried in the pocket. He said
| he had enjoyed many meetings with the so.
| ciety.
Presentation of a Bible from the Sunday
| school by the superintendent, Mr.. Il. NJ.
| Lord Mr.. Lord in few appropriate
| marks presented Elder Gardner with an ele-
| CANT Bible. He said that while nc had been
| remembered by the church and Young Peo-
| Piles Society, he had not been forgotten by
| the scholars of the school, and that with the
| quarters and dimes Of the older ones there
were the pennies Of the children.
| Mr. Gardner responded with hearty thanks
| for the Book He said that there was nothing
| they could have given him which would lie
| much appreciated and valued, and if he bad
| 10 chose between the money and the Bible he
| would take the Bible
| Remarks by Elder Seamans. He said that
| there seemed nothing more TO say; that all
| had been said but he was pleased 10 be there
| and while 1t was sad occasion in many re-
| spects, yet IL was pleasant one to him,
he was glad TO see Mr.. Gardner once more
and say n few words of farewell.
An original poem, composed by Miss Lucy
Teaohman was recited by Miss Ella Pstt by
request; singing by the congregation, God
Be With You Till We Meet Again"
During the farewell greetings and social
which followed Elder Soamans, in behalf OF
the Natick and River Point churches, pre-
sonted the pastor with purse Of money.
Elder Gardner responded with sincere thanks
for their kind gift.
He leaves in few days for the provinces
10 do evangolistic work this summer. The
city has lost a fearless and earnest preacher
Of the gospel and defender of the principles
Of truth and Justice in social and political
life, and he will be greatly missed by a large
number OF friends.