The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-19

Mrs. Walter wilkins. of South Lincoln
ception.
The genial host and hostess threw
open their COSY home and made their
guests feel perfectly at home. AS they
arrived they were received by Mrs.
Walter Wilkins, Mrs. John Wilkins
and Mrs. Morgan P. Daniels. While
waiting for the later guests to arrive
the male quartette of the Plymouth
church Culture class sang several Sc
lections while seated on the lawn.
Later in the evening a programme
was carried out. John r. Thomas re-
cited Miss Edith Gwen James and
Miss Phoebe Smith, soloist at the
Washburn street church, each sang a
selection and then gave a duet. The
male quartette also rendered several
selections.
PRESENTATION TO MR.. BELL
In short address, pithy and fraught
with the meaning and purpose desired
to be conveyed, Charles e. Daniels, on
behalf of the many friends, rendered
Rev. Thomas Bell purse containing
a handsome sum of money. Mr.. Dan
ering of their appreciation of his earn
est endeavors. of his scholarly SER
mons, and In fact all that went to
bind q beloved pastor to his people.
Also of the deep regret felt that un-
governable circumstances had altered
this relationship to a degree, but where
ever he should go or be, the hearty
sympathy of all went With him.
olNo oil
feelingly responded to the occasion.
He said words fail, but I assure
you that though leaving in person my
heart still clings to these dear friends.
Your kindly efforts, hearty cooperation
and unlocked for gift all tend to
deprive me of a proper expression of
my appreciation. AS in the past my
prayers and blessings are for you. In
the future, I trust added happiness
may come to you, and that the church
may prosper and advance"
Rev. Mr. Bell spoke in the above
words and visible depth of feeling were
felt by all. The remainder of the
evening passed pleasantly, and refresh
ments were then served. AS the
guests departed farewell handshaking
occurred.
at 1910 for Moravia, N. Y, where he
Will nter upon his new pastorate. His
first sermon will be preached next
Sunday morning, and the church is
preparing special services. He will
preach upon "The Mission of the
Church in the World" All the West
Scranton ministers who are home at
present called and rendered their re-
grets and well wishes.
The following tribute to Mr.. Bells
worth as man and expounder of the
gospel was written by Henry A. Par
sons:
Rev. Thomas Bell, the talented and
faithful pastor of the Plymouth Congre-
gational church, being about to leave this
city for Moravia, n. Y, there to COM
mence his duties as pastor OF the First
Congregational church, 1 feel it my duty
(although entirely uIsohcited) to give
thls my public testimony of his sterling
worth, not only as preacher and teach
er, but also as Christian gentleman.
IL has been a great pleasure to me to
have been associated with him, and TO
have sat under his ministry during the
major portion Of his services here l al
ways found him ready to give friendly ad-
vice and practical help and sympathy
Himself a devoted and earnest follower
OF the Man or Nazareth," his preaching
has consequently ever been character
lied by a fearless presentation Of truth,
righteousness and purity of life.
His sermons have been marked by an
entire absence of superficiality, his con-
stant endeavor being to make them prac-
ticable to every condition of life, and the
salvation of mankind, his ideal being a
Christ-like life, to which by both preach
Ing and teaching and Christian example
he ever aimed 10 bring his people.
He is well known throughout the city,
and Is held in the highest respect by his
brethren of the ministry and by all who
know him. venture to think his depart
ure viii leave a gap not easily filled, but
OF this am convinced, he will carry with
him the best wishes for his future well
fare and the profoundest esteem of the
many acquaintaEces he has made during
his residence In our city, not the least
among them being those of his most
grateful and sincere friends,
Henry A. Parsons.