The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-12-02
A PAsToRATE ENDED.
full Psstorate in the Presence of Large
Audiences 10th to see Him Go.

full Pastorate in the Presence of Large
Audiences 10th to see Him Go.
Rev. j. @. Cromer closed a pastorate OF
three years and half, Sunday morning,
when i'm the Congregational church in this
city, standing on rostrum banked high
with handsome chrysanthemums, placed
there by the young ladies of the Christian
Endeavor society, he delivered his last ser
mon to his Owosso charge.
The whole service as planned was of
the most impressive kind, the music pre-
pared under the direction of Mr.. a. K
Ferry, adding greatly to the effectiveness of
the whole. The music, the floral decora-
tions, end most of all the solemn fact that
u separation was near at hand all combined
to put the large congi egatiOn in condition
to eagerly selze and carefully weigh every
latter, nerved up to the occasion, preached
one of the most earnest sermons ever de-
ivered in this city.
''But this l say, brethren, the time Is
short" was the text presented by Mr.. Gro
mer as the key to his last DISCOURSE. theme
which seemed doubly appropriate and strik-
ing when 1t was considered with what
rapidity the last three years and half have
slipped away. The true christian has a
broader horizon and higher view of life,
but even he must strike quickly for the
time is short. The work of the church
should not be merely education, culture, or
reform. 1t should be to get men to love
their God, and the minister of the church
should not find his ideals in catering to pub
lie taste for amusement, but should strive
for higher ideals.
In the afternoon at five o'clock the
church was again crowded at a meeting
called on the suggestion of some of the city
pastrs who wished an opportunity to pub.
lcly express their regard for Mr.. Cromer
and lis work here. The different pastors
and speakers were seated on the platform
and the aged senior deacon of the church,
G. l.. Goodhue, presided.
Rev. John Sweet, the outspoken pastor
of the M. K. church, was the first speaker.
He had learned the worth of Mr.. Cromer in
the ministers meetings and had the highest
regard for Mr.. Cromer and his work. He
further assured the audience that his opin-
ion was shared as we'll by the members of
his church He respected him for his
broad minded christianity, and regretted
his departure.
Rev. Carey V. Northrop likewise appre-
ciated the work of Mr.. Cromer and the as
sistance given the other ministers in their
united work, and highly commended him
for his earnest work for his fellow men.
Rev. l.. w. Spayd felt that he could
speak with especial sympathy since it will
be such short time before he too will
be preaching his last sermon to a people
whom he has served for several years, and
the best wishes which he expressed had a
ring of sincerity and earnestness in them
tina. gave additional weight to his remarks.
Rev. w. w. Benson remembered the
welcome Mr.. Cromer had extended to him
felt deeply moved to see him leave.
DIR. b. s. Knapp, president of the Y. M.
@. A., spoke in behalf OF that organization
and told of the good his counsel and sym.
pathy had done.
Mr.. K. T. Austin spoke In behalf of the
church, and dwelt upon the sincere regret
felt by the church at the loss of their pastor.
He compared the church work to any bust
ness, which to succeed must have the whole
force of its manager, heart and soul, thrown
into 1t. Rev. j. G. Cromer has acted this
way in his church work and the result has
been apparent. The membership has been
increased, large amount of money has
been raised and the church life quickened
and renewed.
Rev. +. A. Stevens. of Vernon Congrega
tional church, was also present and spoke
of the loss the whole Genesee association
experienced In Mr.. Cromer's withdrawal
from this place.
Mr.. Cromer himself was called upon and
responded with much feeling, although he
insisted he would much prefer to remain
silent. Leaving Owosso was one of the hard
things In his life. He felt that he had
many friends here and, too, he liked
Owosso and longed to help the struggling
and perishing souls here which were neg
lected.
At the close Of the service the assembly
sang "Blest be the Tie that Binds our
Hearts in Christian Love-" and then stood
with bowed heads and saddened hearts
while the retiring pastor pronounced his
benedction upon them.
Union Plains.