The Somerset reporter., 1899-01-26
To Be Pastor of Bethany
Church.

Bethany Baptist church, Sunday, and
announced that his resignation would be
read In the Waterville church that day
and on Sunday next the reply to the un-
animous invitation of this church for
him to become Its pastor will be an
nounced here. His resignation at Water
Vile is to take effect the last day OF
February, it is irrevocable and he will, 1t
is expected, begin his passionate here
March 1st. Bethany church is very
much gratified at being able to secure
the services of Clergyman of such
superior qualifications as Dr. Spencer.
He will be an important acquisition to
the clergy of Skowhegan.
William II. Spencer was born in Knox,
Albany county, n. Y, Sept. 2, 1888,
passing the earlier years of bis life on
farm. In 1861 he entered Madison Col
lege, now Colgate University, where ne
remained a part of the year when
he enlisted In the 6lst New York lnfan-
try Volunteers as a private. He was
speedily promoted to sergeant, second
lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain.
He was wounded in June 1862, in the
Peninsular campaign, and as the result
Of that wound he lost leg and suffered
imprisonment In Libbey prison, but was
finally exchanged and was mustered out
Of the service 10 December of that year.
He was commissioned as major by the
governor of New York on recommends
ton of Gen. Miles, then colonel Of his
regiment, but was not mustered as such.
Being untitled for active campaigning
he preferred to leave the service and
complete his college course.
He entered Brown University in the
sophomore class in 1863 and gradu-
ated therefrom In 1866. He then took
three years. course at Newton Theologi-
cal Institute and soon after graduating
therefrom, received a call from the Bap-
fist church of Foxboro, Mass, which he
accepted and held nearly ten years. From
Foxboro he came to Waterville, entering
upon his work there, April IL, 1879 thus
holding an exceptionally long pastorate
OF a very important church. He received
the degree of ID. ID. from Brown Univer-
sity and not from Colby as has been
stated 10 some papers.
DR.. Spencer had had the plan of II
change in his field Of labor under con-
sideration for some time. He felt that
twenty years WAS AS long as he ought to
labor In one field. In his communica-
tion to the Watervlle church, he states: :
II have reached the decision that | can
best serve this church and its Divine
master by retiring from its pastorate."
We quote the following from the
Wateryille Mail:
"Dr. Spencer is as much admired and
loved for his social qualities AS for his
work in the pulpit. His manners are
cordial and winning and have gained for
him host of friends among the Baptists
of the State at large and among the peo-
pie of other denominations. In addition
TO caring for his own flock, he has given
much thought and labor to the interests
OF the Baptist church on the Plains,
always rendering the pastors OF that
church aid whenever possible.
Besides his gifts OF oratory DR.. Spen-
Ger is possessed of fine voice for sing
ing, which has been OF great service to
him in leading in congregational singing
and in the musical portion of the prayer
meeting service.
DR.. Spencer has always maintained
particularly close relations with the
faculty and students of Colby College
and many of the graduates of that
college owe him debt of gratitude for
the interest he took in their college work
and spiritual experiences as students.
DR.. Spencer's family will be greatly
missed. His wife has ably seconded him
in his pastoral work and has been an &C
tive factor in the social life of the parish.
She has taken the same interest in the
lives OF the members of the parish that
the pastor has taken and her departure
will be mourned with quite as much sin
certify AS his will be. OF their two sons
one, Prof. G.. w. Spencer Of Colgate Uni
versty, was graduated from Colby in the
class of 80, and the other, Harry r., is
student at the same college, class Of 80.
DR.. Spencer has always taken r deep
interest In w. s. Heath Post, No. II, g.
A. r., and is held in high regard by the
comrades of that post. He will leave
many friends in this city among all
classes.