Middletown transcript., 1899-07-22
nEv. JonN 3. RognnTs

Mr.. EDIToR:-0n Thursday the 10th
inst, as per announcement in the last issue
of TRANscRIfT, number of the old friends
of Rev. John B. Roberts went down to
Townsend to spend the day with him in
regular picnic style. Among the number
composing the party might be named: Rev.
Isaac L. Wood, Mr.. and Mrs. W. H. Moore.
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. c. Parker, Mr.. and Mrs,
A. G.. Cox, Mr.. Thomas E. Hurn, Mrs. v.
W. Massey, Misses Lou and Anna Cox,
Mrs. Sarah A. Rice, Mrs. Sarah A. Foster,
Mrs. Susie Merritt, Mrs. Sarah A. Gill.
Mrs. Mary A.lWillis, Miss Emma T. Brown,
Mrs. Clara Jones, Miss Eliza R. Hurn and
others. Later in the day number of the
Townsend friends Joined the party, notably,
Rev. George P. Jones and wife. Mr.. and
Mrs. D. B. Maloney and others.
The day was an ideal one. and met all
the conditions for days outing. The
party arrived in Townsend about 10 A. NJ,
and found Bro. Roberts and wife awaiting
our coming. Bro. Roberts home is located
on the edge of the grove adjoining the NJ.
E. Church, a most delightful and conven-
lent place for family picnic.
The church officials rendered the use of
the grove, chairs, tables, etc., so that all
the necessary equipments were at hand for
our comfort and convenience. About
noon preparations were commenced for
dinner, and such dinner, dinner the
gods might delight to partake of dinner
meeting all the requirements as to quantity
and quality and the largest capacity.
In the afternoon after the inner man had
been attended to, there was provided
another feast, which proved to be even
more refreshing than the first; service OF
song prayer, recitation and address, Quite
a number of the company made addresses
referring particularly to the beautiful and
consistent life of the man we had assembled
to honor.
Bro. Roberts had long been connected
with Bethesda M. E. Church, Middletown,
and had endeared himself to all who knew
him, particularly to the members of the
Monday night class whose leader he had
been for long term of years.
Bro. Roberts, although not an old man,
is suffering from the infirmities incident to
this mortal life; but while the outer man is
| suffering decay, the inner man of this saint
of God is being renewed day by day, and
Bro. Roberts is looking forward to'a gor.
ious Immortality beyond the grave.
Truly this good man, like one of the old
Patriarchs leaning on his staff, was the
observed of all observers, the central figure,
to whom ALL from the least to the greatest,
gave reverence and attention.
Mrs. Sarah Roberts, his wife, still abides
with him to administer to his wants, now
that he is sick and infrm, and the love OF
their young lives grows sweeter and purer
as the years come and go.
During the afternoon Mr.. Serick Wilson,
photographed the party, Bro. Roberts and
his wife occupying a central position,
around whom all the others were grouped.
After partaking of ice cream and cake,
| and further social intercourse, the party
bade Mr.. and Mrs. Roberts farewell wishing
them health and happiness and taking
their departure for home, every one voting
it to be one of the most delightful and
profitable days they had ever spent.
Mr.. Roberts will remove 10 Odessa in
about two weeks where we hope he will be
received with the same eordiality that was
given him at Middletown and Townsend.
May he live to be blessing to his family,
his friends and the Church. FIpEs,