Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-23
REV. DR.. SPENCER
Resigns as Pastor of Water
vile Baptist Church.
Ha' Been It Head Of that Parish for
Last 20 Years.
Watcrville Regrets His Departure Go TO
Bet iany Church. Skowhegan.

az iiCN . eiieil tilC SlldtlOIl oI kew.
William H. Spencer, D. D., as pastor
of the Baptist church after 20 years
service, was read at the morning ser
vice, today, caused genuine and SIN
cere sorrow, not only among his
'parishioners but also among the towns
people by whom he was held in the
highest esteem.
The resignation was not a complete
surprise, from the fact that it was
known ne had been invited to become
the pastor of the Bethany Baotlst
church in Skowhegan. 1t was hoped.
however, that he would not accept the
call. The most influential parishioners.
on learning he had been given a call,
attempted to induce him to remain the
pastor of the Baptist church in this
place. AS Rev. DR.. Spencer had init
mated to these people that he should
probably close his pastorate here the
news of the resignation to them there
fore was not complete surprise.
The morning service at the BaptIs,;
church, today, was conducted by Rev.
II. Il. Mitchell, in the absence of the
pastor, who preached in SkowhegaD.
The sermon was by Prof. Rush Rces
Of the Newton Theological seminary.
Before Prof. Rces commenced his ser
mon, DR.. Spencer's resignation WAS
read by Mr.. Mitchell.
In the letter of resignation Rev. DR..
Spencer stated that ii was 20 years to
a day since he had received the first
intimation that he was to become pas
tor of the Baptist church in this city.
He then went on 20 state that, after
mature dclibcration, he considered il
best to take the step he was abolltsId
take. Further that he was sensible&ef'
the privilege of leading such a church.
in its material and spiritual progress.
In conclusion he said he still con-
tinted TO hold the church and 49,:
parishioners in the highest. esteem apd,
in loving remembrance. The letter cons.
Guided by stating that the resisnasiqn;
was irrevocable and would take efftsol
The last day of February.
The resignation fell like d blow upolL
the church. Many had no idea thar
the resignation would come SO soon if at
all. Each parishioner began to feel tin
sense of a personal loss. On the stree1'
and among the church people, even
though of different denominations, the
resignation was the one topic of cou.'
versation. :.
Rev. William II. Spencer. ID. D.. be.l
came pastor of the Baptist church in
this city. April II. 1879, it being the
second pastorate he ever held. He was
born in Knox. y. j.. Sept. 2, 1898. When
20 years of age he entered Madison,
~. Y. College, now Colgate University.
and remained there until August, 1861.
when he enlisted as private in the
6lst New York Volunteers. For his
bravery and excellence as a soldier h
was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
then to I'd lieutenant, then to LIST lieu
tenant and finally to captain. He was
offered the place of major but declined
the offer.
He was wounded. June 50. 1862, as tbs
result of which he lost leg. He was
discharged in December Of the same
year. The following year he entered,
the sophomore class of Brown Universs
sity. from which he graduated in 1866.
He then entered the Newton Theologi-
cal Institute, from which he graduated
three years later.
Soon after he graduated he was given
call to become pastor of the Baptist
church in Foxboro. Mass. He remain
ed in charge of this church as pastor
for 10 years. He then came to this
city.
Previous to this the Baptist church IN
this city had quite a number OF pastors
who remained anywhere from SIN months
to six years Rev. DIR. Spencer has been
in charge of the church as pastor FOR ~
years 1t was here in this city that the
degree of u. -. was conferred on MN by
Colby.
Baptist church has steadily increased III
strength and influence. A deep thinker
and interesting speaker. he has made ms
sermons Il source of profit to the members
of his congregation. He is without any
question the best reader in the state,
and through his skill both Scriptures ana
hymns seem to have new meanlis.
Strong in his pulpit. he is yet stronger
in his parish where he has always been
a great worker. Although very quiet ana
unostentatious in his work, more than
have made life brighter for them. Rich
and poor have alike benefited by his ser
vices. Wherever he could relieve sliier-
ing there has been his field OF labor
When he came here the mission at the
plains was about completed. He has al
ways taken a great interest in tins anu
under his advice and care the mission mas
steadily grown in strength.
While the parish regrets the loss OF Rev.
Dr. Spencer, the loss of his family is not
less keenly felt. His wife has been an
IDEAL pastors wife and has by her assls-
lance in the church work greatly en-
deared herself to the members of the
church and parish.
While the loss of DR.. Spencer will be
most keenly felt among the members of
his parish, it will also be felt among the
members of other parishes. A few knew
of his intended action, Saturday. and
they on learning of his intentions. at
+ hoirgh members of other parishes. made
the expression that they could not afford
to lose DIR. Spencer. a
A deep thinner and stronger writer Ire
has not devoted his time to literary work.
Through he has been at work for some
time on a history of the Baptist church
in this place. which will soon be placed in
The ands of the publishers The greater |
bari of his literary work has been in evil
dence in his sermons. He is at present
treasurer of the Baptist EDUCATIONAL So |
cety. c
rnjhy graduate who is at present profess
sor of history in Colgate University. and
Henry r. Spencer. a student at Colby III
M class of. 'M.
Dl,ring The time he has been pastor of
he Baptist church in this city. DR.. Speu- |
ar.s relations with the members of the |
church have been most friendly. Under