Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-11-22
Tribute to DIR. Hardy.

The following resolutions, adopted by
the Ecclesiastical Council that convened
in the Congregational church OF this placI
Sept. 10, 1900, together with the subjoinec
article copied from the Congregationalist
will be of interest to DIR. Hardy's many
placed upon him and his work not only
BY the churches OF this vicinity, but
throughout tine whole state:-
"After listening to the statements vi
both pastor and people and carefully con-
sidering all the facts brought to our
notice, the council sees no occasion for
the severlng OF the relation which has
been OF SO long duration and abundsntly
fruitful In good works.
But deferring to the feeling OF Bro.
Hardy that now is the time for the sepa-
ration, we reluctantly advise the dissolu-
ton OF the pastoral relation.
"In So doing we would express our
warmest sympathy with the church and
congregation in the removal OF a pastor
beloved and to whom they have looked
| for spiritual food and guidance. We
commend them for their loyalty to their
pastor and to the church in this hour OF
trial and pray that the Spirit may so
dwell in their hearts that they may
continue in the things they have learned
and been assured Of and that they may
soon be guided to the choice OF another
PdbtOT, VINO ouhli 20 III anu out DeIOF6
them as man OF God thoroughly fur
nished unto all good works.
1--WE cordially commend the retiring
pastor to the confidence of the churches
as brother beloved, endeared alike by
his qualities of head and heart, sound in
the faith and well equipped for the WORK
OF the ministry. We desire to bear testi-
moDy to the faithfulness and efficiency OF
this pastorate. The pastor has shown
rare tact and wisdom in the leadership OF
this church in its manifold interests and
departments OF service. He has been
watchiul to avail himself of new met ods
of work, fertile in invention and patient
in execution OF plans fitted to deepen and
broaden the influence of the church, both
within its own mem bership and in the
community. He has been able and i'm
pressive in preaching, alert and symps-
thetic In pastoral care. He has identified
himself with the interests of the school,
the village, the town and the neighboring
churches.
"While we feel deeply our personal
bereavement and regret the loss which
the churches OF this neig hborhood and of
the state will suffer, we have confidence
that the pastor will use effectively in the
new field to which be feels that he has
been divinely called the stores OF expe-
rieDce and equipment which the years
have gathered.
1--WE pray that the blessing OF God may 4
attend him and that during the coming /
years his labors may be even more fruitful /
than m the past"
The following is from the Congregation
dlist:-
"The departure OF DIR. V. NJ. Hardy from
Vermont is a loss to our religious forces
which cannot easily be made good and is
deeply regretted by all who know him
and his work. His ministry OF 30 years
has covered but two pastorates, eight
years at Morrisville and % at Randolph,
both OF which have been singularly happy
and notably fruitful. He has proved
himself an earnest and instructive preach
err, man OF pleasing personality, dis
judgment and executive
ability and pastor of unwearied diligence
and unusual fertility in effective plans for
soul winning and soul building. His
influence has been felt far beyond the
limits OF his own parish, and from the
first his ministry has been closely identi-
fed with the larger interests of Congrega-
tionalism in the state.
Mr.. Hardy leaves Randolph for Fox
croft and Dover, Me. His Vermont
friends believe that, being in the prime OF
life and full vigor OF manhood and with
a ripe scholarship, rich experience and
record OF work which is itself an inspira-
ton, he will achieve still greater triumphs
for Congregationalism and the kingdom
In his native state OF Maine"