The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-03-03
HIS FAREWELL SERMON.
Rev. w. j. Ford, of Green Ridge Bap-
tist Church, Preached for the
Last Time Yesterday.

Rev. William j. Ford, who has been
pastor of the Green Ridge Baptist
church for the past nine years and a
half, and who has recently accepted a
call to the pastorate of the First Bap-
tist church at jamestown, n. Y,
preached his farewell sermon yester
day morning, and bade goodbye to the
flock which he has cared for since he
entered the ministry.
The church was crowded to the doors
with members of the congregation and
other residents of Green Ridge, who
cherish dearly the friendship of the de-
parting clergyman. The latter was
! deeply moved by the parting, and his
voice almost failed him several times.
He chose for his text II Corinthians,
1872: Finally, brethren. farewell. Be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
| mind, live in peace; and the God of
love and peace shall be with you" He
said
| | shall never cease to be gratifed that my first
years in the ministry should have been among
so patient and consderatc people. The mis-.
| takes, which in spite of the best intentions
| characteristic OF incNpCrience you have kindly
overlooked. We think OF influence which
| pastor has upon the formation of the ideals OF
! II church but often forget that the churches
are training ministers and the people among whom
Il mans lot is cast especially during the for
NATIVE years of his ministerial character have
| it in their power TO make or mar his entire iu
| ture.
While there has been complete absence Of
untind criticism your standard has been high
| and the knowledge that You expected your pastor
to do his best and that YOU could appreciate
his highest efforts has always served an in.
| 4 l,lg If
mand has made the closest study necessary and
! ii with maturcr years there shall come any
measure of success in the Masters Kingdom your
share in the preparation for it must receive
| large recognition.
At this point. Rev. Mr.. Ford traced
| the growth of the church during his
| pastorate, 31S new members having
| been received during that time. He
| had kind words for the help and as
sistance given by the deacons and trus-
| tees of the church and for untring la
bors of the Sunday school workers as
we'll as the members of the Young Peo-
pies society. Continuing he said:
What of the future? This church can part
| with its pastor without serious loss but it can
not part with the spirit of conservation, with
! the unscsl devotion of its members, with The
willingness to sacrifice personal preference for
the general good that has been the secret in the
past. You are face to face with a crisis. The
membership has been drawn from many different
states and from several nationalitie1. You have
different ideals OF what pastor ought 10 be.
Nou cannot all be satisfied. Yet we plead with
| YOU in the name OF our common Master and in
behalf of the church for which we haye sacri'
feed that You permit no divisions 10 occur.
II | leave a friend my last request OF You Is
| "Stand by the church" Finally, brethren, fare
we'll BE perfect, be Of good comfort, bc Of one
mind, live in peace and the God OF love and
peace shall he with you.
Last night Rev. Mr.. Ford preached a
sermon to the members of Green Ridge
lodge oc odd Fellows, of which he is Il
member. He told the story OF Gods
W onGcrful love and said few words
of farewell Both he and his wife will