Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1902-10-31
A RECOGNITION SERVICE.
Rev. George 3. Lawson, the New Pas
tor Of the Baptist Church, We'll
coined TO BrsttIeboro by other Pas
tors and by Citizens.

. tOT " tHe DdptlSt OHuTCH, Wci
coined TO Brstteboro by other Pas
tors and by Citizens.
a new epoch in the history of the First
Baptist church was marked last even
ing by a cordial and enthusiastic service
of welcome, or recognition. to Rev. Geo.
Benedict lawson who preached his first
sermon as pastor of that church last
Sunday, There was a good attendance.
The key note of the meeting was the
spirit of good fellowship that exists be-
tween all of the Brattleboro churches,
which was exemplhed by the presence,
on the platform, Of the ministers of the
several churches l.. w. Hawley presld-
ed. The opening hymn was followed by
scripture reading by Rev. f. w. Lewis,
of the Methodist Episcopal church in the
absence Of Rev. r. X. Marvin, of the
Universalist church. A male quartet
A. l.. Maynard and w A. Gilbert. gave
a selection, which was followed by pray
er by Rev. Mr.. Lewis and another selec-
ton by the quartet.
The first speaker was Mrs. Abby E.
Fuller. who extended to the new pastor
the welcome of the First Baptist church.
Mrs. Fuller made n few felicitous re-
marks upon the subject OF why she should
be chosen TO perform that part OF the
service and said that while the church,
through the sacrifices of its members
had accomplished much. there was yet a
great work to be accomplished. She
assured the pastor that the welcome of
the church was very sincere and that the
members expected to give him their loyal
sympathy.
Rev. II. r.. Miles of the Congrega tional
church. was the first speaker I'm be-
half of the Bratteboro churches He
spoke of the relations between the local
81
and reviewed some Of the early history
OF church work in Brattleboro. showing
that all the Protestant churches sprang
from the Congregational church in West
Brattleboro. While there are many con-
gregations there is but one church. he
said. and TO II he welcomed Rev. Mr..
Lawson with the hope that he would
sound a ringing note that would stand
for the moral purity OF Brattleboro.
Rev +. Q. S. Osgood extended the well
come Of the Unitarian church. Mr. Os-
good said in a jovial way that he was
the dean of the Brattleboro ministers
having lived here over FIVE years"
While the changes in pastorates in Brat
tleboro had been numerous the past few
years he honed the coming OF the new
pastor would mark the beginning of a
long pstorate and unbroken effort in
building up the kingdom of God in the
world
The welcome of St. Mchael's Episcopal
church was extended by Rev f. r Math-
ison. who welcomed Mr.. Lawson as a
young man. There is a tendency on the
part Of the young men to put forth
their whole effort for their own churches
Here In Brattleboro the ministers have
the work OF all the churches at heart
and enjoy the best possible mutual re-
lations.
Rev. y. A. Wood OF the West Brattle.
guf Ia.
liar pleasure in welcoming Mr. Law
son because OF the favorable knowledge
gained OF him while students in the same
institution. He rejoiced because Of the ex-
listing spirit of fellowship and brother
" love. which transcends denomination
allsm.
I'VE indulge in as many bright hopes
and good wishes as any of YOU" said
Rev. l.. NJ Keneston. OF the West Brat.
teboro Congregational church Mr.
keneston emphasized the need OF hard
work In behalf of the purity and holiness
Of the Sabbath day and believed the
new pastor would exert strong influence
In this direction.
As a representative of the community
George l.. Durham extended the welcome
Of Brattleboro. Mr.. Durham said he felt
closely related TO the people of the Bap-
fist denomination as his great grand faith.
er. two grandfathers one grandmother, =
relatives were Baptists. He thought the
community was under great obligation
to the Baptist church. and regarded the
late Jacob Estey. who was closely iden.
tilted with the history of the church
as the greatest benefactor the town ever
had. Mr.. Dunhams remarks were clear
cut. characterized by n vein of humor
yet sincere and We're well. delivered
In responding to the many expressions
Of good will Rev. Mr.. Lawson said h,
came filed with enthusiasm for goot
things and hoped that his ministry woulC
he sincere and honest as God gave him
wisdom and grace He said he could mo-
express his great qualification to return
TO the state OF Vermont
Before Mr. Lawson pronounced III,
benedlction Mr.. Hawley read resolution,
adopted by the church in Worcester
Mass. from which church Mr.. Lawson
came TO Brattleboro. expressing appre
citation Of the work of Rev and Mrs
lawson commencing the family to tn,
church and community and assuring Mr.
Lawson of their best wishes.
At the close of the church service
reception was rendered Rev. and Mrs
Lawson in the vestry. when many tool
advantage of the opportunity to extend
their personal welcome. Refreshment.
We're served by the ladies'