The Morris County chronicle., 1903-10-02

Lincoln on Tuesday Evening.
Rev. Samuel q Batten and family
left this city on the $40 p. m. train
Tuesday for Lincoln, Neb., where he
will take charge Of the First Baptist
Church in that city. The field OF
work is much larger in Lincoln than
in Morristown, as the place has
population of over $4,000 inhabitants,
and the church has larger member
ship Mr.. Batten will preach his
first sermon there Sunday morning
On Friday night, the Baptists in
this city gave Mr.. Batten farewell
reception. Both the church and
Sunday school rooms were crowded
with members and friends, and though
it was sad occasion, it had It's
cheerful side and pleasant memories.
A gold watch and chain had been
purchased for Mr. Batten by the men,
bers of the church and his friends,
and a dozen solid silver teaspoons for
Mrs. Batten. These gifts were
publicly presented to Mr.. and Mrs.
Batten at the reception by Mayor
Charlton A. Reed The Mayor spoke
with feeling of Mr.. Batten's life in
this community, of his fearlessness in
doing what he deemed to be right,
of his battle against the forces of
evil, and at his high christian char
acter. In acknowledging the gift,
Mr.. Batten showed plainly his ap-
probation of the testimonial as did
also Mrs. Batten.
The minister said he knew his
congregation and friends were in
spirit with him, as he was with them,
although he must go away. But one
of the beautiful thoughts, he said,
was the fact that he would leave be-
hind him host of loyal friends. He
felt quite sorry to leave Morristown,
but there was large opportunity for
Christ s work in Lincoln.
DR.. Norman Fox was called upon to
say few words about Mr.. Batten, and
in doing so paid a high tribute to his
integrity and character.
l. r. Pierson also spoke OF Mr..
Batten's good work in Morristown,
and of his love for truth and right
eOuSneSS.
Following the speeches an excellent
collation. consisting of ice cream and
cake was served by the ladies of the
church. The watch and chain was
then passed around for inspection. On
the inside of the back lid was pict-
ure of the church burned in, and on
the opposite cover the inscription,
Presented to Rev. Samuel H. Batten,
by his friends and members OF the
First Baptist Church, of Morristown,
N. j., September 25, 1908. +"
On Sunday morning Mr., Batten
preached his farewell sermon. He
took for his text, Phil. 27: Let
your conversation be as it becometh |
the gospel of Christ, that whether
come and see you, or else be absent,
l may hear of your affairs, that ye
stand fast in one spirit, with one
mind, striving together for the faith
of the gospel" Pathetically Mr.. Batten
told of his love for the members of
the church, how he had been called |
to rejoice with them in their joy
and to sorrow with them in their |
sorrow And also of the friends he
had made while here, whose friend
ship could never be severed.
Mr. Batten came to MorristoWn a
little over eight years ago. Previous
to his call here he had been assisting
Rev. Leighton William, of the Amity
Baptist Church, in New York city.
During Mr.. Batten's pastorate in
this city he has worked sedulously
for the promotion of the gospel and
rendered effective and praiseworthy
service in the upholding Of law and
order His methods against the
saloon traffic were sometimes criticised |
but his motives never. He was
honest in his convictions and he
dared to do what he knew to be
right. AS a sermonizer Mr.. Batten
has won reputation. His style is
sententious and epigrammatic. He is
not a platform orator, but speaks
with force, and in convincing way.
The community at large will lose
a good citizen, and the best wishes go
with Mr.. Batten for success in his
new field of endeavor.
6 Back, Back to the woods.''
To the woods. tomorrow. will 90