The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-03-17
Touching Incident at Church
 of the Advent LARGE CHEST OF SILVER Loving Cup Presented By Fifty Young Men Not Members of the Episco- pal church-speeches From
 the Heart.

One of the most touching events in the history of Birmingham churches was that last night at the Church Of the Advent, when the members of the parish bade farewell to their rector, the Rev. John G. Murray, who leaves for Baltimore tomor- row.
 Gen. Rufus N. Rhodes, speaking for the vestry and congregation, presented to Mir. Murray what Is easily the finest silver service ever seen in Birmingham and Hinds Peevy, representing fifty young men of the city not members or MT. Murray's church, presented him with a loving cup, which is rare token Of itself aside from its great intrinsic value. A spirit of sadness pervaded the meet ing from the beginning, and everyone present was visibly affected by the oc- casion.
 Colonel Pearson Presides.
 The meeting was called to order by Senior Warden Col. R. H. Pearson, who said:
 You all know why we have come to- gether tonight, and I am glad to see so many out to testify to the love all of us feel for MT. Murray. I want to say just one thing, and I believe no one VIII ques- tion my statement. No living man in the same time and under the same circum- stances could have done more and &C., complished greater work than MT. Mur- ray has accomplished since he came among us."
 Gen. Rufus N. Rhodes made a feeling address in presenting the siIver service to MT Murray for the congregation and vestry. He said in part,
 Note of Love.
 Tonight marks the end Of the official relation between the Rev John G. Mur- ray and the Church of the Advent. One note sounds in the hearts of every mem- Der present. It re-echoes throughout the cross streets and byways of Birming ham; it reverberates in the novels where our rector has shed gladness, and that note is love for MT. Murray. love for Mrs. Murray. and love for each of their prec- ious children. It forms the chorus of sad farewell which should swell itself into a hymn of gratitude for what he has done for us.
 Remarkable as have been his material and spiritual achievements during the six years and four months he has been among us, the man is still more remarkable He is not merely a good and true man and friend, but he is a great man for his day and generation. The greatest proof of his worth is that no man, woman or child ever feared him and every man, woman and child who ever came In contact with him who did not love him.
 MT. Murray, 1t gives me pleasure to present this service to you. It is given from hearts filled with emotion We want you to use it. We want you to think of us sometimes. We want you to love us."
 Hinds Peevy spoke for fifty young men not members of MT. Murray's church and presented him with a beautiful loving cup from them. He said in part:
 "We who are not members of this con- gregation are unwilling that our good friend should leave without some monu- ment and testimony of our love for him.
 'l stand for the young men of Birming ham outside of the Episcopal church. MT Murray has sa broader sphere even than the church. He is a true, genuine man, without guile. To us young men he has always been a friend Whether we were joyful or had our heads bowed in sorrow he was always one of us and we always had sympathizer in him.
 This cup Is presented as a token of our love The inscription on 1t is
 REV. OHN c. MURRAY, <" Presented to Rev. John G. Murray by
 fifty young men of Birmingham, Ala
 bama, not members of his church.
 Tt is with pleasure l present this cup to you, MT. Murray. We wish you. sir hearty God-speed. In the cup Is em- bodied the love of Catholic, Jew and Gen tile"
 Mr. Murray's Remarks.