The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1903-01-01

letter Of regrets testifying to his admira-
ton for Dr. Hufham as man, and his
appreciation of the great work that he
has done.
Mr. Williams spoke next with much
earnestEess. He alluded to DIR. Hufhan's
long life and labors in the pulpit, on the
rostrum and with his pen, of his example
among men and the inspiration and
blessing such a life had been to those
about him.
Rev. Livingston johnson, correspond
ing secretary OF the Baptist State Con-
vention, was the next speaker. In intro
ducing him Mr.. Williams said Mr.. John
son would tell some of the reasons why
Dr. Hufham is so beloved by the Baptist
denomination. Mr.. johnson began by
saying that he was here to thank the
good people of Henderson for this won
derful and unique demonstration in be-
half Of their most honored and beloved
member and to bear to DR.. Hufham the
greeting OF $4,000 Baptists in North
Carolina | am here to assure him that
he has their affection freely lavished upon
him, said the speaker. Mr.. johnson
spoke at some length and his remarks
found responsive echo in the hearts Of
ham lays down the active work of the
passionate he does so to take up the
broader work that lies before him. There
is great work that he must yet do-and
we shall expect him to do this work. He
owes it to himself, to his State and to
posterity. We have had the feeling that
he did not belong to the Henderson
church but to the great Baptist host
to the people of North Carolina-and we
want him to gather up what he Of all the
| men in North Carolina knows most and
is best fitted to put into permanent form
to instruct and bless the coming genera
tions. Mr.. Johnson spoke with force and
eloquence and was listened to with deep
interest and close attention.
Mr.. Thomas NJ. Pittman talked about
Dr. Hufham as "Our Pastor" He
briefly reviewed his career and the work
he has done in the ministry, as an editor,
for education, church extension and the
orphans cause 1t has not been given
to all men to understand DR.. Hufham,
said the speaker God has endowed him
with a mind that is capable OF larger
things. His has been a life of large views
He has looked upon God with large
idea. He has preached a God of love and
Gospel of tenderness. DR.. Hufham is a
man of comprehensive views and large
plans. He cannot be local man, cir
cumscribed in his opinions or his work.
He is a statesman of Christianity, large
in his conception of God. Nearly seven
years ago the Baptist church of Hender
son called to its pastorate man of frail
and feeble frame. During his stay he
has touched no man except in blessing
In behalf of that church thank you for
this great demonstration in his honor.
Personally l count the privilege of sitting
under his ministry one of the greatest
blessings that ever came into my life. |
think it has been given to me, above
most men, to know and understand Dr.
Hufham. and it would be an occasion of
great sadness if | knew this to be the
end Of his ministry. Dr. Prestridge, in
the Baptist Argus, of Louisville, KY,
speaking of this retirement, says: after
fifty years service he is entitled to a
Golden rest" One of our younger
brethren, esteemed throughout the de-
nomination, writes DR.. Hufham: "Your
work is not done. You have risen to
climax after climax in your career. This
is but another" There ought to be
rest after the fifty years. Those of us
who love him best approve that. Buthe
cannot be idle. Out OF rich and varied
stores OF learning and out of large and
precious experiences which have mellowed
and enriched his thought he has mes
sage for larger audience than the little
congregation that has gathered around
his pulpit Leisure for writing this mes
sage and giving it to the people will be
Golden rest for the wearied frame and
climax of long life, that its closing SER
vice shall be for all the people of the Old
North State, who have given him so
richly of love and honor. So, instead of
sorrow we rejoice that rest and larger
opportunities shall come to him whom
we have loved and been proud to call
'our PASTOR
Prof. J. T. Alderman spoke OF DR.. HUI
hams future. Mans life, said he, natur-
ally runs through three periods, youth,
manhood, age. Each forms a separate
and integral part of symmetrical whole.
In youth we gather physical, mental and
moral strength and vigor for the struc-
ture which we are to raise In manhood
we employ these acquired powers in the
discharge of the various duties which we
owe to ourselves, our country and to our
God. This is the period of vi gorOus exc
cution in the great business affairs of
life. But most important of all is the
mature wisdom OF age. 1t serves to hold
within proper bounds the rashness and
impetuosity of youth-to sustain man
hood engrossed with the cares OF business
whether of finance or church or State.
This period of q mans life is no less q
blessing to the world than the others
Perhaps this is only the dawning of a
brighter period of usefulness and 10Y for
our venerable Father in Israel, DR.. HUI
ham. There seems to come a call from
all directions for him to write down our
history for the generations to come.
Gov. Aycock was the next speaker He
was at his best. He spoke briefly, but
tenderly, lovingly of the
grand old man to whom he had come
to help do honor. | have heard DR.. |