The Somerset reporter., 1904-04-07
DIR. SpeDcer's Resignation.

Since the resignation of Rev. DR.. w.
Fl. Spencer, pastor of Bethany Baptist
church, and It's publication in the RE-
PORTER last week, many expressions of
regret have reached US that he was so
soon to cease to be pastor of that church
and to leave town. They came not only
from members of his society and con-
gregation, but from people of our town
who appreciate him as citizen as well
as religious leader.
DIR. Spencer has been an active pastor
for more than thirty-fve years; eleven
In Massachusetts,, nearly twenty in Wa
terville and five here. They have been
successful and acceptable pastorates, at
tended with arduous labor, faithfully
performed during these many years Jun
der the disadvantage of severe physical
disability that came to him through SER
vice of his country in the Civil war,
such as would have daunted a man of
less resolute spirit.
Bethany church appreciates the able,
conscientious work of DR.. Spencer and
that of Mrs. Spencer, model pastors
wife, and hoped the pleasant relations
of pastor and people would continue for
years. The resignation at this time was
as unwelcome as it was unexpected. A
meeting of the church, called to take &C.
tion on the resignation, was held on
Tuesday evening, well attended by mem
bers. Expressions OF sorrow and regret
at the prospect of separation were made
by nearly all in attendance, and vote
was passed without dissenting voice
asking the pastor to withdraw his resig
nation and continue his pastorate, al
least another year. A committee was
appointed to notify DR.. Spencer of this
action, and the meeting adjourned unit
this, Thursday, evening.
The committee visited the parsonage
almost Immediately upon adjournment o.
the meeting, accompanied by nearly al
the members present. DR.. Spencer ha'
the matter under advisement and mem
bers hope for a favorable answer to theil
earnest request.
The following appeared in IONS AID
vocate, the Baptist paper Of Maine, las
week:
REV. DR.. Spencer, pastor OF thu
Bethany Baptist church, Skowhegan
exchanged with Pastor Huse of the FRS
church on Sunday, and the latter reaC
DR.. Spencer's resignation, to take effec
April 30. The announcement oppresse.
US, as il will many others In various
parts of the state, with the weight of /
sorrow that is personal. For quarter
Of century DR.. Spencer has been iden
titled In many ways with our Baptis
work in Maine. During his long pas
torate at Waterville, and later In Show
hogan, he has been as valiant a soldier
Of the cross as he was of his country IL
the Civil war. Ia his pastoral work b,
has been found faithful. When ther,
has been work to be done out aide he ha
never shirked or failed to do the needed
service. Now, he says, he finds himsel
no longer equal to the work Of a preacher
and pastor, and must ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
take less than hitherto. He has accord
lngly completed arrangements to return
to Massachusetts and he will make hi
home In Cambridge. We can easily un
derstand what separation from thu
workers and friends In Maine means at
ter so many years of happy, faithful
service. Ii also means much to us who
remain. May some one as consecrated
strong, manly, noble-hearted, come tt
take his placen