The Republican journal., 1904-02-11
A CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL.

Called to take action ON the resignation OF
Rev. George 8. Mills. The Resolutions
Adopted.
BELFAST, ME-, Feb. 4, 1904. Pursuant to
letters missive an ecclesiastical council of
pastors and churches convened in the First
Congregational church of Belfast. Maine,
on Thursday, Feb. 4, 1904, at 1890 a. M, for
the purpose of taking action on the resigna-
ton of Rev. George s. Mills as pastor of the
church. The council was called to order
by Rev. T. P. Williams of Searsport, Me-.
who read the letter missive. Proceeded to
was unanimously elected. Rev. E. E. Col
burn of Brooks, Me-, was chosen scribe.
The roll of the churches was called and
those present enrolled. letter was read
from the church at Freedom stating that it
was inconvenient for them to be repre-
scented, but that the result of the meeting
would have their endorsement.
Rev. R. G. Harbutt of Searsport, an in-
vited member, sent letter expressing re-
greet in being absent on account of sickness.
Prayer was offered by the moderator. The
communication of Rev. G. S. Mills in which
he rendered his resignation was then read
by DR.. A. o. StOddard, clerk of the church,
and remarks upon the same were made by
deacon H. M. Prentiss, brother w. S.
Hatch, and Revs. T. P. Williams and E. E.
Colburn, all of whom expressed regret at
the fact of resignation, yet trusted that the
blessing of God would follow brother Mills,
his estimable wife and family in their flu
ture church relations.
Rev. G. S. Mills being called upon spoke
briefly but fttingly in regard to the tender
relations existing with this his first pastoral
charge also of his fellowship with his min
| isterial brethren and the church, trusting
that the future would be bright and pros
porous with all.
On motion the council voted to be by itself.
The council being gathered it was voted
that the united request of Rev. G. S. Mills
and the church at Belfast for dissolving
of the pastoral relation be granted.
Voted that Rev. I. P. Williams and Rev
E. f. Colburn be committee to draft reso-
lutions expressive of the action of the coun,
Gil
| At the close of brief recess the follow
ng resolutions were unanimously adopted
" hereas, The council has voted that the
united request of Rev. G. S. Mills and the
| First Congregational Church of Belfast
Maine, for a dissolving of the pastoral rela-
tions, be granted, now therefore be it
Resolved, That in coming to this decision
the Council desires to express its deep ap-
probation of the engaging qualities, the
genuine Christian character and the high
ideals of the ministry of Rev. George S.
Mills. He has served the people of this,
his first pastorate, with marked ability and
unfaiing devotion. He has brought to his
preaching the fruits of intelligent thought
and exalted aspiration. He has stood for
and minstered unto along true and rational
lines, the highest interests of all social and
civic matters. He has given generously,
consistent with his obligations to his own
people, of time and strength to the service
of the Churches of Waldo Conference and
of the State These things have endeared
him to the people of his own Church and
Parish, to the City in which be has had his
first pastoral home, to bis brethren in the
ministry, and to all who hope and labor for
the coming on Earth of the Kingdom of
God. In all of this he has had the comfort
and cooperation of Mrs. Mills, whose
thought has ever been the strengthening of
his hands for the work of their Master
The Council extends to the people of the
North Church and Parish in Belfast its
sympathy in the removal from them of a
pastor and teacher SO able ami faithful in
every ministry by which he could serve the
need OF their lives; and prays that they
may be wisely guided and richly blessed in
the exigency which is upon them to choose
another who shall lead them to clear visions
and worthy performances of the will of
God.
The Council also wishes to congratulate
the Second Congregational Church in Ben
nington, Vermont, upon securing pastor
sc worthy of their esteem, and who will, it
is confidently believed, justly reward the
confidence which they repose in him, by a
ministry which shall be rich in the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ; and may pastor
and people as they press forward into the
work of the Master find abundant occasion
! tor rejoicing together.
| The council then adjourned, sine die
| Rev. E. E. COLBURN, Scribe.
| REV. I. p WILLIAMS, Moderator.