Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1905-03-24
Recognition Service.

An event of more than usual import
ance in the history of Middlebury and
especially in the history of the Baptist
church was the formal recognition of
its new pastor, Rev. George R. Stair,
Wednesday evening. The day and
evening were ideal and the church was
crowded, every seat being filled and the
vestry being thrown open and also
filed.
Rev. William A. Dawson, superintend-
ent of missions for the Vermont State
Baptist society, presided.
Rev. w. Ii. Washburne, pastor of the
Methodist church, read the scripture
lesson and made the opening prayer.
The principal address of welcome and
recognition was by Rev. F. Dee Penney
of Burlington and was a powerful and
clear presentation of the duties, RESPONSE
bilities and work of the fearless, Jealous,
successful minister.
Rev. Mr.. Davidson extended the greet
ings by the State Baptist Convention,
stating that he had known Rev. G.. R.
Stair from boy up and that he was not
only good man but a man always good
for something.
Rev. Silas P. Perry, pastor of the
Baptist church of Bristol, welcomed the
new pastor in fitting words of apprecia-
ton of the good work he had already
accomplished in the town and county.
Rev. Thomas Simms in behalf of the
First Congregational church of Middle
bury extended a most cordial and
hearty welcome, and spoke of the
cordial relations existing between all
the churches in this town. and what it
meant to the cause of Christianity and
how important to the cause was the
growing feeling of fellowship and
brotherhood among all the churches.
Prof. w. w. McGilton in behalf of
Middlebury College and the community
at large extended the right hand of
fellowship in most eloquent and feeling
language.
The pastor responded briefly but with
much feeling and power, telling what
he hoped to accomplish and what he
believed to be his mission here, to preach
Christ and to help save sinners and make
them better men and women. He spoke
particularly of the spirit of Christian
unity that ought to characterize all
Christian bodies. While there are many
points of difference upon which we do
not agree, there are two points upon
which all can and should unite, first,
love to God; second, love for fellow
men.
The musical part of the programme
was especially fine and included two
violin solos by Mrs. l.. G.. Russell; "a
Dream of Paradise" by Mrs. A. d.
Barter; "If Forget Thee" by Mrs. A
NJ. Kendall of Burlington; 1.-THE Man of
Sorrows" by j. l.. Turner and anthems
by the choir. The closing hymn was
'Blest Be the Tie that Binds Our Hearts
in Christian Love-" The benediction
was pronounced by Rev. F. Dee Penney.
Although the service was over two
hours long, it was all so interesting as
to hold the closest attention of the great
audience to the very end, and SO impress
sive at times as to move many to tears.
We can only add that all the words of
appreciation and recognition by Revs.
Washburne, Simms and Prof. McGilton
are deserved, as the new pastor by his
daily life and work has made a great
and very favorable impression upon this
community and it is the earnest prayer
of all Christians that he may be more
and more successful in his work in Mid
dlebury and Addison county.
The floral decorations were especially
fine and pleasing.