The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1905-09-08
EEV o. W. BARkER'S RESIGNA.
ton ACCEPTED
AT A CHURCH MEETING ON WEDNEs-
DAY AFTERNOON,

At a meeting of the members Of the
Congregational church, Wednesday
afternoon, W. M. Reynolds was chosen
chairman and G. F. Duncombe clerk
After the reading OF the letter of res
iRnation, it was accepted, and the fol-
lowing resolutions adopted:
In regular church meeting assem-
bled, we, the members of the Congre-
gational church Of Newtown, desire
TO place on our permanent records a
minute Of the profound regret and
grief occasioned by the resignation of
him who for II years has been our
spiritual teacher and leader, Rev Otis
w. Barker.
During this period the church has
enjoyed period Of prosperity in ma
terial things such as it has never
known before. The salary and rum
ming expenses have been regularly met,
the congregations have been increas-
lngly large, while the Sunday school
has reached a point of attendance and
| interest never before equalled in it's
long history. A spirit Of the utmost
harmony and peace has prevailed, and
the thought of breaking this happy
relationship causes grief we cannot
express in cold words.
But it is in the spiritual life of the
church, we believe, his greatest work
| has been done. He has led US to the
Heights of Spiritual Vision. He has
preached and practised the Gospel of
Helpfulness. Self-sacriice and faith
full labor have been the watchwords,
whatever the task he has undertaken.
| We have been urged to a closer walk
with God, and if we have not risen to
the high-level of Christian living our
leader has urged US on to, it is no fault
OF bis, whose message has rung with
sincerity and fire.
If persuasion of loving hearts would
cause him to withdraw this unwelcome
letter, if the hearty, sincere regard of
every member of this congregation
could be concerted into eloquent words
to change his decision, if the lives
| and hearts he has cheered and inspired
for better living could testify to the
good this quiet man has done among
us, II the chambers of grief could speak
for his kindly words of comfort
brought, if all the influence Of his I'M
assuming and unseltish life among US
could speak forth, it might perchance
cause our pastor to waver in his de-
nlSlOn Rnf Vuhof foc ~
would be to the glory of God!
But realizing, as we do, his reasons
for leaving are actuated from high
and consecrated motives, in accepting
bis resignation, we do it, with regret.
tinged with sorrow.
RESOLVED, That our prayers and
affectionate regard will follow him
wherever he may co. and that we give
thanks to God for his work and life
among US.
RESOLVED, That catching, in a
measure, the spirit of his life amoug
US, we pledge ourselves anew to the
work of Christ in this place. May the
same spirit of friendliness exist among
US, and may it be our highest regard
to know God, whom to know Alright is
Life Eternal.
RESOLVED, That these resolutions
be placed on our records, copy handed
the retiring pastor, Rev Otis w. Bar
ker, and that they be published in
TIE NEwTowN BEE.
ALLISON P. SMITH,
CORNELIUS B. TAYLOR,
Miss S. j. SCUDDER,
Committee on Behalf
of the Church.
A meeting of the Fairfield West
Consolation to dissolve the pastoral
relation will be held on October 10.