River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-03-02

OLnCA u1Cn UQI It's Calls WSIS uOL aC-
cepted. Mr.. Mcintosh entered upon
his pastorate with several independ-
ent and characteristic statements
of what he would expect and re-
quire of the church and congrega-
ton if he remained long with us.
He also said that he believed that
his pre-eminent duty was first to-
wards the construction of his ser
mons. That he acted upon that
thought is shown by the fact that
his sermons gave general satisfac-
tion to his listeners. and the church
was generally we'll filled. He was
a working student and a dill
gent reader of the latest works re-
lating to church history, biblical
criticism, social movements and re-
forms, in consequence of which it
was seldom that he preached SUI
premely dull and uninteresting SER
mon. The characteristic which
seemed most prominent in the
preaching of Mr.. Mcintosh was the
way he exalted the character of
Jesus Christ. 1t seemed as though
he did not preach the gospel be-
cause it was the reasonable thing to
do but because the loye of God
constrained him." Sometimes he
seemed to feel so impressed by the
greatness of the character he por-
trayed that words seemed made
quate to express the depth of his
feelings. Those who listened to
him week by week could not help
but admire that name which is
above every name" and try his
works to do" He was also hard
worker in advancing all phases of
church work. He was interested in
Christian Endeavor work and was
a frequent visitor at it's meetings.
He was also Sunday school teacher
and superintendent much of the
time, and in addition to his work in
this church he frequently conduct
ed services in outlying rural school
houses. Besides all this activity,
he often prepared and delivered in
structive illustrated lectures in or
der to aid some phase of church
work with the proceeds. Mr.. Nc
Intosh was also actively interested
in the furthering of every movement
that promised any moral or social
uplift for our city. He was thus
more than merely a preacher, he
was a useful citizen. Mr.. McIn-
tosh's pastorate was marked by no
discussions, church quarrels or
other disturbing influences. Neither
was it marked by any high-water
mark of religious revival enthusi-
aSm.
If that country is happy that has
for a time made no history, why
may not a church be happy when it
is creating no history, unless it is
dead or dying? But this church
was not dead or dying. The work
of the church went on in quiet,
peaceful way that attracted no par
ticular attention, but which was
still very efficient. The finances
were generally in good condition.
New members were added from
time to time, and all phases of
church work proceeded to a sue
cessfu1 issue.
Mr.. Mcintosh was an active, pro-
gressiye man of decided opinions
which he did not hesitate to express
upon suitable occasions. To keep
himself in touch with the great
movements of the time he was a
frequent attendant upon the min
isterial associations of St. Paul and
Minneapolis, and a visitor to the
great associations of our church in
this state and nation. Rev. G. H.
Mcintosh was our pastor when l
first began active church work and
l remember him as very earnest,
helpful pastor. His hearty hand
shake and CHEEKY smile won for him
many friends. He was espec tally
popular among the young people,
interested in the work of the Chris
tian Endeavor society and always
ready with helpful suggestions and
words of encouragement when need
ed. We think we can truly rate Mr..
McIntosh's pastorate among the
most successful our church has
known.
REV. D. B. SPENCER.
Fifty years hence at our centen-
NAL celebration of the church, If
| am here, l will speak al length OF
the present incumbent, David B.
Spencer, and his work at River
Falls. AT this time let it suffice 10
say that there are no flies on him.
W. 1;11a hin, ond are catiSfed. we