The Newtown bee., 1905-03-31
66e Benhan ShoeCo.,
 Derby.
OUR NEIGHBORS.
BETHEL.
REV Fl. L. SLACK.
Derby.

John Spafford Slack and Elvira Lake. The family is of English origin, settl- ing in Massachusetts at some time previous to 1643. His grandfather, Levi Slack, was one of the pioneers of Vermont and with his brothers settled the township of Plymouth in that state. MT Slack received his early education in the common schools of Bridgewater, Vt., later entering Kim ball Union academy at Meriden, NH, and there completing his work pre- education was obtained at Dartmouth college, from which institution he was graduated in 1872, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later receiving the degree of Master of Arts. After spend ing two years as principal of the Springfield, (Vt.) High school, MT Slack took postgraduate course at Harvard university in Greek and Philosophy in 1874-5. The following year he entered the Yale Theological school, taking the degree of Bachelor same year he was ordained and in- church of Chester Vt., and continued in that pastorate for six years. In 1883 he accepted call to the First Congre- gational church of Bethel, Conn, where he was installed May P, and where he had since remained. He held tic office of registrar of the Fairfield East ConsOciation of Congregational churches from 1884 to 1889; was chair man of ithe Fairfield County Associa- tiOn of Ministers in 1896, and was dele gate ito the National Council of Con- gregational churches in 1893 and again in 1902. He was the author of a num- 0Rtjnlnc hn val trpto and various addresses made by him have been published from time to time. MT Slack has been prominent mem. Der of the town school committee in Bethel since 1884, and had been large ly instrumental in the radical chan ge in educational conditions which have taken place since that time. His work and training while in college and im- mediately after led to a natural and intelligent interest in all matters per- taining to the schools. In politics he allied himself with the republican party and always maintained keen interest in political affairs, especially with reference to local conditions. In advocate of 'sound money" making several addresses in that interest. He was member of the New York City Clerical Club and for the past two years had held the office of president of the Dartmouth College Alumni Associ- ation of Connecticut. Henry Levi Slack was married May 2l, 1879, to Fannie Phelps, of Chester, Vt., daugh- ter of William and Lophelfa Cady Phelps. He is survived by wife and four children: Elvira Jennie, general secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association of Wellesley NO1IaOos pho1nc nf o1o z 1906 at Dartmouth college; Helen Louise, attending the Hillside school, Norwalk, and Grace Fannie, a pupil in the Bethel High School. Rev MT Slack'S paStorate in Bethel covered period of P years. What the influence of these many years devoted to his church, the community at large and to his family has been is beyond our esti- mate. In the church, the most cordial relations always existed between the pastor and people. The aged turned to him in their weakness; the middle aged looked for counsel; the youth and the children for encouragement and help. To each and all he was the help ful friend and pastor. In cases of dis treSS and need he was ever ready to lend aid. His charitableness was known only to himself and those helped, modesty being one of his great charms. |
 Oh! how we shall miss him! goes up | from hundreds of hearts. But we are cOmfOrted to think he was such man. He has finished his course, he has re- ce1ved a crown, studded with stars as l a reward for the many lives he has | turned in the right direction. He has depended on the gospel, rather than on the spectacular and the novel to turn the people to Christ. A man of rare mental power and spiritual devotion, he held position of wide and whole some influence; refusing fiattering of- fers to preach elsewhere, the prime of his life was given to the people of his church; his heart was in Bethel, and here he will be laid to rest The work or these years will be an enduring mon- ument to his memory. The church and the community mourn his loss and feel that in him great man has passed away.
 -[Ebenezer M. Crofoot
 in Danbury News |