Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-01
FAREWELL DISCOURSE
REV. e. B. BAGBY TAKES LEAVE
OF LOCAL CONGREGATION.
Had Served Ninth Street Christian
Church for Fifteen Years-Goes
to Cleveland, Ohio.

Rev E. B. Bagby preached his farewell
sermon as pastor of the Ninth Street Chris
tan Church last evening. So fervent and
impressive were his words that a number
of young men were constrained to rise and
announce their intention of leading the
Christian life. Mr.. Bagby's pastorate here
has been marked by numerous occasions of
a similar nature, nearly one hundred per-
sons being added to the church membership
through his preaching at the dedication Of
the present house of worship.
1t was fifteen years ago that Mr.. Bagby
began his service with the Ninth Street
Christian Church. He has since greatly en-
dearej himself to his congregation and all
were sorry to see him go. Resolutions Of
regret at his departure ard good wishes
fer his future were adopted and % resented
to him and his wife. yesterday purse
containing s. in geld for every year of his
p2stGrate was given him.
MI Bal by has accepted cal to the pas
tOrate of the Franklin Circle Christian
Church at Cleveland, Onio. He will leave
for his new field OF service tomorrow.
His Farewell Message.
In the course of his sermon yesterday
morning he said:
Not only my official but personal re-
lations with you have been mos intimate
and tender. l have been with you in your
season of joy and sorrow, shared with you
the burdens of life, ard have been helped
by your sympathy and prayers. What can
l Say in our hour OF parting? The Bible is
a great storehouse of human experiences.
The conditions that exist today 1 find re-
f1ected in my text The church has suf-
fered the loss of some of its leaders, and
the apostle sends them a message of con-
ISOLATION and encouragement; that they
should remember their leaders, initiate their
example, and keep alive the faith that
they had impaired, and above all, to re-
member Jesus Christ the same yesterday,
today and forever. Men might come and
go, but Christ would abide. 1t has been
the purpose of my ministry to make known
this Jesus to you and to induce you to be-
lieve Him, and love Him. and serve Him.
1 might have gained certain class had
my sermons been made philosophical and
rhetorical.
Il could have had more notoriety, but
1 gave myself to the advocacy of various
reforms. l might have had larger audi
ences had l been in the habit of discussing
popular or sensational themes. but after
all, 1 am glad that l have tried simply to
make known among you Jesus ana HIM
crucified l would, like Spurgecn, when
asked for his autograph put down this:
ERE since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeemng love has been my theme.
And shall be till l die
Increased Membership.
"Of the 1886 persons whose names have
appeared on our church rolls, 1.1OO have
been admitted upon confession of faith and
baptism. AL least 1900 in our church and
Sunday school have known no otter minis
ter. Think of the joy of introducing these
to Jesus Christ; to think Of originating
friendship that will mean more than any
other friendship could possibly mean;
friendship that is not subject to human
vicissitudes, but is unfailing, satisfying.
eternal. My work here is done. 1 wish 1t
were better done l shall surrender this
subject to another.
Another face will be seen here and
another voice will be heard. but Jesus
Christ will be the same His gospel Will oe
preached, His ordinances celebrated. His
love shed abroad in your hearts, His name
confessed. and His kingdom coming in all
its power and glory"