The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1906-12-28
Mr.. MooRE'S FAREWELL SER
MON.
From TUESDAYS Daily.

From Tuesdays Daily.
Rev. L. w. Moore, pastor or the
Methodist Episcopal church, south,
of this city, preached his farewell
sermon in the Methodist church Sun
day morning. He was distinctly hon
ored by there being no services in
any of the other protestant churches
in the city except the Episcopal
church.
Mr.. Moore has been pastor of the
church in this city for the past three
years and he dwelt on the harmony
existing between his congregation and
himself. He says that he was re-
ceived here with many tokens of love
and affection and he would go forth
to his new field of labor remembering
them always as a loving oasis in his
ministerial career.
He said that he was once asked
whether ii were better TO love or TO
be loved" and he replied that it were
says it is more blessed to give than
to receive" so that he had the advan-
tage of his congregation for he GER
tainly loved them whether they loved
him or not but was glad to believe
that their love was mutual.
Mr. Moore, however. distinctly
stated that he was not preaching
farewell" sermon. That farwell ser
mons had more or less sentiment in
them and that he wanted TO shed no
tears thereby making his congregation
uncomfortable. He would. instead,
preach only an ordinary sermon,
which he termed his last sermon as
pastor of the Ocala church and
preached on the Nativity of Christ
His sermon was very concise. logi-
cal and effective. He dwelt on the
fact of the wise men of the east,
by following the star that they saw in
was born the Christ, and said that
now, as then, he believed that the
wise men of the east" would begin
sending forth missionaries to convert
those living nearer where was born
the babe of Bethlehem" to the &C
ceptance of His doctrines. In other
words. he said that he believed that
Japan would soon be betting the
globe with missionaries preaching the
doctrines of the Christ. and that they
were now showing more eagemess to
receive his teachings than those of
lis who are born under the gospel
teachings.
The church was crowded and a
large number of Baptists, Christians
and Presbyterians were present to do
Mr.. Moore the honor of hearing his
last sermon.
Mr.. Moore complimented Mr.. Car
roll, Of the Baptist church, in this
city, in very high terms and said
that their relations had always been
pleasant and congenial and he hop
ed his congregation would continue to
hold up his hands in his good wN~'
and aid him in every possible way.
He also spoke in words Of endear-
ment of Mr.. Dodge. the minister re
Gently called by the Presbyterian
church of this city. He said that he
had worked with him in years gone
by and it afforded him great pleasure
to speak words of praise in his be-
half. That he is thoroughly conse-
Grated man and he hoped would do
good weak in this city.
Mr.. Moore commended Mr.. r. V.
Atkisson to his congregation and hop
ed that he would be received with.
the same love and consideration with
which he was received. That he is
a thoroughly good pastor and no man
in the Methodist conference stands
higher in its councils and he believed
that the people of Ocala will find him
in every way a lovahle man and
worthy of their highest respect
and consideration and he hoped he
would do a good work here. He said
he thought Mr.. Atkisson would reach
Ocala on Friday and hoped that the
committee would meet him and give
him a warm and cordial greeting.
Mr. Moore and family will leave
Thursday for Tampa. Mr.. Moore's
new field of labor.