Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1906-03-30
TOWNSHEND LOSES PASTOR
REV. @. H. BAKER RETIREs FROM CON-
EDUCATIONAL CHURCH PAsToRATE.
breaches Farewell Sermon Sunday-Resoiu-
tions of Regret Passed by Society-His
Work in Church. School, Town and News
paper Reviewed-Other Townshend News.

The well.known Reformer reporter of the
Townshend news is no more-that is, as a
reporter owing to a severe attack of western
fever The symptoms first manifested them
selves about Christmas time in slight out
breaking of company, but have since become
SO violent that a change of climate is the
only hope of recovery. Had ii been Calfor
mia fever we could have understood it, but
when it is merely a fever for South Dakota
where, as Uncle John says, apples are 50
cents a peck and then amt no good Meth
err and the sun seems to come out OF hole
in the ground in the morning and to sink
into a hole at night it is difficult to see
how one whom even the supreme court
voted a success can desire to exchange the
brooks and hills of Vermont for such
home. Some good may come of it, however
The man who has hardly had a chance to look
at the Reformer for weeks because his wife
would sit up until midnight Friday reading it
and then always lent the paper to inquring
neighbors early Saturday morning may have
a chance to learn what is going on in the
world and the stores may not be blocked
every Friday evening with men eagerly read
ing the Townshend news.
The new correspondent has been greatly
edited by the remarks made by admiring
friends while she was still incognito, as to
now that she is unveiled they will at least
read the first issue before passing judgment.
1t is with the deepest regret that the Con-
gregatonal church and the townspeople in
general will witness the departure of the
Rev George H. Baker and his wife for the
west For three years they have worked
among us with an ever increasing circle of
friends and an ever widening influence. Those
who have listened to Mr.. Bakers sermons
will not easily forget their inspiration; those
who attended the Fourth of July celebration
remember how smoothly everything went off
because of the efficient president of the day;
the schools have been benefited by his work
as superintendent; everywhere he has done
we'll and everywhere he will be missed. The
so called farewell sermon was preached Sun
day morning to congregation of members
from both churches, the service at the
Baptist church being omitted because of the
event The text was Hebrews s:13, Jesus
Christ the same yesterday, today and for
ever" After preaching a forceful and con-
vincing sermon, Mr. Baker said, Il suppose
some of you are disappointed because have
not preached farewell sermon / don't be-
lieve in farewell sermons. Conditions
change, churches change, pastors change but
the great universal Truth of religion does
not change If there has been any one
thing which have tried to emphasize in my
ministry it is the truth that, in general
way is embodied in this sermon-the univer-
SAL the lasting and the permanent qualities
of, religion this fact of the Interchangeable.
ness of the Christ Whatever the trouble,
we may turn to the Father, we may always
come and He is always the same. These
great truths are the things we all need, the
truths ] commend to you.
The following resolutions were adopted by
the society of the Congregational church:
Whereas, the Rev George H. Baker has
decided to terminate his passionate of the
Congregational church of Townshend, VT, be
it resolved:
THAT the society accepts his resigna-
ton with the deepest regret
2-That his influence as pastor and as
q citizen has been far greater than he him
self realizes and has been felt by the entire
town.
3-That we extend to Rev. and Mrs. Baker
most sincere and hearty wishes for their well
fare.