Omaha daily bee., 1907-04-29
CLOSES FAITHFUL MINISTRY
Rev. Thomas K, Hunter Of Dundss Church
breaches Farewell esrmsn.
LEAVES PULPIT FOR EDUCATIONAL WORK
Urges Congregation He IL Leaving TO
BE Loyal 90 own Organization
and Declares e vital Force
in Community.

At the close Of three years and seven
months faithful work as pastor Of the
Dundee Presbyterian church. Rev. Thomas
X. Hunter yesterday morning preached his
farewell sermon and declared the pulpit
vacant. He will retire from the ministry
90 engage IN the promotion Of educational
work in connection with Bellevue college.
the change being made at the last session
Of the presbytery. During his ministry
at Dundee the church has made a rapid
growth, the membership increasing from
forty-eight to ia, and the Sunday school
has increased in attendance from 100 TO 16O
Rev. Mr.. Hunter preached from the text
Bpheslans WHO. MY brother be strong in
the Lord and in the power OF HIS might"
In his Introductory Or. Hunter said this
was not the first farewell sermon he had
delivered.
God has wrought for His glory in my
heart a strong assurance Of His faith and
has called me to this duty along the channel
Of your prayers" he said. land the close
OF this pastorate Is the shortest by two
years Of any OF my ministry. l sometimes
think that although we have committed
ourselves to the Lord, we do not fully
cherish Him in our hearts.
Paul wrote the newly converted Ephesi-
Inns to arm themselves with the invincible
bower OF God for their conflict II is the
true Christian who has labored and tainted
not The Lord has said that He will re-
move Himself quickly from the midst Of
those who fail to repent. The presence Of
God is necessary TO lift up souls to re-
pentance. May II please God to keep this
church as a strong light in this community.
Blessed be the church people that stand
with God. The divine power is present in
those who obey the truth.
Obedience Source of Power.
IT confess that have failed to accom-
plish here what 1 wanted to do. Yet all
these things win be done in Gods time
and IN Gods way. Be true and open
hearted with one another. Let US be true
20 God and true to ourselves. Not that
you have not been true TO me. but have we
been true to God7 II we do not obey His
commands we shall have no power. This
IL not alone true of this church, but It is
true OF many other churches II we
abide in Christ as He abtdes in us, we
can have whatsoever we ask or seek. The
object Of the Christian life is to evangellze
the world.
Finally, my brethren be strong in the
Lord. Touch the divine power through
prayer. DO not be discouraged In this little
church. I know its disbursements more
Nndn you 40. Duuutt - uuI uulllts II gbu
60 down town TO attend the churches there
and send your children to the Sunday
school here you simply divide the family.
IT is dangerous thing to divide the family,
and this is doubly true In the affairs of
the church. This church has a value to
every resident of Dundee This community
Is one Of the most forceful I'm this great
city OF Omaha. We should take more pride
In this church. not merely as an organiza-
ton, but In this building in which we
worship. It is in need Of repairs and paint.
The only way to do 1t is to do It. Take
a new start. See that you have a new
pastor. and that at once
This church has place of high honor
IN the presbytery. II has not been behind
in good work There Is every reason for
future encouragement, but II remains with
yourselves. And now, in conclusion, /
commend you TO God and the work of His
Grace. Go on doing good and may the
grace Of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon
you always. By virtue of the authority
Of the presbytery now declare this pulpit
vacant"