Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-09-07
Rev. Webster Woodbury..

The death of Rev. Webster Woodbury.
on Tuesday, Aug. "a, at the Framing
ham (Mass.) Hospital, from the shock at
tendsnt upon surgical operation, was
received with deep sorrow by his many
friends in Maine, and especially in Ok
ford County, where be spent his earlier
DAYS, preparing for Bowdoin College,
from which he graduated in 1864. After
this followed period of teaching, then a
course at Bangor Theological Seminary.
After entering the ministry he married
Hulda Deuison of Norway in 1868, and
began his first regular pastorate at
Asbfield, Mass This was followed by a
pastorate of ten years at Skowhegan,
and pastorates at Foxboro, Mass, and
Mauch Chunk, Pa.
While here the older son, Harold, died
of typhoid fever, and Mr.. Woodbury.
came back to New England, settling in
Milford, Mass. Again he and Mrs.
Woodbury. were called TO pass through a
great sorrow, in the death from diph-
liberia of their only remaining child,
Clarence, who had just entered Harvard
College.
For time Mr.. Woodbury. continued
his work with rare fortitude, all the time
growing desrer to his church and people,
but failing health compelled him to give
up active pastoral duties.
He and Mrs. Woodbury. nine years ago
made their home at South birmingham,
and he has been called to supply
churches made vacant by removal or
death of the pastor in Winchester, Cam
bridge, Taunton, Natick, birmingham
and many places, and from churches,
friends and neighbors, has come the
most loving tribute to bis faithful, un-
selfish. Christian ministry. He belong
ed to Grace Church in birmingham, was
trustee of the hospital and promi-
nent member of the board of trustees.
DR.. Lewis Palmer of birmingham
says: 81 have known the Rev. Webster
Woodbury. for the past twenty years,
and to have known intimately such a
rare man will be one of the sweetest
memories of my life." Dea. Thompson
of Grace Church says of him: "A man
of rare kindness of heart and sound
Judgment. A man always cheerful,
radiating helpful atmosphere" 4
close neighbor says: 1.-The life of Rev.
Webster Woodbury. in our American
citizenship was lofty and inspiring
standard, worthy the emulation of the
very best in our country"
And SO from all who know him and
were brought in closest daily contact,
comes the testimonial to his deep
spiritual nature. He preached in Cam
bridge Aug. 18th, and was to fill the
pulpit at Foxboro on Sunday, the 22d,
but looking forward to the operation
which the specialist, DR.. Mixter, of Bos-
ton, had few days previous assured
him was necessary, be cheerfully laid
aside his active work until he could take
it up with renewed strength. 1t was
otherwise decreed, but the influence of
his life will ever be felt as an Inspiration
to those who have come under his min
istry, and a benediction to those aching
hearts to whom he has carried comfort.
Mr.. Woodbury. was born in Sweden
April 20, 1S4l, the son of the late Judge
Enoch and Sally (KimbalD Woodbury..
He leaves one brother, Wesley X. Wood
bury, Esq, Of Pottsville, Pa, aud two
sisters, Mrs. Francetta Purington and
Mrs. Emma Chandler of Bethel, to
mourn his loss, and a widow, for whom
his tender care and ministry has been a
most touching example of unseltish de-
votion.
The body lay in state at Grace Church,
birmingham, from to 9 o'clock Wed
nesday. when large number OF friends
from birmingham, Milford, and sur
rounding towns came 10 pay last
tribute of respect At 8 in the evening
a short service was held in the church,
Rev. Charles Brooke of Wellesley Off
ciating. Thursday, the remains were
brought to South Paris accompanied by
Mrs. Woodbury., W. K. Woodbury., Esq
Mr.. Emericb, Mrs. Emerich, Mr.. Avery
from Milford, and his pastor, Rev.
Charles II. Daniels, ID. ID.
Funeral services were held at South
Paris at the home of Hon. James S.
Wright, whose wife is cousin, the Rev.
DIR. Daniels officiating, who paid q loving
tribute as pastor and friend. The burial
was at Pine Grove Cemetery, Norway,
where the body now rests beside his
sons.
The deepest sympathy for the widow
and relatives is expressed by a very
large circle Of friends, who feel also a
sense of personal loss in the death of this
beloved friend and minister. There
were beautiful floral tributes from the
trustees of the hospital with which he
was associated, and many other friends,
expressions OF love and sympathy.