Norwich bulletin., 1909-11-29
COUNCIL OF DISMISSAL
 AT SECOND CHURCH.
Acts Upon Resignation of pr. Lester L. West-ResoIutions Adopted and Regrets Expressed.

Composed of the pastor and delegate
 rom the Congregational churches of this city, New London and Groton. a
 council of dismissal called at the re-
 quest of Dr. Lester l.. West, pastor of
 the Second Congregational church. as-
 sembled in the Sunday school room of
 the church at two o'clock Saturday
 afternoon. It was called to order by
 Rev. Dr. s. H. Howe, and Rev. James
 w. Bixler of New London was chosen
 moderator. and Rev. E. s. Worcester of
 this city. scribe. The following were
 present: Norwich Town church, Rev.
 G. H. Ewing, George R. Hyde; Second
 church, Edmund A. Prentice, Henry ID. Johnson; Greeneville church, Rev. c. H. Ricketts, William Grove; Broad
 way church, Rev. Edward S. Worces- ter; Park church. Rev. Dr. s. H. Howe, Jonathan Trumbull; Taftville church. Rev. Donald B. MacLane Ennis Pais- ley; New London, First church, Rev. J. Romeyn Danforth, George Whittle- sey; Second church, Rev. J. w. Bixler, P. Hall Shurts; Groton church. Rev. Dr. James R. Danforth.
 Prayer was offered by Rev. J. w. Bfxler, after which Rev. Dr. West made statement relative to the pro- posed dismissal from his present charge to accept a pastorate at Ever cit, Wash, and the record of the ac- ton by the church and ecclesiastical society was read by Henry D. Johnson, church clerk. A committee on resolu- tions was named as follows: Rev. Dr. s. H. Howe, George Whittlesey and Rev. F. s. Worcester, and they re- ported the following:
 In reluctantly consenting to the ter mination of the pastoral relation of Dr.. Lester l.. West with the Second Congregational church. the council desires to put on record its high esti- mate of the ministry he has dis charged to this church, the con1mu- nifty and to the churches of this vi- cinage.
 It would bear testimony to his great. ability as a preacher of the Word; the exceptional originality, freshness and spirituality of his teach ing: to the breadth and thoroughness of his scholarship and literary culture; to the fidelity he brought to the dis charge of all the duties of spiritual leadership and to the generosity with which he gave himself to the de- mands which his brethren laid upon him.
 The council would most heartily commend him to the affection and con 1dence of those to whom he brings so ample an equipment for service and to hAAA IAAdl LC DCdIb WlIn ulu1 the affection and admiration of all those among whom he has labored for the past seven years and that our prayers will follow him that his labors m distant fields may be crowned with more abundant success.
 The council wishes us to express it's with the people of this church in the great loss which they now sustain and it's prayer that they nay be guided by the wisdom of the Ivine spirit to a happy issue and an charging service in the kingdom of )ur Lord, Jesus Christ
 There were expressions of regret at | he intended departure of Dr. West, 1 hose who spoke being Dr. Howe, Rev. 1 ,. H. Ricketts, Rev. E. s. Worcester | md E. A. Prentice of this city, Rev. | !. W. Bixler of New London, pr. J. R. Danforth of Groton and P. Hall | Shurts of New London.
 After the action of the council had | 'een heard by Dr. West. it dissolved, | laving been in session less than an | lour.
 Dr. West spoke for a few minutes, eferring to his deep appreciation of he church and the life in all the hurches of the city meant to him, md of their close relationship. He -lso referred to his sincere regret in lis departure because of the breaking f the many close ties established lere.