Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1909-03-04
IN HONOR OF RE-
TIRING PASTOR
Friends of Rev. Thomas Barker Give
Farewell Reception in Recognition
of Four Years Faithful Service

OF Four Years F3ithfui service
The farewell reception given to Rev.
Thomas Barker at the Congregational
church last Friday evening was decid-
edly the most pleasant affair OF the
kind that ever took place in Ladysmlth.
1t was fitting recognition of the four
years of rounded out service as pastor
of the Congregational Church of this
city.
The church had been artistically dec
Grated, the seats arranged so as to
make more room, and profusion OF
rugs and sofa pillows giving a drawing
room effect The Booster" Orchestra
composed of High school boys, rendered
some choice selections during the first
half hour while the early arrivals were
engaged in conversation.
After the first six numbers of the
conversational program, City Supt. G..
J. Mccormick was requested to speak
of Mr. Barker's connection with the
Library Doard, of which he has been a
member since it was first organized.
Prof. Mccormick told in his pleasing
manner of Mr.. Barker's activity as one
of the prime movers in the esta blishing
of the public library, before the possi-
bility of library building was sug-
gested When the Carnegie gift was
secured, Mr.. Barker represented the
board on the building committee, and
had much to do with the overseeing of
the construction Of our magnificent
library building. Since then he has
given much of his time to the selection
of books for the library
Mrs. w. T. Rooney, who has faith
fully served as financial agent" for
the church during Mr.. Barker's pastor
ate, told of the material growth of the
organization Four years ago it was
difficult to raise $500 on the pastors
salary; today it is much easier to raise
$3.50. Four years ago there were $50
contributors; today there are 65. An
increased amount is being subscribed
by smaller number-the church is be-
coming self-supporting. Mr. Barker
leaves with his salary paid in full.
Aside from $500 Indebtedness upon the
church building, the society is practi-
cally free from debt. About $500 has
been expended for improvements and
repairs during the past four years and
$400 has been paid on the church debt.
The credit for most of this is due the
Bethany Sisters. Mrs. Rooney also
spoke very feelingly of Mr.. Barker's
work as pastor, the Church, Sunday
school and Christian Endeavor society
being in fiourishing condition.
County Supt. W. N. Mackin told of
Mr., Barker's active work with the
Good Government League, which has
caused him to be severely censured by
some. Mr.. Mackin called attention to
-3he prophets in bible times as justifi
cation for a minister's taking hand in
politics. During the past two years
slot machines have been banished and
saloons closed on Sunday, which is
wholly credited to Mr. Barker's efforts.
Rev. w. o. King of the Christian
Church told of the cooperation and
good fellowship that had existed among
the churches during Mr.. Barker's pas
torate. and expressed the regret of his
people at the separation.
E. M. Worden, as a business man,
expressed his regret at Mr. Barker's
leaving, as he had done more than any
one man forrthe moral uplifting of the
city. He believed that Mr.. Barker had
awakened the public conscience to
stand for better things.
Mrs. T. H. Rote spoke for the w. C.
T. u, telling of Mr.. Barker's advice
and sympathy which aided in the work
of that organization. Mrs. Barker
has also been an active worker.
Miss Mamie Rosenquist gave a vocal
solo, accompanied by Miss Belle Conk-
lin, and the choir of twelve voices sang
an anthem.
\ Mr. Barker in few words expressed