The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-02-27
NoRrHFrELD's NEW PASTOR.
Rev. George +. Fortier Assumes the
Passionate Of the Universalist Church
March /.

Mortified, Feb 27.--Rev. George r.
Fortier, who will assume the passionate
Of the Mortified Universalist parish on
March |, was born in Somerville, Mass
May 10, 1874. His early education was
obtained in the public schools Of that
city and in 1897 he was graduate from
Tufts college with the degree Of $. T. B,
Immediately upon ordination, Mr.. For
tier took charge of the Uniyersalist par
ish at Pigen Cove, Mass. remaining there
/ for six years. Taking the parish at q
time when il seemed a. II 1t was az its
lowest ebb, his pastorate in this little
town by the sea was very successful.
During his stay there, the parish was
entirely freed from the debt which rested
upon il, the church property was placed
| in a state of thorough repair, and all
departments of the parish were placed
upon a sound basis. During the six
years, q members were admitted to the
church.
In March, 1908, Mr.. Fortier came to
Vermont TO become pastor of the hiss
toric society at Bethel. Here he remained
for four years, again enjoying a sue
cessful pastorate. During his administra-
ton, A members were admitted TO the
church in this parish.
The parish at 81. Albans was the next
field OF labor undertaken. Mr.. Fortier
found this parish labo.ing under the
unfavorable conditions brought about by
the changing population Of the railroad
city and weakened by nearly years
interim between pastorates. The indebt.
edness which rested upon the parish was
discharged soon after the opening Of the
new pastorate and the efforts of the par.
ish were directed toward the celebration
Of the 5Oth anniversary Of its organiza-
ton and the 25th anniversary OF its
church building This affair, including
the entertainment OF the state Univer-
salist conventions for FIVE days, was car
ried through successfully, a permanent
memorial Of the occasion being given the
society in the large memorial window
donated by Miss Helen Ranlett of New
York During the pastorate the church
property and the parsonage have been
put in a thorough state of repair. Eight
members were admitted TO the church
during this pastorate.
Mr.. Fortier is a thorough believer in
the social life OF church and community,
He believes that il is the pastors priv
lege to extend his influence outside of
church circles in every legitimate way.
AT Pigeon Cove, be was the representa-
tive Of the village In several town Offices,
At Bethel, be was member OF the
school board for three years. At st.
Albans, he has been one Of the little
band of three clargymen who have en-
deayored to broaden the community re-
ligious life and who have been instru-.
mental in the bringing about Of thor
oughly healthful spirit Of brotherhood
among the churches by the holding Of
constant union meetings between the
Congregational, Baptist and Universalist
societies. He il member of Franklin
lodge, r. a. A. NJ, Whitney chapter, r.
A. NJ, Ocean View lodge, No. 81, X. OF
r., and Bethel lodge, No so, !. O. Q. +.
The UniversaIist society feel that they
have been fortunate in securing Mr.. For
tier as their pastor and his past record
as a public spirited citizen will make
him welcomed BY all good citizens, ire
spective of church Affiliations.