The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1911-02-23
REV. ASHLEY A. SMITH.
Accepts Unanimous Call to Bangor.

rBangor Commercial February 14th.]
One of the largest meetings of the
Universalist church parish That has been
held in years, resulted, MONDAY night in
the calling of Rev. Ashley A. Smith,
pastor of the Universallst church at
Belfast, to the pulpit OF the Universal
list church in this city, ana the call was
very enthusiastic one. IL IS under
stood that Mr.. Smith will accept. The
salary which has obtained at the church
in this city is considerable advance
over which the Belfast parish has paid.
The pastor elect is 80 years of age
and was born in Auburn, Maine. His
great popularity as boy, among his
schoolmates, followed him up to man.
hood, and in every surrounding ne has
been favorite with his fellows. After
graduation from the Edward Little High
school of Auburn he entered Tufts col
lege, from which institution he was also
graduated. Choosing the ministry as
his life work he made his first settle
ment in Rockport, Mass, where he met
with great success as a preacher and
pastor from the very beginning.
Twelve years ago Mr.. Smith came to
Maine his native State, and located at
Belfast, where he has since labored with
continued success. During much of this
time he has also supplied in the towns of
Stockton Springs and Swanville. With
old and YOU g alike he has at all times
been most successful worker. Especial
ly, perhaps, is he leader among the
young people of his churches: and in
Belfast the Knights of King Arthur owe
much of their accomplishment to him.
About ten years ago Mr.. Smith be-
came member of Phoenix lodge, F.
and A. M, of Belfast, and since that
time his advancement in the work of
that fraternity has been rapid. In 1909
he was elected deputy grand master of
the grand lodge of Maine, with practical
ly no opposition, and last year came the
advancement to the grand mastership,
which position he now holds. 1t is said
that he is the youngest man who ever
became grand master of Maine in Ma
sonry, and also that he is the first clergy
man who ever held the Office in this
State He was master of Phoenix lodge
during the season Of 1905-1906. He is
past commander of the Palestine COM
mandery, Knights Templar, of Belfast,
and holds the office of grand chaplain in
the grand chapter.
Mr.. Smith was married to an accom-
plished young Massachusetts woman and
they have fine family of five children.
Mrs. Smiths mother, Mrs. Clark, also
makes her home with them and both
have been prominently identified with
church work in Belfast so far as the time
from their home duties permitted
Mr.. Smith is a man widely read in the
best literature and is a lover of the great
poets from which he quotes literally in
his sermons. He is broadminded and
thoroughly posted on current matters,
but discreet and modest in his demeanor.
not given to exploiting fanciful theories
in religious or civic life. He is compan-
ionable with men and ever ready to as
sist the women in the work of the church
or for betterment of the community.
Probably no pastor III Belfast for years
has been held in higher respect and ad-
miration than Mr.. Smith. On his coming
to Bangor it is confidently expected that
he will meet with immediate recognition
as man we'll qualified in every respect
to carry on the work of the church here.