Norwich bulletin., 1912-05-27
COLUMBIA PASTOR ORDAINED.
Rev. Elliott Q. Foster Fourteenth Min tster in Charge of Congregational Church, Which Was Organized in 1720.

The Bulletins Columbia correspen- dent writes:
 The exercises in connection with the ordination of Elliott Ormon Foster passed off successfully Friday at the Columbia Congregational church. At the morning session the council was called to order by Rev. Nestor Light of South Coventry. MT. Light was elected moderator of the council. Rev. J. R. Lockett of Andover was elected scribe. Prayer was offered by the moderator.
 Credentials of the delegate were ex- amined. The church records in regard to the call extended to MT. Foster and MT. Posters acceptance of the same were, read by A. A. Latham, clerk of the church
 The candidates credentials and rec concentrations from Amherst college, Hartford Association of Congregation al Ministers, Hartford Theological seminary and the former pastor of the First Congregational church of Danvers, Mass. were presented, after which the candidate gave his theologi- cal and religious views and beliefs in an able paper.
 The members of the council ques- toned the candidate concerning his views on certain points. all of which questions were well and satisfactorily answered.
 The council then held an executive session, and shortly after reported that the qualifications of the canidate for the ministry were eminently satisfac- tory.
 Adjournment was then taken and dinner served by the ladies in the town building.
 Afternoon Exercises.
 TN afternoon exercises commenced at 2S0 The sermon, by Rev. J. R. L0ciett, was an able one-right to the point and full of valuable suggestions; so also was the charge to the pastor, by Rev. Alexander Merriam of Hart ford, and the charge to the people by Rev. MTs Adams of Cliftonville Mass.
 Rev. SsstOr Light extended the right hand of fellowship in a pleasant and cordial manner The ordination pray CT by Rev. Mr. Beard of Willimantic was earnest and impressive
 TheI weather was all that could be desirdh and the attendance was large.
 Last Ordination in 1850.
 It is many years since an ordination has taken place here, the last being on June II. 1850, when Father Avery was ordained and became pastor of the church in Columbia, a charge which he held more than 45 years.
 An Ancient Church.
 The church in Columbia was organ ized in 1720. The first pastor was Samuel Smith, settled in 1720, resigned 1724. The second was William Gayer held the pastorate about ten years, resigned in 1735. The third was Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, called in 1735, dis missed in 1770. Fourth pastor was Thomas Broadway, called in 1772, held the pasterate 35 years. Fifth pastor was Rev. Thomas Rich, installed In 1911, dismissed in 1877. Sixth was Rev, William Burton, ordained here in ISIS, dismissed in 1919. Seventh was Rev. David Dickinson, installed in 1920, dismissed. in 1887. Eighth was Rev. Charles Kittredge, ordained here in 1889, dismissed 1S41. Ninth was Rev James W. Woodward, installed in 1S42, dismissed in 1S4S Tenth was Rev. F. D. Avery, who was ordained here in 1850 and held the pastorate for more than 45 years. Eleventh was Rev. J. P. Harvey, called in 1896, and held the pastorate for ten years. The Twelfth pastor was Rev. W. A. Shelton who remained here about two and one-half years. The thirteenth pastor was Rev ". H. Harris. who held the charge about one and one-half years and resigned in 1910. Since then the church has been without pastor until MT. Foster accepted the call extended to him last winter. Thus. he becomes the fourteenth pastor of the Columbia church.