Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-03-05
PRAISE PASTOR
IN RESOLUTION
BAPTIST CONGREGATION Ex-
PRESSES GRATITUDE TO REV. G.
W. cHessmAN ON FOURTH AN
NlVERSARY or LEADERSHIP.

KEY. george washington CheSSman,
pastor OF the First Baptist church,
yesterday celebrated his fourth ami
yerSary as leader OF the local flock.
Fitting services concentrating the
event were conducted during the day,
at all OF which large attendances
proved to the popular pastor that his
faithful leadership was appreciated by
lis congregation.
A resolution praiSilg Mr.. Chessman
and his good wife was read into the
church records, i'll which great and
worthy plaise was given. The resolu-
ton follows.
Whereas, Today commentaries
the fifth anniversary Of the beginning
of the pastorate Of our beloved broth
er, "a. W. Chessman, it has been
thought fitting that the First Baptist
Church OF Ottawa, ILL.,, give expression
TO the high esteem in which our broth
er is held, not only by the member
ship of the church, but by the resi-.
dents of the city of Ottawa regardless
of churci. affiliations. And
Whereas, We have as church en-
joyed four pears Of unusual prosper
ity, and unexampled harmony,
brought about by the indefatigable
efforts of our pastor and the exercise
OF his unusual tact and skill in meet
Ing problems that necessarily confront
every pasetor And ....
Whereas. He has assumed and dis.
charged the duties deyolving upon 4
pastor OF church OF this size in a
city of twelve thousand people. which
demand almost constant contributions
OF personal service. wholly outside Of
his church work, and notwithstanding
all his work in the pulpit has not only
maintained the high standard Of ex-
cellence with which he commenced
but has steadily grown until today he
is regarded as one OF the strongest
gospel preachers OF the denomination.
And,
Whereas. His ability as a pastor
and preacher has been recognized by
other churches. and strong appeals
carrying with them flattering offers
OF increased salary have been made
to him, yet he has remained unmOveo
! by all these on being assured by his
brethren that his removed at this
time would be little short Of calam.
ity to church and city. Therefore be It
Resolved, In view Of the splendid
and always acceptable, services OF
our brother Chessman as pastor and
preacher for four years past; that we,
the members OF the Ottawa Baptist
church and congregation hereby ex-
press, and desire to convey, our abso.
lutte confidence in him as minister
OF the gospel of Christ. That we here.
by pledge anew our unfailing loyalty
to him as our pastor and, God help
ing us, we will strive to be more
faithful in the future than we have
been in the past in discharging the
duties devolving upon us as Christian
men anu WOHcH.
We cannot close without expressing
our appreciation Of Mrs. Chessman as
an ideal minister's wife, and splen.
did Christian woman always on duty.
At Presbyterian Church.
Sunday was an ideal day for church
attendance The large number Of
adults in the Sunday school was very
noticeable. The Washington Day pro.
gram was very instructive and inter-
esting.
Rev. Dr. Gerritt Verkuyl, the district
superintendent of Religious education
in the Presbyterian churches. was an
unexpected visitor at the Sunday
school and the morning worship.
Rev. Mr.. Vonckx spoke on Steward
ship in the morning, in part he said.
Responsibility opportunity. pttyil-
edge and greater and brighter future
are all wrapped up in stewardship.
Stewardship refers to something
entrusted and a service expected.
"All creation belongs to God; we
are His possession. But we are not
mere property. we are Gods stew
ards, to use His earthly property &C.
cording to His will.
Money is Gods gift to us to be us
cd under His direction. Two principles
should guide us In all expenditures
First. every dollar should pay Its toll
4 in blessing to the physical, mental.
( mortal or spiritual Of man, This
would exclude all Improbable things,
and inasmuch as we all are desirious
OF efficiency 1t becomes necessary to
prevent waste. The second principle
the expenditure of money should be
according to the possibility Of bless.
ing. Having taken care OF all neces.
sary expenses the other calls for mon.
icy should be arranged in order Of pre-.
cedence according to their Importance.
As we consider the work Of Christianl-
ty through the centuries we see the
church as the most important institu.
ton Of earth, with its salvation for
body, soul and spirit; Its enabling Of
character, It's mission OF, love to the
starving peoples I the earth, and Its
enlightenment forr the peoples handi.
capped by the domination OF heather
religions. In view of this unsurpassed,
unequallcd work of the church. reason
demands that It be given first place IN
our time. service and gifts OF money.