The Monticellonian., 1917-12-14
A LETTER FROM REV. T. 0. OWEN

l came to Monticello two years ago, having been assigned to this place by the Conference which met in this city at that time. My labors during these years have been constant and unceas- ing with only the thought of pleasing God and extending his kingdom in the community. 1 came from a good town where l might have remained to the satisfaction and pleasure of our splendid church there.
 These have been two years of some achievements, and in some respects two of the best of my g years of ministerial life. I will let the public decide whether my ministry in Monti- cello has succeeded or failed.
 Our Sunday School doubled in en- rollment, totaling 505 during 1916, and 501 in 1917, fully reaching the stan dard of efficiency, with all depart ments organized, and contributing over 5000 for all purposes. Our Busy Mems" Class enrolled about 50 during the time.
 Our church had no Epworth League, nor had had for years. Through the efforts chiefly of my wife, the unpaid and often unthanked member of the firm, and sometimes maligned, we have reached more than 100 of our best young people and had them in training for our Master. The League has now an enrolment of 65.
 Mrs. Owen as leader has enrolled over 50 in the Young Peoples Mis- sionary Society.
 The Woman's Missionary Society has kept up it's good record by report ing nearly $800.00 for their past years work.
 160 members have been added to the church in two years.
 The pastor reported $17,060 raised for all purposes during 1917, and $21,- 078 for the two years.
 More than a 1000 visits were made by the pastor during the two years in the homes of the people, to members, sick, and strangers. He has been with his people, WHEN CALLED UPON, in the sweet and sad places of life to marry their living and bury their dead. This is hard, and yet most delightful task for any pastor who loves his people. He has not spent his time lettering on the streets of this nor any other town.
 Our splendid Mid-week Service has had an average attendance of 50 for the two years, instead of the small emphasis placed on this important service heretofore.
 Our great church property worth 10000 is now practically without debt, and this strong organization should look beyond itself to the achievement of something worth while It was my genuine desire, with our property freed from debt, to help our people get vision of something big and be- yond themselves. To be self-centered is to die To others will be assigned this task. There are "a few" who seem to think that others are better equipped for the task. That may be true. For fair test, however, let the records be noted.
 The man who succeeds me is no stranger to Monticello and Drew county. He is not the same boy, Richmond, whom you once knew, but a salendidly equipped, and as well trained man as the best college and university in the country can pro- duce. Rally to his leadership and help and make his efforts success. Every one should feel that the pastors sue cess or failure is his own. Do not stand off and find fault. Make up your minds now to keep him four years. That can be done by brother ly, christian cooperation. It hurts both pastor and church to be forever changing.
 We go to another field. Our prayers will continue here. We love not only Methodist but all good people whose aim is to bring in the Lords King dom. Many of that sort abide here.
 I want to thank the local papers for their willingness to cooperate in every plan for the uplift of our town and county.
 An outgoing pastor,
 T. o. OWEN.