The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-07-10
REV. bnn. Al
PASTOR Of OLD
FIRST Church.
Worcester, Mass, Clergyman
Coming to Old Bennington
LETTER READ SUNDAY
Acknowledgment of Unanimous Call
from Congregation of Vermont's
Oldest Church Society

Rev. c. f, Hill Crathern of Worces-
ter. Mass, has accepted a call to the
pastorate Of the Old First church on
Town Hill and will begin his pastorate
in the near future Mr.. Crathern has
written the church as follows:
4. Worcehter, Mass, July Z, 1917.
To the Clerk and Members OF the Cor
poration of the First Congregation
al Church Of Bennington, Vermont
My dear Christian Friends:
Last Sunday, July 1st, | learned
from one Of your trustees, Arthur J..
Holden, who had been delegated to
represent you on that occasion, that
you had unanimously invited me to be-
come the pastor OF the First Congrega-
tional church Of Bennington, Vermont.
This information was later con-
firmed by an official statement of par
ticulars from the clerk of the corpora.
ton, George A. Robinson.
In replying to the very gracious in
vitation extended to me, | cannot re-
train from expressing a few impres.
s!ons that have Influenced me in reach
ing favorable decision and In return
ing an affirmative answer.
My first impression was physical.
When came here a few weeks ago
and climbed up into the summer
slories OF this picturesque, hilltop
town. II seemed like Mount Zion,
beautiful for situation. the joy of the
whole earth. think it was a case OF
love at first sight. To one whose ma
tive breath is country air, to be i'm
prisoned in the city is like lettering
an eagle to stake in the ground, or
ponfining a meadow lark within the
limits Of a willow cage. The preacher
is an optimist like the Psalmist, when
hs can say will lift up mine eyes
unto the hills" =.
My second impression was social.
The grace and culture Of the people,
the charming hospitality of the home
life, the peace and refinement every
where apparent and the absence OF
that perpetual hum in the hive of in
dustry that falls like a hammer on
tired nerves were important factors
In determining my course Of action.
Ny third impression was spiritual
The architectural beauty OF the
church, the simple dignity of the Sab
bath service, the quiet and reverential
attitude OF the worshipers; the love
OF things ornate and antique and the
real spirit of devotion and religion
pervading the sanctuary were elo
quently expressive OF the hidden Sc
crets and sources OF divine life ant
powe;
There were other considerations o
course, that seriously influenced me.
When God calls a man to preach h'
calls most effectively through a con
regation. The unanimity OF you
Call" was most persuasive in its ap
peal. The personal solicitation ant
the assurances OF support from tn,
members of your board OF trustees
helped me in no small measure to de
eide the issue The gentle and lovinI
hints OF cooperation from those VIII,
had no authority to speak save in sue
Eestive whispers were not withou
meaning. while even the children, VIII
we're seen but not heard. had voic
In the ultimate decision. To thes
testimonies was added also the tribut
OF your former pastor whose encom
iums OF your love and loyalty wer
most generous and sincere. In cor
frmation OF these many good and SUI
ficient reasons i may mention on
other, that is, the consciousness in m
heart that this call was of God an
that | must not be disobedient to tn
heavenly vision.
In accepting therefore the Call"
become your pastor II is with the hop
and expectancy that a Council
Churches may be convened in the nes
future for the purpose of installatio
or recognition and with the pray'
that together pastor and people ma
concern themselves with the real bus
ness OF the kingdom IN the ministry
the church.
Already my heart is eager and n
hand ready for the work. | come
you as an Ambassador OF Jesus Chri
10 proclaim the Gospel OF the Kin
dom and to uphold the Standard
the Cross
come TO YOU with profound respe
for the glorious traditions OF III
church and with a tender regard (
the memories and associations th
cluster around this historic organic
ton.
come TO you with an affeotiona
venerstion for the devoted pasto
who have labored long and lovingly
the service OF the church.
come to you with the conhden
that your eyes are peering into the
ture as we'll as into the past and IN
you are aa eager to dream of conf