Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-12-13
In Memoriam.

In Memoriam.
There lies today in the little cemetery
at Wimereaux. near Bourgoene, France
the remains of Lieut.. Chaplain Aurenus
T. Howard, 148th u. S. Infantry, A. E. F.
former pastor Of the Baptist Church. Rock
vile.
Suffering with severe attack of bron-
chitis, he was admitted to the Anglo
American Hospital, at Wimereaux, on
November 4th and. inspite Of all efforts to
improve his condition, died on November
5th. He was buried on November 9th,
with full military honors, and he sleeps
today where peoples blow. between the
crosses. row on row. that mark our dead. -
In appreciation of his life among the
citizenship Of Rockville, and as loving
and fitting memorial. the people of this
community. without regard to church affili-
alton. met in great union gathering in
the Baptist Church on Sunday evening last.
December 9Th.
The impression which Rev. Howard made
in this community was attested by the
number, spirit and remarks of those who
were present, and many have been heard
to say that they never before attended
such service.
Those who spoke on this occasion in
cluded DR.. j. W. Duffy. of the Methodist
Church; Dr. John R. Henderson. of the
Presbyterian Church; Rev. o. C. Barnes,
of the Christian Church. and Rev. P. Row.
land Wagner. Of the Baptist Church. Mr.
Clifford H. Robertson read letter sent by
the mother Of Chaplain Howard in answer
to all those letters received by her from
sympathetic friends in Rockville. This let
ter exhibited the beautiful spirit Of his
Christian mother who is trying hard to
reveal the spirit Of springtime tho chilled
by this icy blast which has withered her
beloved son. Those who spoke. and those
who prayed, did not forget the old parents
in the Southland. and many were the tender
and touching illusions made to their genial
character and Christian faith.
DR.. Duffy referred to Brother Howard as
towering mountain peak. covered with
snow, the first to embrace the sun as it
arose and the last to be kissed as it settled
in the West He further affirmed that.
during an acquaintance with clereymen
covering period of fifty years. he had
never known one who surpassed Brother
Howard in depth of spirituality and beauty
of life.
Dr. Henderson emphasized the fact that
Of all beautiful things. the beautiful life
was the most beautiful, and that our Brother
Howard was worth much to the community
because Of his close following and likeness
to the Crystal Christ" He showed that to
be good citizen, man must be good
Christian.
Rev. Mr.. Barnes spoke touchingly of his
close friendship with the deceased and
said that it had always been Brother How
ards wish to live well rather than long"
and that he had certainly carried out the
command of Jesus, that "Whosoever would
save his life must lose it. while whatsoever
would lose his life for Christ would save it. "
Rev. Mr.. Wagner said that Brother How
ards life vas beautifully and strikingly
typified by the carnations which had been
purchased with money collected from low
ing friends and placed by loving hands
beneath the Honor Roll which bore his
name. Carnations are lasting in quality,
just as our Brother Towards memory and
influence will be; as they are snow white.
so he was puro in character like carna-
tons which grow straight toward the sky
drinking in the sunlight, so did he grow
straight breathing in the atmosphere from
purer realms; and like carnations with
their delicate perfume. so this man shed
an influence which permeated and sweet
ened all who came within his circle Of
influence.
These carnations were carefully packed
and shipped to Mrs. Howard by Mrs. Jas.
7. Bogley at the conclusion Of the service.
Another feature of the service was the
placing Of a large gold star on the Church
Service Flag by Miss Everett Stratmyer
while the audience stood at attention. .
This was followed by silent prayer for
Chaplain Towards parents.
Thus did the Christian citizenship Of
Rockville pay their respects TO the memory
of one who desired to be Gods man and
mans man"
What was said was not extravagant,
foolish or vain. but the very truth. The
land. the brllliance Of his attachments. the
blessedness Of his aims must remain I'M
Impaired by the ravages Of time. This
young man was well prepared to live and
thereby best fitted to die. In his dual
capacity as soldier of the U. S. A. and
soldier Of the King Of Kings. he knew no
period Of abatement or decay. living and
striving with continued enerey, like a
young. vigorous plant. to climb higher and
higher into the sunlight. He has sue.
ceeded He is. no victim. but victor and
worthy to receive the highest plaudits Of
men and angels.
mot for fame or reward.
Not for place or rank.
Not lured by ambition.
Or eoaded by necessity;
But in simple
Obedience to duty.
AS he understood il.
This man suffered all.
Sacrificed all,
Dared all-and died"
p. ROWLAND WAGNER