The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-04-01
4 FAREWELL RECEPTION
TO RETIRING PASTOR
A Large Number of Friends Both in and
Out of the Presbyterian Church
Participated Last Evening.

public reception in honor of Rev. and
Mrs. Edgar Grassland was given in the
Presbyterian church last evening, at
which large number of friends, both in
and outside the church, including sew
eral of the ministers of the city, car !,
to join in a farewell to the pastor .
his wife. The early part of the g 80,
was given over to a short prog y in
the auditorium. A piano solo by VIII
liam Morrison, vocal solos by Misses
Nellie Slora and Alice Walker and a
reading by Ruth Armstrong were all
very much enjoyed. The company then
went to the vestry, where social time
was INDUCED in.
At this stage Mrs. Grassland was pre-
sented two silver bread trays, gifts from
the ladies' union, in recognition of her
work in that body and as a token OF the
esteem in which she is held by the WON
en- of the church. Mrs. Grassland re-
sponded fittingly. If she was taken by
surprised, even more surprised was Mr.
Grassland when Rev. j. B. Reardon, rep
resenting the ministers, presented him
sum of money as a testimony of the love
and devotion they hold for him. Mr.
Grassland extended to the ministers his
sincere thanks and recounted the pleas
ure he had derived from the fellowship,
especially in the Monday club. He gave
them invitations to visit him in his new
home in Mattapan, Mass, when they
should be in that locality.
Among others who testified to the es-
TEEN in which Mr.. Grassland is held
was Rev b. j. Lehigh, of the Baptist
church, a near neighbor. He spoke of
close relationship with Mr.. Grassland
and of his willingness to grant favors at
any and all times and he hoped for both
people and ministers pastor who could
measure up to the one leaving Rev r.
Il. Goodspeed of the Congregational
church said that in the short time he
had known Mr.. Grassland he had learned
to love him and that the occasion was
a sad one, in that it was a farewell
party. Ensign Crawford Of the Salvation
Army paid his respects for the coop
GRAFTON and help extended the Army in
its work here. On being called again for
a word, Rev. Mr.. Reardon said he wished
to commend the Presbyterians for the
loyalty to both minister and church. In
his belief they were more loyal than
any other Protestant church and to
this he ascribed much of the success at
tanned by Mr.. Grassland.
The last speaker to be called on was
James Mackay, one Of the elders Of the
church He told of the extent of the
work of the Presbyterian minister and
of how he was revered by not only
church members but by many outside the
church, who had expressed in words to
him their appreciation. He also cred
tied Mr. Grassland with being the only
minister whom he had known to leave
a church to enter field with less sal
axy The church at Mattapan pays less
than does the local church; 1t is heavily
in debt and does not furnish a manse.
It is purely love Of the work and his de-
sire to spend his life for Others that
prompts Mr.. Grassland to take the step.
Mr.. Mackay added that the best wishes
of everyone here would 90 with him and
that he would be equally as successful
as at Barre.
Members of the ladies' union served
ice cream and assorted cake, after which
Mr.. and Mrs. Grassland received each
one personally Although it win be
some time before the household effects
can be moved and placed in order Mr..
Grassland leaves tonight to take up his
duties and will return later to accom-
pany Mrs Grassland and son to their
new home. A previous engagement as
Memorial day speaker at Williamstowu
will be carried out.