Mountain advocate., 1920-08-20
TRIBUTES TO REV. r. l.. ,CREAI

On Thursday of last week a large
gathering of representative men,
bers of the Baptist Church spent a
most pleasant evening at the par
sonage, surprising Rev. and Mrs. r.
L. Creal, not only with their pre-
sence, but with the most bountiful
refreshments.
The surprise line" gathered un-
der tree near by and marched by
twos upon their pastor, who, In a
bootless condition, was calmly read
ing the evening paper. The evening
was spent in happy joking, and low
ing communion, attesting to the
deep affection in which Mr.. and Mrs.
Creal are held. O..
| On Sunday, August 18th, Brother
Creal preached his farewell sermon
to a large congregation, not only OF
Baptists, but many of the other de-
nominations of the town. 1t was
with difficulty he made this last ad-
dress because of the deep sorrow so
evident among the congregation.
Topic: "The Shepherd Heart Of a
Pastor" He spoke feelingly Of the
love he bears this church and this
people, and how his heart has gone
out to them; and how, in this hour
of his parting, he realized that he is
so beloved by his people that had
they spoken it but a few short days
ago he could not have had the cour-
age to break the ties that so bind
him here. He asked them to be low
ing and loyal toward the man who Is
to follow him here; and in parting.
left with them the Scripture %
found in PHILIPPIANS AS as their aim
At the close OF the service the
deacons asked Mr.. W. F., Amis 10
preside for a few minutes. Then Mr.,
John Parker presented Bro. Croal
in the name Of the Church, with
handsome silver loving-cup, bearing
the following inscription:
Presented by members of Bar
bourville Baptist Church to Rev.
Robert E. Lee Creal, in loving men,
ory of his administration as Pastor.
August Is. 1920"
Mr.. B. E. Parker, speaking for |
the Board of Trustees of B. B. l.,
expressed their gratitude for the
help and inspiration rendered the
school by their pastor. and present
ed him with a handsome leather
travelling bag bearing his name in
gold letters and the following in
scription:
Presented by Trustees of Bar
bourville Baptist Institute, Barbour
vile, Kentucky. 1920"
During these presentations the
ran so high that the men
who were presiding could scarcely
talk for tears. and Bro. Creal asked
their forbearance until he could con-
troll his own tears long enough to
thank them. And in thanking them
he tried to speak Of the help Mrs.
Creal had been to him in his labors
here. of how she had not been able
to accomplish all she so desired for
the people, and to thank them for
her for their loving gifts to- her on.
that day-the anniversary of her
birth. Members of the Church pre-
Sented her with $50 in money and
many handsome gifts office and Hn-]
en- for herself, her 'mother and the
little son. -: ''5agf 4
Never has; THE Baptist Church here
parted with pastor, and hb family
with suchssadhess; !; fasses as sthe
town given lip minisfer withSypch
deep sorrow, tho some fine men vs
Served our churches. Expressions Of
regret are heard on all Stdes, and ws
do not hesitate to sayHhat the very
best of our community are urging
him to stay, or to return;at an early
date land resume his Work herel
But H0:member OF Us church would
deprive him of the highThonor paid
him In, this voluntary offer by the
Baptist Home Mission Board OF this
positioh.,, which makes him one of
the leading men of his denoniina-
Lion in.lh& Southland~., I
Barbouryille Baptist Chafch is
Justly proud of him. ,and. he goes
hence with their prayers following
him, their .loye clinging .cioser be-
cause of the parting"that lis SO hard.
- 4, Contributed.