The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1920-04-16
FAREWELL IN HONOR OF
REV. AND MRS. MATTSON

The reception rendered Rev. B. G.
Mattson and Mrs. Mattson last Thurs
day evening by the membership of the
Congregational church was attended
by a large representation of the
church, besides which many were pre-
sent representing other congregations.
Entering the church parlors the call
ers were received by DR.. and Mrs. G.
l.. Cramer, DR.. and Mrs. w. E. Ward,
Mr.. and Mrs. Morris Southard and
DR.. and Mrs. Mattson. The time until
about nine o'clock was spent in So
cial converse, after which w. A. Ros-
enkrans, chairman of the board OF
trustees, spoke of the fact that the
reception was in the nature of a
farewell to DR.. Mattson as pastor of
the church over which he has presid-
ed for four and half years so eff
GENTLY, and it was the desire of the
church to make some public express
sion of it's appreciation.
Rev. w. r. Blachford, rector of
Christ Episcopal church, for the coun-
ty ministerial association, spoke most
kindly and appreciatively of. DR.. Matt
son, and the spirit of harmony and
good will that has existed among the
pastors of the city and county, in
which DR.. Mattson has had an import
ant part.
Miss Kate Corlett, superintendent
of the Sunday school, testified to the
deep interest and wise counsel given
by the pastor to the young people, his
interest in their spiritual growth and
development, his zeal in the work of
the Sunday school and other agencies
affecting the life of the youth of the
church and community.
George T. Campbell spoke for the
men of the church and testified to the
universal regard in which the pastor
is held, and of the splendid influence
which he had exerted, some of his
characteristics being his broad SYM
pathies, his intence enthusiasm and
devotion, not only to the cause of the
church but to every good thing that
affected the community.
William A. Seegmiller referred to
the growth and development of the or
ganization under the pastorate of DR..
Mattson, and of the spirit of cooper
alton that existed and which had been
constantly nurtured by the minister.
There was also read letter signed
by several gentlemen with whom DR..
Mattson has made fishing expeditions,
who expressed their regard for their.
associate in terms that greatly pleas
ed the company present.
At this point the ladies' committee
from the Woman's League, consisting
of Mesdames Fred Woodland, S. J..
Morgan and Maud Thompson, had
their say. Mrs. Woodland in a very
gracious manner gave evidence not
only of her personal appreciation Of
DR.. and Mrs. Mattson, but spoke Of
the universal respect and affection in
which they are held. Presenting Mrs.
Maud Thompson, the latter in her
usually graceful manner spoke espe-
cially of the aid and cooperation CIV
en- many departments Of the church
work by Mrs. vMattson. She said she
did not wish to speak of Mrs. Matt
son as an ideal pastors wife-that
| seemed to professionalism rather
she wished to speak of her as true
woman and friend. She then present
ed Mrs. Mattson, in behalf of the
church, purse of gold amounting to
seventy-five dollars, which merely
represented the friendship of the DON
ors. After like purse was also pre-.
sented to DR.. Mattson, with the as.
surance that it but in small measure
betokened the affection in which hi
is held by his parishioners.
Mrs. Mattson responded most feel
ingly, stating she liked the reference
of Mrs. Woodland that the church re-
sembled a large family, and that theil
going away but represented the leav
ing Of one of the family. Their plac,
as a member of the family would bt
retained. She expressed deepest ap
probation of the kindness and helpful
ness of all the friends here. Mr.. Matt
son spoke in a similar strain. Tn,
years passed here have been unusual
and many things have bound hin
closely to the people of the parish
and he expressed his deep appreciation
Of the loyalty and support given hin
in every undertaking.