The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-01-30
lNEW PASTOR AND WIFE
WELCOMED TO BARRE
Rev. and Mrs. r. o. Hokerk of Univer.
salist Church Were rendered
Reception Last Night

| In the vestry of the Uniyersalist
church last evening the clergy OF the
churches of Barre, the members of the
Universalist parish and others gathered
to meet and welcome Rev. and Mrs.
F. o. Hokerk, the former of whom has
come as pastor of the Universalist
church. At 1880 the doors of the yes
try were thrown open and as the guests
arrived they were introduced to the
newcomers to the church. For more
than an hour social time was enjoyed,
that time being spent in visiting and
renewing acquaintance.
|. A little before 0 o'clock selections by
| the Goddard orchestra opened short
program which had been arranged by
the committee. Then followed several
vocal selections and readings. George
Mackay rendered the first of the vocal
numbers, and was called upon for an
other song, which he gave. This was
followed by reading which took very
well, being given by Mrs. William Lii
lie. Miss Henrietta Inglis also gave
two very pleasing vocal solos. Then
the orchestra retired and DIR. O. X.
Hollister took few minutes in intro
ducing Rev. r. L. Goodspeed, telling of
the cooperation of the clergy in Barre
and how they had always wasked hand
in hand in pursuing their ministry in
the place. He then introduced DIR.
Goodspeed, who had been given the
privilege of welcoming the newcomer
to the city and who kept the floor only
a few minutes.
DIR. Goodspeed gave few remarks
about the ministerial work in Barre
and spoke very Interestingly in wei
coming the church workers to Barre.
He said that it was a pleasure for him
to have the privilege of welcoming
them to the church work in Barre. He
welcomed them with great heartiness
and said that he was sure that the
ministers of the city were ready to
work hand in hand with him. He re-
lated several stories which were to the
point and brought a wave of laughter
over the company. He spoke of Rev.
j. b. Reardon's welcome to him when
he came to the city of Barre. He said
that the Barre people were good to
work among, but were not good because
they went to church, but were good in
spite of the churches. In closing, he
congratulated the church on its fortune |
in securing Rev Mr. Hokerk for the |
pulpit in the Universalist church, and |
that he thought that the fellowship OF |
the people of Barre would be a delight |
to him.
Dr. o. X. Holister spoke next repre-
senting the Universalist society, and |
welcoming Rev. and Mrs. Hokerk from |
that society. He said il was a happy |
duty to welcome minister to the Uni
versalist society of Barre and related
some interesting but general facts
about the Barre people that would be
helpful to the new clergyman, and one
of these was the fact that Barre had
few, if any, people who are not work
ers. either in business, profession or oc-
cupation. and that the place had very |
few retired people. He expressed it
that he was glad to have the pulpit
filed as soon as this and assured the
OF the loyalty Of tho brother
clergymen of the city; and he men
toned that he and the society would
look 10 him for great service among the
people in the parish.
DIR. Hollistcr asked Rev Mr.. Hokerk
IL he had any word to say and Rev.
Hokerk responded, saying that he had
many words to say. In beginning his
response to the clergyman's welcome,
he pleasingiy asserted his interest in
Barre and spoke of the desire Mrs.
Hokerk had had to come 10 Barre for
some time He thanked DIR. Goodspeed
and DIR. Hollistcr for their pleasant re-
marks in welcoming them 10 the city
and parish. In the course Of his re-
sponse he spoke of his Dutch ancestry.
Rev. Hokerks response was marked
with vein of humor bnt at the same
time showed a sincere interest," Tn the
people of Barre and in the parish.
At the close of his talk. social hour
was declared. The orchestra was re-
luested to give another number. after
which refreshments were served by the
ladies' union of the church. The com
mittee who had charge of the siiair
we're Mr. and Mrs. w. 6. Reynolds, Nh.
and Mrs. Floyd G. Russell. MIR. and
Mrs. W. 4. Drew. Mr.. and Mrs. j.. NJ.
Tobin. Mr.. and Mrs George Kent and
William Duthie. This committee also
acted as the introduction committee
iuring the evening.