Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1922-09-27

J. J. HUTCHINSON,
G. J. PETERSON,
Committee.
Wednesday evening from z o'clock
until late in the night steady stream
of people flowed into the church from
the city and surrounding country to
extend to the pastor and his wife
their kindest greeting and we'll
wishes. Music was furnished by a
select orchestra during the evening.
The guests were received by a COM
mittee of the church at the door and
their wraps were laid in the audito-
rum pews. The church was beauti-
fully decorated with autumn flowers,
and light refreshments were served.
Rev. and Mrs. Edwards were assisted
in receiving by Mr.. and Mrs. Clarence
Richmond.
Late in the evening Robert Clement
the church clerk, called the company
to order, and made a feeling address
to the pastor, not forgetting to in
clude Mrs. Edwards. in his remarks.
The speaker was several time near
ly overcome in his "reminiscences, and
| there were many wet eyes in the
company during the reading and at
its close.
There are times in life's experience
when duty calls us to perform acts
! which bring forty mingled emotions
of joy and sadness and it has come
to be my lot tonight to perform such
| duties. There is a feeling of sadness
when we think that we have this
afternoon been separated as pastor
and people. But there is also note of
! joy in what | have to say because of
the fact that your service among US
has been of such a character that we
can look back-with pleasure upon the
days that have passed and remember
the kind acts that have been your
privilege to perform.
We note that many of these acts of
service have not been confined to your
own church constituency but have
been directed toward the community
at large and many are those who
! testify to your sincere interest in
their welfare
1t is not necessary to enumerate or
enlarge upon this matter for these
things are too we'll known.
Some days ago you referred in your
sermon to the fact that many people
| had spoken words of appreciation to
you since it became known that you
were about to leave us and also quot
ed the passage of scripture. "Woe
unto your when all men shall speak
we'll of you" saying that you hoped
you had made some enemies during
your pastorate. That you have we
know tto be a fact and for this we
are truly grateful for they were made
while taking a firm stand on moral
issues which if allowed to go I'M
1 challenged would have seriously I'M
dermined the life of the community.
One thing definite I would refer to
is that during your pastorate you
have received into the fellowship of
the church 123 people on confession
of faith and 80 by letter and a fitting
climax to your closing days of labor
with us as a pastor, came last Easter
ever received into the church at one
time. The events of that day are
stamped indelibly on our minds and
the memory of them will always be
most pleasant.
These few words however poorly
expressed are intended to convey to
you the appreciation of all your
friends who have found your kind
words and deeds comfort and your
messages an inspiration.
/ We would take this opportunity to
say word of appreciation for Mrs.
Edwards for her acts of charity and
kindness like you, are better known
to those who have been benefited
| thereby and it is for them that
speak this word
And now we wish to express our
appreciation in more tangible form.
| Gifts like words are barren unless
with it is extended the true spirit.
Please accept this gift which carries
with it is extended the true spirit.
your work and life among US. May
God bless you and keep you and make
His face to shine upon you and may
the years to come be fruitful in his
| service.
Mr.. Clement closed his address by
presenting Rev. Mr.. Edwards on be-
half of the church and friends a purse
/ of 1910. Mr.. Edwards feelingly res
ponded. showing much emotion, de-
clared that Newport was his home
and he hoped to come back some time
! and stay alwaysA He however, gave
the church some excellent advice con-
corning it's attitude toward the next
pastor URGING them not to love him