Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-09-25
FAREWELL SERMON OF
DR.. l.W.R, SUMWALT
Grace Pastor to Leave Whining
ton and Take Up Work
in New York.

DR.. John w. r. Sumwalt. D. D., who
has resigned as pastor OF Grace NJ. E.
Church. and win take up his new
duties az associate director OF the
West Side Y. NJ. c. a.. New York City,
on October /. preached his farewell
sermon In Grace Church last night,
basing his theme upon the Old Testa-
ment story Of the separation CT Lot
and Abraham.
Lots choice was the easy road that
leads TO the city of mediocrity," said
DR.. Sumwalt. Abraham, he added,
took the road over the mountains and
into the rough places. but God used
him in n great work, and made his
life an example of strength and
character attained by living up to
ones ideals. 1t is by doing the dis
agreeable things that are necessary
that strong character is built up. he
said. ,-..
During the four years Of his
ministry at Grace Church. DR.. Sum-
walt stated he had tried to preach to
the young men of the church the
need of a strong. earnest, purposeful
life. He expressed his appreciation of
the aid given him in his work by his
assistants. Rev. Herman Mckay and
Miss Bessie Bennett,
No successor has yet been appointed
TO DR.. Sumwalt. For the present, DR..
+. Watson Hannah Of Drew Seminary.
Madison, n. j., will supply for the
church.
At the meeting OF the Wilmington
NJ. 4. Preachers Association today
the following was adopted:
The members OF this association
have heard with regret that DR.. John
w. r. Sumwalt, for several years a
member Of this Association Is TO sever
his connection with this Association to
take up work in New York City. We
desire 20 record our high appreciation
OF the work and worth of our brother
during his stay among us. His men,
hership in the Wilmington Preachers
Association has been helpful and slim
ulatiRg. DR.. Sumwalt wac always
ready 10 respond to every call made
upon him and none among lis was
more regular in attendance upon our
weekly gatherings. His uniform court
esy and brotherly regard did much 10
contribute 10 the comfort and profit
of the members Of the Association. We
wish also 10 put on record our esti-
mate Of his helpful influence in the
city of Wilmington, both in church
and civic matters. His courage and
devotion 20 all that made for right
eousness AMI RICH. living. were I'M
questioned. He allied himself with
every good and helpful cause nor did
he hesitate 10 rebuke the wrong and
support the right to the limit Of his
ability.
I'VE shall miss his fellowship. We
shall miss his presence and service
We deem it most fitting that our board
OF curators have upon the occasion
az his last Monday with us given him
a place on our weekly program. We
at the same time express anew oul
appreciation Of the man, when we
voice our appreciation OF his closins
address. We crave for him the contin.
ued approval OF the Heavenly Father
and pray that in the great field o.
Christian endeavor 10 which oui
brother goes Divine aid may attend
his efforts"
The regular meeting of the Netho
dis, Preachers Association. held II
Grace Church House, today, took The
form OF q farewell meeting, it beinE
the last 10 be attended by DIR. Sum
walt.
DR.. Sumwalt made a brief address
in which he spoke with regret of sew.
sring his association with the mem
bers az the organization. HIS subjec
was Has the Church OF God IN,
Message For Today" Addresses /.
response were made by Rev. Rooer
Watt, district superintendent: Rev
z. W. Wells. pastor of Wesley Church
Rev. Adam Stengle and others. all o
whom spoke in highest praise Of d.
Sunawalt.
Rev. r. p. Nichols, formerly Of tn
Smyrna Church. who has become sec
rotary OF Sunday school work in tn
Wilmington Conference, made som
remarks.
Il was decided TO ask DR.. T. Wat
son Hanlan, D. D. Of Drew Seminary
Madison. y. j., who Will act as sup
ply for Grace Church for the present
10 address the meeting next Monday
While nc announcement has bee
made regarding the appointment c
q pastor for Grace Church, il is IN
derGtood that the pastoral committe
has several names under consideration