New Britain herald., 1924-12-01
Rev. Henry w. Maier Tells Congregation III Health Makes It Ad- visable For Him To Retire.
Was Ordained to Ministry Nearly 32 Years Ago and Once Roamed Prairies as Sunday School Teacher.

The resignation of Rev. Henry w Maier. as pastor of the First church of Christ, Congregational, was read to the congregation yesterday by Judge W. C. Hungerford. clerk of the church.
 The resignation came as a surprise and shock to the majority of those present, although the fact that 1t was in contemplation was sensed by a few for several days last week.
 Rev. Mir. Maier had planned to continue his activities as pastor of the church, which is one of the largest in the city, until he reached the age of 60 years. which would be fin August, 1926, but his health has forced his resignation sooner than he hoped.
 The letter, which Is as follows, was read by Judge Hungerford withou, tion would be taken at this time. "To the First Church of Christ, New
 Britain,
 From the Pastor, Henry W. Maler,
 "Greetings:-
 Consulting physicians have de- cided that I, your pastor, should not longer continue my labors with you. Some of the after effects of the &C., cdent through which I passed five years ago are such that 1t makes 1t expedient that I should relinquish my work.
 '"The interest of the church, which requires the full strength of man who can give unimpaired service. makes it necessary that 1-should re- sign as pastor of the First church.
 II therefore present to you, through the clerk of the church, my resignation as pastor, to take effect at the church's convenience.
 T cannot refrain from thanking you, the members Of the church ana congregation for your unfailing goodness, kindness, cooperation ana helpfulness during the almost eigh- teen years that we have been to- gether.
 May the blessing of God rest upon you and your always.
 Your Pastor,
 HENRY W. MAYER"
 No Action Taken on Letter
 No action was taken on the letter yesterday, but 1t will be acted upon at meeting of the congregation soon. The date has not yet been set,
 MT. Maire has long record of ac- five life in the ministry. He was born Tn Seneca Falls. New York. August 8. 1866. He received his early educa- ton in the Seneca Falls school, gra- duating from the high school of that town and spending the next five years in the employ of a general store. To his mercantile experience he attributes many valuable features Of his early education.
 Ordained in 1893
 Leaving the grocery business he entered Hamilton college and later Syracuse university, graduating in 1893 from the Auburn Theological seminary. On April 19, 1893 he was ordained to the ministry at Oaks Corners, in the town of Phelps, New York. A singular coincidence In this connection Is the fact that his ord nation took place 1S5 years to the very day after the first meeting of what later was to become his charge, the First Congre egational church of New Britain. This was the first reli- glous organization In New Britain.
 Tn 1891 Mir. Maire went west as a "Sky pilot" and labored for five months among the Indians and cow boys of South Dakota and Wyoming While not employed as cowboy, he rode horse back from one ranch to
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