Imperial Valley press., 1929-03-27
REV. GEORGE A. HARTMAN
He is gone from Is.


The man whom all FL Centre loved, whose life
as clean and as wholesome the blue sky of his own
dear valley has been called to the home of the Heavenly
Father he served so faithfully during his life.
It is hard to believe that his sunny smile will be
more that his CHEEKY salutation stilled for
ever that his firm and manly handcasp has been Civ
for the last time
Had he only performed the duties of pastor of the
First Presbyterian church, Dr. Hartmans death would
be severe loss to Ell Centre. His field extended far
beyond the limits of his congregation beyond the
fines OF this city and beyond the boundaries of I'M
peria Valley.
He belonged peculiarly to all of Ell Centro Men
OF all religious Beliefs of particular belief
who differed with him in politics upon civic matters
who tranSgreSsed the law or who upheld it; the
lcwly and the high all these not only knew and re-
spected him = they loved him. There is other
word IN our language to express their feeling toward
him.
The anxious inquiries during his illness, and the
sincere expressions of grief since he passed away tes
fy to the love Of his feowmen. The eyes of many
who stood unfnchngy before death the battlefield
have been dmed by the mist OF tears at learning that
DOC" had Gone West" They had heard him many
time. use the familiar phrase at the funeral of
comrade. Now it applied to him, and many VINO
prayed only when he led them in prayer, breathed a
silent one for him.
DR.. Hartman's sincerity was an outstanding char
acterlstic. Whether he delivering the Word of
God from his pulpit; lending his support to- oppos
ing matter Of civic interest," taking part in some
community activity men knew he meant just what he
said and was true to himself in all things.
His gentleness and fairness matched his sincerity
he recognized the fraty and weakness of human ma
ture and generous in making allowances for them
Sometimes he chided but it was as a father dealing
with erring child. Out and wickedness he flayed
as courageousy the Master flayed the money chang
ers IN HIS temple, yet always thought of him as
feeling more sorry for, than angry at the wilfully
wicked.
Following the guidance Of his own conscience he
recognized the right of other to do likewise In
tolerance and bigotry alien to him. Proestants
of all denominations, Catholics, Jews and followers of
other religions, accorded their right to worship
as they believed. He pracced in his daily life and
IN leading his congregation his belief in the Fatherhood
of Gcd and the Brotherhood of Man.
1t was privilege to know him and to love him
over period of several years. We valued his friend
ship most highly and cherished as one of cur happest
associations in Ell Centre. Our occasional meetings
always left US feeling little kindly disposed to-
ward our fellcWman because of his inspiration: little
more deslrous OF being better because of his example
To US it seems fitting that the end of such beau
nful Christian life should at time when all
CHRISTIANS are about to commemorate the death of the
Master IN whose footsteps he sought diligently and
so earnestly to follow. And glorious resurrection
followed that death picture our dear friend
giorlousIy joining those who have gone before him
and patiently waiting 10 welcome those who receive the
call 10 follow him.
The grief of his loved ones is sacred to them and
can not be shared by the many who would so WILLINGLY
relieve them OF portion of their burden Yet their
sorrow must be lightened somewhat by the beautiful
thought ne himself so often expressed Death is but
the gateway to life everlasting"
He IS gone from Us, but his spirit remains forever
enshrlned in the memory and the hearts of those who
knew and loved him.