Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1938-12-27
REV. A. s. HALE IN
HIS LAST SERMON
Retiring First Baptist Pas
tor And Family Move
To Mount Airy

Rev. A. S. Hale closed his ministry
as pastor of the First Baptist church
last Sunday, with his farewell ser
mon at the Christmas morning serV-
ice. A large congregation was in at
tendance for the last service.
The family leaves Thursday of this
week for Mount Airy, where Rev. MI.
Hale will become pastor of the First
Baptist church, assuming his duties as
of the first day of the year.
At the service Sunday morning, re
solutions were read by a committee
expressing its appreciation for the
services of the retiring pastor and tn"
fellowship with him and his family
during the four and a half years nf
his ministry here. He was also pre-
sented by ]. r. league, chairman OF
the board of deacons, with half a
dozen silver goblets, the gift of the
membership. There were other express
sions of regret at the departure OF
the pastor and his family.
Statistics available today showed
that during the pastorate Of Mr.. Hale
the church had made total contiibn
tions of approximately $4,000, includ-
ing approximately $4,000 paid against
the liquidation of the church debt. Ad-
ditions to the church membership
were 306 during the period these in
Guiding 146 by baptism, 149 by letter,
ten by letter, ten by statement and
one by restoration. The present
membership is 935.
Following is a copy of the resolu-
tions read Sunday morning:
T O1n CT
Rev. A. S. Hale, feels that he is
divineV called to another field of en-
deavor to continue the Kingdoms
service, and inasmuch as it is our de-
sire to acceed to our Masters plans,
we hereby reverently and humbly
acknowledge:
1st. Our debt of gratitude to God
for having been privileged to be min
istered to and to have served with
Brother Hale.
End. Our devotion to him and his
family for their tender love, kind af-
lection and untiring service to our
church and community
3rd. Our deep appreciation for and
public acknowledgement of his I'M
firing effort, unlimited sacrifice,
valuable and constructive suggestions
and unsurpassed leadership as a shep-
herd of our flock.
Four and one half years ago the
church was laboring under al indebt-
edness of $1,000 and the building was
badly in need of repairs. 1t is now
completely free from debt, and many
of its needed repairs and renovations
have been made and paid for.
Of greater Importance to the ad-
vancement of the kingdom under the
leadership of our pastor, who carries
it's interest at heart at all times, is
the increase in spiritual attitude of
the membership This is reflected by
more than 300 additions, and increased
interest in other activities of the
church.
Our pastor has also rendered a dis
tinct service to the association by his
work in other sections, there being
constant demand for his services in
the rural churches.
The pleasant sojourn of Brother Hale
and his family has indelibly impressed
itself upon our minds and hearts and
will forever remain a cherished mile
stone along our road of Christian en-
deavor The four and one-half years
together have proved to be IAN asso-
citation of beauty and will remain a
joy forever"
It is our highest hope and fervent
prayer that Providence will continue
to shower upon him and his devoted
family life's richest blessings and that
their every endeavor will be crowne
with imminent success for the glory
of God. May God bless and keep them.
Respectfully submitted,
AL 3. WESTER,
H. w. ANDERSON,
C. E. GREENE.
Committee.