USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 9
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4 th. On Church Extension-Bros. McLean, Nostrand and Tippens.
5th. On Church Records-Bros. Currie and Miller.
6th. On Parsonage and Furniture-Bros. Titus and Benson.
7th. The Pastor presented the following report : On Sunday School -- Number of schools, 1 ; number of offi- cers and teachers, 34 ; scholars, 245 ; Bible classes, 4 ; conversions, 3 ; volumes in library, 564 ; average at- tendance of officers and teachers, 23 ; of scholars, 160 ; moneys raised during the quarter by the Juvenile Mis- sionary Society, $17.13. I have preached several times to the children and catechised them once during the quarter. The state of the school is prosperous and en- couraging for the future. Report of the Church-Re- ceived into full membership, Edwin Esterbrook, Rachel A. Eden, Jennie Eden, Harriet Evens, Ida Tippens, H. W. Williams. Received by letter, Matilda J. Bardge, Sarah A. Crowell, Johnson Hull, Caroline Hull, Jane Mowlein, Anna Roarbach, Jane E. Stewart, Geo, Sexton, Cloupa Sexton, Maria A. Taylor, Sarah M. Taylor and Thos. Taylor. Dismissed by letter, Thos. J. Gillier. Deceased, Thomas P. Moses. The following
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter, viz. : I have made 56 pastoral visits and calls ; bap- tized two adults and three children ; attended 8 fune- rals and solemnized 3 marriages. The following amounts have been raised for benevolent objects during the quarter : for the Bible Society, $10. State of the Church is peaceful and harmonious, and some evidences of improvement in spirituality. We propose to hold a prayer meeting after the preaching next Sabbath eve- ning, and continue them through the winter. The faith of the church seems to be strengthening in the expec- tation of a successful winter campaign.
9th. What amounts have been apportioned to this charge this year for support of the ministry ? Answer. For the Bishop, $19.50.
10th. What amounts have been received this quar- ter on the foregoing accounts, and how were they ap- plied ? Ans. To preacher in charge, $375. To Presid- ing Elder, $12.50.
11th. What amount has been apportioned to be raised by this charge this year for benevolent purposes ? Ans. For Board of Church Extension, $40.
12th. Is there any change desired in the Board of Stewards ? Ans. Added Bros. Sexton, Hotaling, Hill and Potts. Have the general rules been read this quarter ? Yes.
The conference adjourned by singing the doxology, and benediction by the Pastor.
Mr. Ford, Senior, the venerable and beloved father of the Pastor, continued to get worse, and appeared rapidly to be approaching his end, so that he was ob- liged frequently to visit Milford during this period, and finally, on the 28th of October, the aged pilgrim finished
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
his course, having fought the good fight, he died in the triumphs of the gospel and entered into his rest. By the death of his father, much anxiety, care and respon- sibility devolved upon the Pastor in the settlement of the family affairs, and arranging matters suitably for his widowed mother and bereaved sister. In the hour of his affliction the Pastor was sustained by divine grace ; while he had the earnest prayers and sympathy of the church and congregation, for himself and sorrow- stricken family.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERARY AND MUSICAL ENTERTAIN- MENT .- Allusion has already been made to the Young People's Literary Society, which was formed in the Spring of the present year. After having been in oper- ation for little over six months they resolved to furnish a Literary and Musical Entertainment to the church and congregation, and appointed Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17th and 18th, for the same to come off, to com- mence promptly at 7.45, p. M. The following programme exhibits the character of the entertainment, which was carried out with great credit to the members of the " Union," and satisfaction to the church :
PART FIRST.
1. Prayer, (Chant Ending,) . Pastor.
2. Anthem, " How Lovely is Zion," .Choir.
3. Prologue Mr. R. P. McCully.
4. Solo, " Moses Don't Touch it," Miss Julia Lush.
5. Reading. Miss Louise Hegeman.
6. Reading, " Maud Miller,". Miss Jennie Quackenbush.
7. Solo, " Farewell Leonora," Mr. Harold Booth.
8. Reading. Mr. D. W. McLean.
9. Reading, " Paradise and the Peri," Miss Mary E. Stanton.
10. Solo, " Under the Daisies," Miss Lany Stanton.
11. Dialogue, " More Frightened than Hurt."
Tomkins Tremblelimb. Mr. C. H. Canfield.
Timothy, (servant) .Mr. R. P. McCully.
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Landlord Comfort. Mr. F. B. Nickerson.
Mrs. Sensation. Miss Maggie McCormack.
12. Instrumental, " Beauties of Faust,". Mr. Harold Booth.
PART SECOND.
1. Duet, " Snow Storm,". .Misses Mary and Lany Stanton.
2. Declamation, " Red Jacket," Mr. Joseph Aspinall.
3. Solo, " Putting on Airs," Miss Maggie McCormack.
4. Declamation "Stump," Mr. William F. Aspinall.
5. Solo, " Over the River,". Mr. C. H. Canfield.
6. Declamation. Mr. George Walker.
7. Solo, " Wandering Refugee," Miss Jennie Hegeman.
8. Dialogue, " Mad Cap."
Antoinette Miss Annie Fowler.
Frank. Mr. R. P. McCully.
Mr. Testy Mr. F. B. Nickerson.
Mrs. Testy. Miss Julia Lush.
Mr. Beaumont. Mr. M. Cornell.
9. Quartette, " The Nation's Prayer,". .Miss Josie Hotaling, Miss Lany Stanton, Mr. J. Thompson and Mr. G. Seaman.
10. Anthem, " How Beautiful upon the Mountains," .. ... .. Choir.
11. Trio, " Good Night,". Miss Jennie Johnson, Miss Lany Stanton and Mr. J. E. Luckey. " Farewell."
The Third Quarterly Conference was held in the Class room, Dec. 27th, 1872. The Presiding Elder, Rev. C. B. Sing, in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Elder. Rev. C. B. Ford was appointed Secretary. Members present, C. B. Ford and T. C. Nostrand. The preacher in charge reported as follows : Sunday School, 1 ; officers and teachers, 32 ; scholars, 250 ; Bible classes, 4 ; volumes in library, 460; average attendance of schol- ars, 165 ; of officers and teachers, 23 ; state of the school, good. Report of the Church: Received into full member- ship, Mary A. Fowler, Anna Mann, Sarah R. McLean ; received by letter, Sarah Combs, Solomon Hawxhurst, Hattie Hawxhurst and John Tucker ; dismissed by letter, Mary A. Cavel, John Ellis, Alice Ellis, Sarah A. Ellis, Johnson Hull, Geo. Shoular, Jacob Vooris, Sophia
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
Vooris, James N. Vooris, and Addie Vooris ; deceased, Maria Auld, Maria Eberlee, and Caroline Cathart. The following pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter, viz. : I have made seventy-two pastoral visits and calls, baptized two, and attended five funerals. The following amount has been collected for benevolent ob- jects : Sunday School, $5 ; subscriptions for the Chris- tian Advocate, five. The state of the Church is like too many others, weighed down with a burden of a very heavy debt, and sometimes I have thought this inter- fered with our spiritual prosperity ; but the brethren seemed resolved to press forward, trusting that a brighter day may soon dawn upon us. We expect to commence extra meetings next week, and are praying and hoping for success.
C. B. FORD, Pastor.
Report on Tracts. Ans. Collection taken. Is there any missionary paper taken ? Yes. Have the rules in relation to the instruction of children been observed ? Ans. In part. What amounts have been received this quarter on the foregoing accounts, and how applied ? Ans. Received for Pastor and Presiding Elder in full to date ; applied to Pastor, $258.34 ; to Elder, $12.50. When and where shall the next quarterly meeting be held ? Ans. Tuesday, March 18, 1873. The minutes were read and approved ; and the meeting was closed with the benediction.
REPORT OF THE LADIES' AUXILIARY SOCIETY .- The ladies of the church, through the organization known as the " Ladies' Auxiliary Society," during the period of its ex- istence, a little over two years, had not been idle ; they had been prosecuting their work in a quiet, orderly and efficient manner, much to the financial benefit of the
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
Church, and satisfaction of the Board of Trustees, as will be seen from the following report of the Treasurer :
" Treasurer's Report of the Ladies' Auxiliary Society of the Wesley M. E. Church, from January 1st, 1871, to January 1st, 1873 :
Received from monthly subscriptions $681 57
66 by donations. 94 75
66 proceeds Tea Meeting. 140 05
proceeds of Strawberry Festival 60 25
66 interest on deposit. 1 08
Total cash receipts for two years. $977 70 Disbursements during the same period :
Paid for Stationery, &c.
$ 1 33
" to the treasury of Joint-Board. 231 62
" for roofing Lecture Room. 225 00
" for graining settees for School. 60 00
" for carpets for School House 364 00
" to the Treasurer of the Joint Board 95 75
Total disbursements for two years. $977 70
LETTIE A. LUSH, Treas. Ladies' Auxiliary Society."
SOCIAL RE-UNION AT THE WESLEY M. E. PARSONAGE .- The Social Re-Union of the members of the Church and congregation, was held at the parsonage, Monday even- ing, March 17th, a short time before the close of Bro. Ford's first year's pastorate, and came off with consid- erable eclat. The following account of the meeting appeared in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle :.
" Pursuant to announcement, the friends and members of the church and congregation assembled at the parsonage on Monday evening, March 17, to pay their respects to the worthy and devoted pastor, the Rev. C. B. Ford, and his amiable family, on the comple- tion of his first year's pastorate of the Society.
" The arrangements for this social Re-Union were exclusively conducted by the ladies of the congregation, and, as usual, when anything of this sort is undertaken by them, there is no such thing
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
as failure, and this occasion proved no exception to the general rule.
" The members and friends of the church began to assemble about 8 o'clock, and in less than an hour thereafter every corner of the parsonage was filled to overflowing. The young people turned out in great force, and there was a full representation of the older and official members.
" Among the more intimate personal friends of the pastor whom we noticed, were the Rev. Stephen Rushmore and the Rev. L. D. Nickerson ; the officiary of the church were represented by Messrs. Currie, Benson, Nostrand, Titus, Lush, Hotaling, Sexton and Miller.
" After some time was spent in friendly greetings and social interchange of sentiments respecting the present condition and future prospects of the society, the company were invited by the Committee of Management to the dining room, there to partake of some excellent good cheer in the form of substantial refreshments, bountifully provided by the ladies.
" Mr. J. E. Luckey, the talented leader of the choir, with several of its members, contributed very much to the enjoyment of the com- pany, by singing several popular favorite airs, with instrumental accompaniment during the evening.
After spending a very interesting and pleasant evening at the parsonage, the company began to break up about half-past 11 o'clock, hoping they would soon have the pleasure of meeting again, under similar circumstances."
The Fourth Quarterly Conference was held in the Lecture Room of the Chapel, Tuesday, March 18th, at half-past seven o'clock. The Presiding Elder, C. B. Sing, in the chair. The session was opened with prayer by the Elder. On motion, Bro. W. H. Potts was appointed Secretary. Members present, Rev. C. B. Ford, Bros. Robert Benson, T. C. Nostrand, Geo. W. Lush, G. E. Currie, Henry Tippens, D. O. Miller, Geo. Sexton, W. G. Hotaling, Ancel Titus, Jas. Rogers, W. H. Potts and Rev. L. D. Nickerson.
The question being put ; What committees shall be appointed ? The following committees were appointed :
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
1st. On Missions-Bros. G. E. Currie, Henry Tippens and W. D. McLean.
2d. On Sunday School-Henry Tippens and D. O. Miller.
3d. On Tracts-Ancel Titus.
4th. On Church Extension-the Pastor and T. C. Nostrand.
5th. On Church Record-Gilbert E. Currie.
6th. On Parsonage and Furniture-Ancel Titus and Rob. Benson.
8th. On estimating Pastor's Salary-T. C. Nostrand, W. D. McLean, W. G. Hotaling.
9th. On Conference Claimants-Robt. Benson and Geo. Sexton.
Are there any reports ? Ans. Yes.
Report of the Pastor in charge : Number of schools. 1; officers and teachers, 32; scholars, 250; Bible classes, 4; conversion, 1 ; volumes in library, 666; average at- tendance of scholars, 172; average attendance of officers and teachers, 22; the state of the Sunday School encour- aging and improving. Report of the Church : received into full membership, H. A. Booth, M. S. Cornell, Neo- mic Tippens; received by letter, George Rumbolt, Eliz- abeth Rumbolt, Mary Tucker, Elizabeth Eyre, Alice Prentice, Joseph Dikeman; dismissed by letter, Frank H. Anthony, Cornelia G. Anthony, William Cornell, Car- oline Cornell and Hannah More.
The following pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter, viz. : I have made 130 visits and calls, baptized two adults and attended four funerals.
The following amounts have been collected for ben- evolent objects, during the conference year : For mis- sionary, $35 ; Church extension, $6 ; Bible cause, $10 ;
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
Tract, $11 ; Sunday Schools, $5. Subscriptions have been obtained for our periodicals as follows : Christian Advocate 15, Ladies' Repository 1, Quarterty Review 1, S. S. Teachers' Journal 16. The state of the Church : it is greatly embarrassed by debt, which sometimes proves the occasion of discouragement ; still we have a noble band of self-sacrificing men, whose liberality challenges universal admiration. We hope for relief from some s urce. Spiritually the Church, I think, is prosperous, the attendance on class and prayer meet- ings have greatly increased of late.
C. B. FORD, Pastor.
Report on Missions : Ans. Amount collected throughout the year, $150. Report on Sunday Schools : Ans. Reported favorable. Report on Tracts : Ans. Some have been distributed. Report on Church Records, (see Report). Report on Parsonage and Furniture : Ans. Wants of the Pastor all supplied. Report of the Trustees : Number of Churches, 1 ; number of Chapels, 1 ; their probable value, $45,000. Title by which they are held : Ans. The Trustees of Tompkins Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. Income, $5,000 per annum. Expenditure, $5,000. Debts, and how contracted : Funded, $20,000; Floating, $7,500; Total, $27,500. Insurance on buildings and furniture, $21,000.
What has been done for Foreign Missions during the year ? Ans. Amount collected, $35. Is there any Missionary paper taken ? Ans. Yes. Have the rules in relation to the instruction of children been observed ? Ans. As far as practicable. What amounts have been this quarter received on the foregoing ac- counts, and how applied ? Ans. Preacher's salary paid
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
in full to date ; Presiding Elder paid in full for one year. What amounts have been raised for benevolent objects this year ? Ans. For Missions, $35. Church Extension, $6 ; Tracts, $11 ; Sunday School, $5. Who shall be Stewards for the ensuing year ? Ans. Ancel Titus, W. G. Hotaling, G. W. Lush, David O. Miller, Geo. Sexton. Who shall be Recording Steward ? D. O. Miller. Who shall be District Steward ? Ancel Ti- tus. Have the general rules been read this quarter ? Yes. Is there any change desired in the pastorate ? On motion, Rev. C. B. Ford was invited to remain for an- other year. When and where shall the next meeting be held ? Ans. Thursday evening, June 12, at eight o'clock, P. M.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING CHURCH RECORDS .- In con- sequence of the apathy and carelessness which too much prevail with regard to the keeping church rec- ords, we present the following report as presented by the Committee to the Quarterly Conference, with the hope that attention may be directed to the subject by the officers of this Church, and the official brethren of sister churches. The Presiding Elders, in their quarter- ly visitations, we have observed, have had frequently reason to deplore the indifference and carelessness manifested by church officers in regard to keeping the records of their proceedings ; and it is with a view of promoting, if possible, an improvement in this direc- tion, that special attention is called to the following report :
The Committee on Church Records beg leave to re- port, that pursuant to appointment, they have had under review the official records of the Church, from the date of its organization up to the present time, including the
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
Pastor's Register, Secretary's and Treasurer's, books of the Board of Trustees and the Joint or Stewards' and Leaders' Board, together with the minutes of the Re- cording Steward, Sabbath School, Juvenile Home Mis- sionary Society, and the Ladies' Auxiliary Society.
After a careful examination of the books alluded to, the Committee regret to state that, with few exceptions, there has been a great deal of carelessness and irregu- larity displayed by officers in recording and preserving their official proceedings. Without deeming it neces- sary or expedient to mention particulars, by referring to places and dates or giving the names of derelict office-bearers, the Committee would simply remark, in the course of their investigation, that they have fre- quently had occasion to notice instances when meet- ings were held, and no record of the proceedings have been preserved. With regard to the statistical and financial records, there has also appeared a sad want of attention to collecting the same, and lack of system in keeping the accounts, by not specifying particulars, and permitting one year to overlap, or run into another year's transactions, thereby causing difficulty and con- fusion in preparing correct balances and annual state- ments at fixed periods.
In view of these facts, the Committee consider they would fail in discharging their duty, did they confine themselves to reporting errors of omission and commis- sion, without suggesting some measures whereby the same may be corrected and avoided in future ; for this purpose, the Committee would recommend the adoption of the following suggestions, viz. :
First .- The election of such persons only, as are properly qualified to discharge the duties pertaining to
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR ..
the office, and when appointed, that they be held to strict accountability for due performance of the same.
Second .- As it is necessary, in order to secure punc- tuality and uniformity in recording the proceedings of the various organizations connected with the Church, so that the official and fiscal year begin and end at fixed or definite periods ; it is recommended that it should be the same as the Conference year, beginning with the first of April, and closing on the thirty-first of March.
Third .- That the annual election of Trustees take place on or about, but not later each year than the 31st of March, and that the annual reports and financial statements be made up so as to correspond with the foregoing dates, and that the same rule be applicable to the election of officers of all the other organizations connected with the Church.
Fourth .- That the books that are being used, or may hereafter be used, by the officers of the various Boards and organizations for recording their proceedings, shall not, by any means, or on any pretense whatever, be con- sidered personal property, but the property of the Cor- poration, and as such, as soon as they shall be filled up, changed or replaced by others, they shall be re- turned to the Trustees for safe keeping, as the proper custodians of the same.
Respectfully submitted,
GILBERT E. CURRIE, D. O. MILLER, Committee.
Brooklyn, March 18th, 1873.
After a few favorable remarks were made by the Presiding Elder in relation to the report, on motion,
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
it was resolved that the report with all the suggestions recommended, be adopted and spread upon the minutes.
The minutes being read and approved, on motion, the meeting adjourned, with the benediction by the Presiding Elder
The young people of the Church about this time were making preparations for holding an Annual Fair and Festival ; the efforts they had made the year before and the success which then attended their labors, gave them encouragement to go forward, and to do something further this year, for the financial benefit of the Church. The following is a copy of the invitation card :
FAIR AND FESTIVAL
BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF WESLEY, M. E. CHURCH, TOMPKINS AVE., COR. OF WILLOUGHBY, IN THE CHAPEL ADJOINING THE CHURCH, MARCH 25, 26, 27 AND 28, 1873, AFTERNOON AND EVENING. SEASON TICKETS, 35 CENTS.
According to announcement the Fair and Festival was held at the time and place appointed, and although the proceeds did not amount to so large a sum as that realized the preceding year, yet it proved a successful enterprise, and promotive of much good feeling and social enjoyment among the members and friends, who visited them during the progress of the fair and festival. This brought the first year of Rev. C. B. Ford's pastor- ate of the charge to a close.
CHAPTER VIII .;
REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
THE SECOND YEAR OF HIS PASTORATE.
PURSUANT to notice, the annual election of Trustees was held in the Lecture room of the Chapel, on Mon- day evening, March 30, between the hours of eight and nine o'clock. Two Inspectors were elected, and at the close of the poll, after counting the votes, it was an- nounced that Bros. Robert Benson and Thos. C. Nos- trand were each elected for the term of three years, and Bro. Ancel Titus to serve out the unexpired term of Bro. Thos. P. Moses, lately deceased.
The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in the Class-room, on Monday evening, April 7th, 1873, at eight o'clock. Bro. G. E. Currie in the Chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Benson. The Treasurer's Report was read and approved. There being no unfinished business on hand, Bro. Currie va- cated the Chair, and Bro. Benson was appointed Chair- man, pro tem., when the Board proceeded to the elec- tion of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted in the election of G. E. Currie, President, Robert Benson, Treasurer, and W. H. Potts, Secretary. On motion, it was resolved to appoint William Aspinall, Sexton, John E. Luckey, Chorister, and Miss R. Thorpe, Organist, for the ensuing year, at the annual salaries as heretofore paid them, the same to be paid quarterly. G. E. Currie, resuming the Chair, called the attention of
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
the meeting to the great loss the Church had sustained in the death of their late much esteemed and worthy associate, Bro. Thos. P. Moses, who departed this life on the 27th of August, last, but in consequence of no Board meeting being held since that time, no official action had been taken relative to this sad event. He therefore, submitted for their approval the following preamble and resolutions, which doubtless would re- ceive their serious attention :
WHEREAS, We have learned with profound sorrow the great loss we have sustained in the sudden and unex- pected death of our worthy and much beloved associ- ate, Thos. P. Moses, whose demise is the first breach which has been made in the Board of Trustees, by death, since the organization of the Society. Be it therefore
Resolved, That, in recording the loss which we and the Church have sustained, in the death of our beloved associate-one of the earliest, most active and useful members-humbly bow with reverence and resignation to the decree of an all-wise, gracious and over-ruling Providence, in this grievous and mysterious dispensa- tion.
Resolved, That while this Board, and the members of the Church, sensibly realize the magnitude of the depri- vation which they have been called to bear in the removal of their late associate and Brother, they are reminded of the still greater calamity which has over- taken the sorrow-stricken widow and her fatherless children in this sad hour of bereavement ; do therefore unite in tendering them our sincere sympathy and con- dolence, praying most earnestly that He who can tem- per the wind to the shorn lambs-and has promised to
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
be a father to the fatherless and husband of the widow, will appear in their behalf, and most graciously deal with them in their sore affliction, and sustain them by his providence, and comfort them by the rich bestow- ment of his grace, so that in the depth of their sorrowful bereavement they may say, "The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Resolved, That while we mourn the loss of our de- ceased friend, we are solemnly reminded of the brevity and uncertainty of life, and admonished to be " ready, for in such an hour as we think not the Son of man cometh," we have the consolation of those who mourn, but not as those without hope, for we believe he has gone to be with Christ, which is better ; and that he has left an example worthy of imitation. By his exam- ple we are invited to follow him, as he followed Christ- to emulate his piety and godly conversation-his punc- tuality and zeal in the performance of public and social duty-in his love and attachment to the Church of his choice-to her doctrines, polity and discipline-her ben- evolent institutions and religious ordinances ; in all the positions and relations he was called to fill, he was found faithful ; so that we may say of our departed brother, although dead, he yet speaketh, and his works do follow him.
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