Newspaper Clippings for
December, 1862
13 December 1862Retirement from the Ministry.
Mr. Cory: Please publish in the Gazette the following notice:
In accordance with letters missive, an ecclesiastical council
assembled at the Congregational meeting house, Millburn, Nov. 25th
1862, to advise with the Church as to the dismission of the
Pastor, Rev. Wm. B. Dodge, according to his request in view of the
increasing infirmities of age. Council advised that he be
dismissed.
C. C. Adams.
Deans' Corners, Ill, Dec 1st., 1862
[In connection with the above, we would state that "Father Dodge,"
for a long period, the beloved Pastor of the Congregational Church
at Millburn, preached his farewell sermon on Sunday last to a
large and attentive audience.
Eighteen years ago Mr. Dodge came from Salem Mass., and settled
upon the place he now occupies, and soon after his arrival was
installed as Pastor of the Church at Millburn, where he has since
preached and labored successfully and acceptably up to the present
time - going in and out before his flock as a true shepherd of the
sheep, breaking unto them the bread of life, and caring for his
people as a father for his children - from whom he now retires,
owing to the infirmities of age.
Few men, in any relation of life, have made themselves a better
record, or attached to themselves so generally the confidence and
affection of the people among whom they have lived.
The work of his life is accomplished. Father Dodge now retires to
enjoy the quiet evening of a long, faithful and laborious day,
given to the best interests of his fellow men and to serenely wait
that summons from his Master whom he has so faithfully served,
which shall call him to his great and ample reward of "well done
______ and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make ______ ruler over many things, enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord. - Editor Gazette.
