Installation Services of Rev. E. Adelbert Witter at Berlin, N.Y., May 22, 1920
After a wait of several months for their pastor-elect, and seeking in every way to keep up the appointments of the church, and live a spiritual interest in the church and denominational work, the Berlin Seventh Day Baptist Church was much cheered on the evening of May 21 when their pastor, E. Adelbert Witter, came in among them and assumed his new duties by leading them in the Sabbath evening prayer meeting. There were a goodly number present. All seemed to enjoy the thoughts expressed on the lesson of the evening which was a personal talk based upon the first few verses of the second chapter of Acts.
Sabbath morning, May 22, there were had special services of recognition and welcome to the church and community. A commendable program was carried out. Rev. Mr. Gritman, pastor of the Methodist church gave a very cordial welcome to the community and the work of reaching men with the gospel, and helping to build up the spiritual life of the community. He spoke very tenderly of the former pastor, Rev. G. H. F. Randolph, and expressed the hope that his successor should be fully blessed in his work.
Rev. Mr. Ding, pastor of the Baptist church, gave a charge to the church. He reminded them that the pastor could go no farther in his work of building up the kingdom of God among men than his people would let him go, no matter how earnest or consecrated he might be. His words were full of encouragement for each to stand in their place as a worker for the Lord.
Pastor Witter made a few brief remarks in response to the words that had been spoken, then led the minds of his hearers in a short sermon with Luke 22: 31, 32 as a text. After the sermon Jesse Vars sang tenderly, “Guide me, O! Thou Great Jehovah.” Pastor Witter having been received into the membership of the Berlin Church, pronounced the benediction and the people went to their homes feeling a sense of relief from the long waiting that had been theirs. May we not also hope that they went praying God’s blessing to rest upon them and all in the work that lies before them because of this new relation.
For one hundred forty years this church has maintained its life amid the changing scenes and conditions that have come with advancing time. The door of opportunity for full devoted personal service never stood more widely ajar than it does today.
The church as a body stands in close friendly relations with the Baptist and Methodist churches of the place. The field is large enough for all. God grant that we may not fail to take up heartily every service that shall result in the gathering of a bountiful harvest of souls.
Correspondent.
Source: Correspondent. “Installation Services of Rev. E. Adelbert Witter at Berlin, N.Y., May 22, 1920″. Published in The Sabbath Recorder, Volume 89, No. 3 [July 19, 1920], p. 77-78. Published: Plainfield New Jersey, George B. Utter, 1920.