Dinner in Honor Of Baptist Pastor

On December 13, 1934 the Warren Sentinel had an article about a testimonial dinner in honor of Rev. T. Eugene West of the First Baptist Church on December 7, 1934. One organization to which he had been associated with had a representative, P. M. Shirey of the Masonic Order. Brother Shirey was a past master of Unity Lodge No. 146 in 1916-18 (and later again in 1940).

A capacity crowd attended the testimonial dinner in honor of Rev. T. Eugene West held Friday night at the First Baptist Church. Representatives from organizations with which Mr. West had been associated were present and gave brief talks of appreciation of Mr. West’s work here.

A Statton Hammock, president of the Men’s Bible Class, which sponsored the dinner, was toastmaster. The principal speaker was Dr. Henry Alfred Porter, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville. Dr. Porter was introduced by J. P. Borden, a former resident of Front Royal, who now resides in Charlottesville. Music, during the course of the dinner, was furnished by the Randolph-Macon band under the direction of Captain Dean.

Lack of time prevented a hearing of all the scheduled speakers and the remainder were recognized by the chair. Those speaking were L. B. Dutrow, Chamber of Commerce; Mayor B. J. Hillidge, town of Front Royal; Judge W. G. Olmstead, Euterpe—Polyhymnia Music Club; J. G. Hillidge, Rotary Club; Col. J. C. Boggs, Randolph-Macon Academy; William Herring, Lions Club; Mrs. J. M. Boles, Strasburg, Virginia Federation of Music Clubs; P. M. Shirey, Masonic Order; Dr. L. A. Parker, Berryville, Shenandoah Baptist Association; Rev. H. W. Shannon, ministers of Front Royal; Rev. R. B. Clagett, Bible School; and C. W. Burner, Front Royal Baptist Church.

Responding to an invitation to speak, Mr. West thanked the congregation for their loyalty and devotion and bespoke for his successor the same whole-hearted support.

Special vocal numbers on the musical program were given by Mrs. E. L. Grubbs, Mrs. G. E. A. Reinburg, and the Front Royal Glee Club. The Rev. T. Watkins Tayloe pronounced the invocation and Rev. A. L. Harrison the benediction.

On Sunday evening Mr. West preached his farewell sermon. With evening worship services in all other local churches cancelled every available seat at the First Baptist Church was filled. Mr. West will spend sometime with friends in Florida before beginning his work as assistant pastor of the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville on January 1.

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