The Farewell Sermon of a Beloved Pastor
Dr. Levi Gilbert bids an emotional goodbye to his Seattle congregation as he prepares to lead a prestigious church in Cleveland.
The story, cleaned up
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The First Methodist Episcopal Church was packed to its doors last night to hear the final sermon of Dr. Levi Gilbert, who departs tonight for his new pastorate in Cleveland, Ohio. Seldom has such a tribute of confidence and love been paid to any minister as Dr. Gilbert received from his congregation. Following his eloquent sermon, the great crowd waited patiently to pass in front of the pulpit to offer a final clasp of the hand and bid him Godspeed. Dr. Gilbert reflected on the changing demands of Christianity in the modern age, noting that while the principles of faith are divine and immortal, the methods of bringing religion to the hearts of men must keep pace with the intelligence of the age. Dr. Gilbert concluded his address with a touching allusion to the faithful conduct of his church and the lasting memories of Seattle that he would carry throughout his life. Resolutions expressing appreciation were read by Colonel J. W. Langley, and a heartfelt letter from the Ladies' Aid Society, signed by Mrs. A. H. Foote and Mrs. W. U. Brawley, was presented to their departing pastor.
“The palace car and the magnificent ocean steamer have superseded the ox team and the canoe and the dugout, so our methods of bringing Christianity home to the minds and hearts of men must keep pace with the intelligence of the age.”
In 1892, Seattle was a growing city defining its civic identity through its institutions, including its churches. Today, the First Methodist Church remains a historic fixture in downtown Seattle, serving as a reminder of how social life and community support systems were organized long before the digital age, yet still grappling with the same questions of how faith adapts to a fast-moving, modern society.
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