Rev. J.A. Monk, New Pastor Norwich First Baptist Church - 1911

Rev. J.A. Monk, Ph.D.

New Norwich Pastor
Utica Saturday Globe,  November 1911

  

 

Rev. J.A. Monk, Ph.D.

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Rev. J.A. Monk, Ph.D., the new pastor of the First Baptist Church, is expected to preach his initial sermon in Norwich on Sunday morning next.  Rev. Mr. Monk with  his family, composed of Mrs. Monk and two sons, landed in New York from the steamer St. Paul on Tuesday and is due to arrive in Norwich today.

 

Dr. Monk closed his more than six years' pastorate of the Baptist Church at St. Helier's Jersey, Eng., on October 29, when an impressive farewell service filled the edifice, to overflowing.  Dr. Monk spoke from the text:  "Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end."  His final words were filled with affection for those from whom he was about to separate and at the close of the sermon the entire congregation knelt in prayer for themselves and for their departing pastor.  After singing a hymn, a member of the church addressed Dr. Monk reviewing the close and happy relations that had existed between pastor and people and presented him with a parchment testimonial regretting his departure, gratefully appreciating his loving, unselfish service and earnestly commending him as a faithful minister and energetic worker in all departments of church work.  As a token of their love and appreciation, the church sought his acceptance of a purse of 50 pounds sterling, and as a mark also of their love and esteem for Mrs. Monk, they asked her to accept a gold chain.  The presentations of the gifts were greeted by hearty applause from the audience.

 

Although born in England 40 years ago, Dr. Monk is a full-fledged citizen of the United States.  After taking a course at the London Theological College he came to America and completed his education at the University of Chicago.  He was afterwards for five years at Lexington, Ill., where during his ministration a new church was erected and the membership was doubled.  At the earnest solicitation of his aged mother, who yearned for him to be near her during her evening days, he went back to England and became pastor of the church at St. Helier's, a popular summer resort on the Isle of Jersey.  During his pastorate there he organized a men's club, the membership in which was not confined to his own congregation and now numbers 850.

 

But though success attended his ministerial efforts in England, Rev. Mr. Monk longed for America and after the death of his mother, his eyes naturally turned to his adopted country across the sea which he loved and where his sons, aged 12 and 15, respectively, were born.  Learning of a vacancy in the First Baptist Church through the denominational newspaper, he applied for the pastorate and submitted such convincing testimonials that he received a unanimous call.  A warm welcome greeted him and his family, upon their arrival in Norwich.