Memorial Address—Samuel D. Hastings. t>89 
religion which led him to join in every movement which he be¬ 
lieved was calculated to benefit mankind and help “lead in the 
kingdom of righteousness.” 
He united, at an early age, with the Presbyterian church, 
but his unyielding attitude upon the slavery question soon led 
to a severance of this relationship'. He then became a member 
of the Congregational church, and maintained his connection 
with that organization through the remainder of his life. He 
entered into all of its activities, religious, charitable and educa¬ 
tional, with his characteristic zeal. He believed his church was 
organized to work as well as to worship, or rather, to worship 
through work—that its mission was to help uplift humanity, 
and that whatever tended to* that end—whatever made men 
healthier, happier and better—was legitimate Christian work. 
A man with such views cannot well be a laggard. His place is 
at the front. Mr. Hastings was always a, leader in his church, 
and, as a result, he was honored with every position of trust and 
confidence to* which a lay member is eligible. 
He was a firm believer in the Chautauqua, method of reach¬ 
ing and educating the public, and was active in helping to or¬ 
ganize and maintain the “Monona Lake Sunday School 
Assembly.” He served, at different times, as its secretary and 
treasurer, and, at the time of his death, held the office of presi¬ 
dent. The work of this Assembly lay near to his heart. He 
entered into it with an enthusiasm born of faith in the good 
ends he believed it would subserve. These restful mid-summer 
meetings were well suited to the afternoon of his long and ac¬ 
tive life. His presence upon the grounds was; always a sort of 
benediction, and no other face there was quite so familiar as his. 
Mr. Hastings was not an educated mian in the ordinary sense, 
but was a diligent student of men and things, and a true friend 
of liberal culture. He was willing to serve wherever his service 
was most effective. He made no claim of proficiency in the 
sciences, or in arts or letters, yet he was a charter member of 
this Academy, and, for nearly twenty years, was its faithful 
and efficient treasurer. He gave much time to the study of so¬ 
ciological problems, and sought to interest others in their solu¬ 
tion—in fact, his whole life illustrates the value of industry 
and perseverance stimulated by a high moral purpose. The prin¬ 
ciples he advocated were exemplified in his own walk and char¬ 
acter. He was no pessimist; he believed the world was grow- 
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