W. (William) Gordon Bentley 1908-1925

An article from the Passaic Daily News on May 2, 1908 described the new rector as follows:

 

“The Rev. W. Gordon Bentley, who has accepted the call to the rectorship of St. John’s parish, in this city, will commence his new duties on June 1.

 

He is a man of middle age, and married.  He is a native of Jefferson County, New York, and he was educated at the Adams Collegiate Institute, Adams, New York.  From 1882 to 1889 he taught natural science in the Adams Collegiate Institute.  In 1889 he began studying for holy orders under the late Bishop Huntington of Central New York.  He went to St. Andrew’s Divinity School, Syracuse, and was ordered deacon on May 28, 1890.  He was at St. Mark’s Church, Syracuse, until October 1, 1890 when he was appointed minister-in-charge of St. Paul’s, Constableville, and St. Mark’s, Port Leyden.  He was ordained priest May 15, 1891, and made rector of the above churches.  Later he was in charge of the churches at Greig, Waverly and Smithboro, N.Y.  In 1898 he was called to St. Stephen’s, New Hartford, his present charge.  His entire ministry has been in the Diocese of Central New York.  Mr. Bentley is a churchman of the Catholic School, and by many he is called Father Bentley.  He sings the service with dignity and beauty and is a good preacher.”

 

The highlight of Father Bentley’s ministry at Saint John’s must have been on April 23, 1914 when the new church was consecrated, the mortgage having been paid by a legacy from Peter Reid.

 

Father Bentley resigned in 1925 due to poor health. His letter of resignation is as follows:

 

To the Wardens and Vestrymen of Saint John’s Church at Passaic, N.J.

 

Gentlemen: -

 

I feel it my duty to give you this early and timely notice that if I live until November of this year, I shall reach the age which the Church has set for the retirement of the Clergy from active service and participation in the Clergy Pension Fund.  Since that Fund came into operation it has been my purpose to avail myself of its provisions.  The conditions and circumstances of the last few  weeks show that such action is not only desirable but imperative.  I therefore present, and ask you to accept, my resignation of the Rectorship of this Parish, such resignation to take effect on October 31st, A.D., 1925.  This action is taken after consultation with Bishop Lines and has his consent and approval.

 

It is impossible to adequately express the various feelings and emotions aroused by this action which will sever our official relations of more than seventeen years standing.  Let me assure you of my sincere and cordial appreciation of the many courtesies and kindnesses which you have extended to me.  I shall be interested in the future Spiritual and temporal welfare of St. John’s Church, and shall pray for GOD’s richest blessings on him whom you shall elect as my successor, and on you his fellow workers and supporters.

 

Sincerely Yours,

W. Gordon Bentley, Rector.

Signed and dated at Passaic, N.J.

April 6th, A.D.,1925.

 

Father Bentley retired from active ministry October 31, 1925.