Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 25.djvu/101

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The people of the State of Oregon accept from Honorable Robert A. Booth this magnificent statue, The Circuit Rider.

The citizens of this great commonwealth appreciate the unselfish devotion of one of her most distinguished citizens who has so generously provided this beautiful memorial—a memorial through which coming generations will recall the spirit of the early Circuit Rider, who carried the story of the Nazarene into the homes of the early western pioneers.

Countless generations yet to come will view with admiration this beautiful work of bronze, which will be a constant reminder to citizens of the Pacific Coast of the arduous work of those who laid the foundation for this unparalleled civilization that we today enjoy.

Oregon is exceedingly proud that she has among her citizens, Honorable Robert A. Booth, of Eugene, Oregon," a son of one of the early and most devoted Circuit Riders.

Words cannot recite—monuments fail to fully commemorate—the work of the men who, in the pioneer days, followed the circuit, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Savior. They went into the homes to alleviate the suffering of the sick, to pray for the distressed, to preside at weddings and funerals. They overcame many an obstacle for the early settlers. They scattered roses of joy, sunshine and kindness along the roughhewn paths by these empire builders.

Years will come and go. Men in almost countless myriads will pass from the theatre of action into the great unknown, causing hardly a ripple in the history of their times. But the Circuit Rider's influence will be felt as long as time.

The spirit of the Circuit Rider is a part and parcel of our humanity. It has been woven into our very nature. It has given the people of the Pacific Coast a peculiar