Sudden Death of Doctor Richards

The sudden death of the Rev. Dr. William R. Richards, pastor of the Brick Presbyterian church, New York, is a bereavement to the many Westfielders who knew him as preacher or personally, during his twenty years pastorate at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian church, Plainfield. He had often been heard in this town too. Dr. Richards was stricken with apoplexy early Friday morning and died before a physician could reach his house. He was 57 years old, a native of Boston. His success as a preacher and pastor is regarded as a proof that the laity are not after sensation in the pulpit; just the plain simple gospel, as told by a ciao of ability, force, and character. On Sunday the Rev. Dr. VanDyck, who filled the pulpit of the Brick church, read the sermon that had been prepared by Dr. Richards for that occassion, found on the doctor's desk. The funeral was held in the Brick church on Monday.

Published by The Westfield Leader on January 12, 1910.