Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-12-16
The New York Avenue (Presbyterianl
Church.

LETTING TO SELECT A PASTOR.
Last evening a meeting Of the members Of
the congregation of the New York avenue
Church was held in the lecture room of the
churcn for the purpose of determining TO whom
to extend call to I'LL the position of "a stor
made vacant by the death Of the lamented DIR
Gurley. Rev. John Chester, of Capitol Hill.
having been selected by the Session OF the
Chureh as Moderator, acted in that cap acity,
and opened the meeting with devotional ex-
erc1ses. Mr.. Shields was chosen Secretary.
Before proceeding with the regular business.
DR.. Parker Offered resolution thanking R-v
DR. Scnenk, of Philadelphia, for the SER
and death of their lafs pastor, and requesting
ly adopted.
Mr.. Walker read resolution adop. led by the
officers of the church, submitting the name OF
Rev. DR. Beedle, of Philadelphia, for the action
OF the congregation: at the same time express
ing their desire that the name OF Rev Mr..
Mitchell Of Harrisburg, be not Withdrawn
Mr.. A r. Shepherd inquired If the vote on the
resolution was unanimous, to which Mr..
Walker replied that he thoughtit was. Mr..
Decide remarked that he voted against the reso-
luton, and could name three others who voted
with him. Mr.. Shepherd called for the reading
OF the minute OF the sessions meeting on Fri
day evening last Judge Casey remarked that
the congregation, to say the least, was sur
prised at this action, and he would move thai
the meeting adjourn. Mr.. Shepherd suggested
that committee BE- appointed to act with the
sessions in making selection of paster. In
this matter they should wisely and noi
", n
meeting m onth hence.
After some further discussion. Mr.. Shepherd
moved that the meeting declare II inexpedient
TO proceed to call a pastor; which was adopted.
as also motion to appoint committee to act
with the officers of the church In recommend.
ing suitable candidates.
Judge Casey did not agree that the meeting
should ad journ for one month. as there seemed
10 be division of sentiment now, and there
should be a tree interchange of views on the
subject The wants of this church, occupying
not only II,
sition, are peculiar, and in TINS matter they
should make no mistake. These people are
blown together. As it were. by the four winds,
having their peculiar views, and a great deal
would depend on the pastor
Hon Jasper T.. Brady favored an ad Iourn-
ment Tor one month, believing that the interests
OF the church would not suffer while the pulpit
is nlled by Rev. MIR. Pratt, TO whom he paid
high compliment.
Mr. Shepherd moved that when the meeting
adJourns it be to meet at the call Of the com
mIttee: carried
The committee was selected by the congreea-
ton as follows: Professor Henry, and Massrs
Balanryne, Bailey, kennedy, Parker, Fitch,
Casey Randolph. and Brady.
MIR. Ballantyne offered a resolution providing
that the congregation offer salary OF $1,000
per GuDum in cash. He advocated the resolution
IN few remarks, stating that the excess could
be easily raised by an increase of pew rent
which was now below that of other churches.
and that they could not expect to get the SER
vices OF first class minister without a good
salary.
Mr.. Tustin regretted the introduction of the
resolution, and was not in favor of paying
such a salary, believing the congregation to b.
unable 10 raise ii. He did not want a minister
on money basis; they should preach for souls;
and he did not think 1t right to ask poor, mis-
cradle clerks to pay such a salary.
MIR. Kennedy said the subject was irrelevan.
TO the call, and moved to lay it on the table:
lost.
Mr.. Shepherd said that it was very proper
TO tell pastor what they intended to pay him
He did not believe In living on souls, ana some
sodis would make very poor living. II was a
matter Of impossibiIty for pastor TO live on
such salaries as Were paid in this city, and it
was unjust 10 keep them on such salaries
Hon. Jasper T.. Brady said that he was one
OF those unfortunate individuals known as
Government clerks. and there were many
others in the church. He urged that the eX-
pensts be not increased, for he, with others,
might be compelled TO go TO cheaper church
he resolution was referred to the commit
tee.
Mr.. L 'eble offered n resolution directing the
trustees sell the parsonage and invest the
proceeds or purchase more suitable one:
which W.: also referred Ad journed