Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-08-08
DIR. wITHERspoON.
HIS Resignation Accepted-Anect-
Ing Scene I'm His Congregation
Yesterday.

me AttfRltu-AHtCt,
ing Scene I'm His Congregation
Yesterday.
The formal resignation of Rev. DR..
/. ID. Witherspoon as pastor of the Sec
ond Presbyterian church was read to the
congregation and acted upon yesterday.
Services were held by Rev. DR.. Stead
man, who requested the members of the
church and those who contribute to its
support to remain after the benediction.
Nearly all remained. DIR. Steadman
opened the meeting with prayer, and was
called to the chair as Moderator. He
then proceeded to read DR.. Wither-
spoons letter Of resignation, setting
forth at length and in touching terms
that he had been with them nearly five
ysars, the happiest years of all his life;
that perfect harmony prevailed in the
church; that his efforts and their coop
Grafton had been signally blessed; the
membership had increased from one
hundred and eighty to over four hun
dred that his labors had greatly increased
and his health constantly failing, he had
desired to send out colony, found new
church and thus lessen his work, but the
proposition had not been seconded gen
orally, and the time had not yet come.
Two years ago he offered his resignation
on account of failing health, but had been
induced to remain and try an arrange
ment whereby his duties had been light
ened. But even division of his labors
in winter and entire cessation in sum
mer failed to restore him, and he felt
weaker than two years ago. The debili-
tating influences of the climate and the
effects of labors already performed, and
disease contracted, admonished him to
withdraw Under these circumstances,
it became his sad duty to offer his resig-
nation, and ask them to unite with him
in asking the next Presbytery to dissolve
his pastoral relations with the congrega-
ton.
Mr.. Wade moved to accept DR.. With
erspoon's resignation, and stated that he
did so with full knowledge of all the
facts.
Mr.. Estes seconded the motion, and
proceeded at considerable length to speak
of DIR. Witherspoon's critical condition
and the sad calamity of giving him up.
= The motion to accept was put and
carried unanimously. The congrega-
ton was visibly affected, and many mem
bers gave vent to tears.
Mr.. Estes then offered series of reso-
lutions expressing the affection and rev.
erence.and sympathy of the congregation
for Mr.. Witherspoon, and their deep re-
greet at the unavoidable separation and
assuring him that their prayers would
follow him wherever he might go.
Adopted unanimously.
Judge Ellet then arose and pronounced
a beautiful tribute to the many Christian
virtues, the learning, truth, simplicity of
heart and fascinating manners of the
retiring pastor. He said the resolutions
passed expressed the feelings of every
heart in the congregation, and that they
were simply just.
Mr.. Witherspoon, he said, had worn
himself out in their service. He came
here five years ago healthy man, and
goes away an invalid. His salary has
not been more than demanded by the
exigencies of the society in which he
was placed. He has an interesting
young family, and it is not likely that he
has the means to take that recreation
and change of climate necessary to his
restoration. Judge Ellet urged the in
justice, to say nothing of selfrespect
and good taste, of permitting Dr. With
erspoon to leave without some substan-
tial token of their regard and apprecia-
ton, and he moved subscription be in
augurated for DR.. Witherspoon's benefit
This carried, and handsome amount
was subscribed by the rather small con-
gregation present. The absent members
will have an opportunity to increase the
sum raised.