Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-10-06
LOCAL NEWS.

RESIGNATION OF A PASTOR. Rev. Dr.. ],
Bullock, the esteemed pastor of the Second
p,ssbvteran Church, 10 this city, having de.
s,norepation, yesterday morning, atthe close
" his sermon, announced bis intention of re-
S;sn;ng the position which he has so ably and
f,tLfulIy filled for nearly fonr years, to take
fleet 10 April next, the close Of the present
ecclesiastical year. The announcement was
surprise to many, and is the cause of deep re
yret not only in his immediate congregation,
hnt ia the community, where, by his eminent
nety, marked ability, elcquence, and truly ex-
Allied Christian character, he has won the re-
sncct and admiration of all with whom he has
been thrown 10 contact 10 his clerical relations
and socially; aud should his present determiua-
tiou be carried into effect his absence will be
felt not only in the church, but in the com-
munity at large. In announcing his deter nina
tiop to resign, he said, 10 substance
After mature and prayertul deliberation, and
consultation with persons everyWay competent
TO advise, | have determined to resign the
charge of this church and congregation at the
close Of this present ecclesiastical year, which
ends the Goth of April, 1874, which determi
nation | made known to the session of this
Church Friday evening. | deem it unsdvisable
to state to the congregation all that | said to
the session. certainly not at this time. 1t is
sufficient for me to saw TO you, that so great is
the divergence of views between the pastor,
some of the officers aud some of the meubers
Of this church in regard to the nature, func
tons and reciprocal duties Of pastor and people,
and also 10 retercnceto the best means OF build
ins up solid, permanent, and efficient Pres
byterian church In this city, that | think it ex
pedient for me to retire from this 6eld-not
abruptly, but at the time specified Were this
large church in the midst of growing city,
so firm is my conviction that my views are
right and Scri plural, and iD accordance with
the genius of true Presbyterianism, and in con-
formity with the practice of the abest, most
pious and useful ministers 10 the Presbyterian
Church 10 this and 10 other countries, that |
should feel it TO be my duly TO remain and try
which, under God, | have been instrumental
10 building up three large aud powerful churches
in the cities of Frankfort and Louisville, KY,
and in the city of Baltimore, Md. But this
Church is too small, and its sphere of action too
circumscribed, surrounded as it is, by other
large and more influential churches, to admit
of any but united action and cooperation on
the part of the Pastor, Elders, Deacous aud
people am satisfied that cannot have IN
the future, as [ have not had in the past,
that support and cooperation, which is abso
luteIy essential to the success of this church.
For these aud other reasons, which think it
prudent not to mention, have come to the de-
termination already indicated, aud 10 conclu-
sion, | beg, for the sake Of the Master and
his blood bought Church, that during the very
short time | wilt be with you, that you will
cooperate with me in prom oting the purity,
peace and prosperity Of this church. To those
of you who have given me your cordial sup
port, and who have ever treated me with
cousiderate kindness and Christian courtesy,
now tender my sincere aud heartfelt thanks,
and if there be any, who have 10 any way
wrouged me, my prayer is that God will for
give you, as I do this day.