The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-02-04
From the Wheeling lnteliigeLc,rl
Mr.. I.atane's Resignation Accepted by
the vestry OF ST. Matthews Church.

From the heeling intetilBebc'f.l
Mr.. Latane's Resignation Accepted by
the vestry OF ST. Matthews Church.
1t is OF course understood by all our read
crs that at Che time Mr.. Latane Submitted to
the Vestry of St. Matthew's church his let
ter OF Withdrawal from the ministry Of the
Episcopal Church he likewise rendered them
his resignation Of the pastorshtp OF their
parish. At the request OF the Vestry he
olhciatcd Ia the services OF the church In the
usual manner OH the following Sunday, but
since that time has taken no part in his
former duties. Pending adviccs from the
bishop OF the diocese, the Vestry thought it
prudent TO take no action whatever on the
resignation OF MIR. Latanc, and accordingly
nothing was done until the arrival OF Bishop
White on Friday last. On Saturday meet
ing of the FcStry was held, at which it was
decided TO accept the resignation rendered
by Mr.. Latanc on the 10th ultmo. We pre-
sumo that there was no division Of opinion
among the Vcstrvmen as to the ACCESSIBILITY
Of doing so, under all the circumstances, al
though we are not Informed on this point.
The acceptance Of the resignation docs not,
we infer. carry with it any expression Of
opinion whatever OIL the part of the
Ncstry touching Mr.. Latane's views.
As 10 those views, we but state whit is
probably generally understood among those
who arc best posted on the subject when
we express the opinion that the majority Of
the NcStry hold views in sympathy with Dir.
Latane. Still, inaSmuch as Mr.. Latane has
actually and formally withdrawn from the
Episcopa! Church, the NeStry could not,
without also withdrawing from its organl
zation, ms it were, continue him as their
pastor. There was, no doubt, all tue more
unanimi;y in deciding to accept his reSigna-
ton from the fact that diocesan council
will le held in Virginia next fall. at which
it is possible some important steps VIII be
taken by The whole body Of the Virginia
Church on the issues raised by Mr. Latane'S
letter. Prior to the meeting Of this council
there would naturally lie 4 reluctsrcc TO
take any steps that might emharra>s Its
action. especially by those who hope aud an
;irinalc that lis action will be such as TO sub
stan tally endorse the views Of Dir. Lllaae.
| If we understand the position OF both the
bishops OF this diocese and also that OF tue
| Church organ, it is that they still regard Mi.
| Latane as economically qualified TO discharge
| the duties of an Episcopal minister for slX
months to come. In other words, they DO
| not choose TO throw the great influence OF
| their positions against him but rather IN favor
Ct him. This, we presume, is all that they
| could do were their views expressed WORD
| for word in MIR. Latane's letter.
| The language Of the Southern Church'ndn
| in the article published from it on Saturday
| is cprtaiuly significant not only of sympathy
| with the views held by Mr.. Latanc, but also
Of y determination ere long 10 call for q
more general expression or opinion from
| the Virginia Church on the question Of re-
| form. Plior to such an expression, and
| especjailv on the eve of il. as 1t were, the
well-known conservative feeling of the
| Church would naturally manifest itself on
such an occasion as that presented by MIR.
Latanc's letter. 1t is nor, therefore, sur
| prisiur that The ScStry OF st. Matthew's de-
cided 10 accept the resignation that had been
| rendered 10 them. The following is the let
| ter rendering said rcsignation:
"ST. MATrHEw's CHURCH, !
| "WHEElISG, W. VA, january 10. lSIf.}
"Gcutlcmen of the FcS.ry,-Gou have
been called together in order that | might
iav before YOU this my resignation Of the
rcctorship of st. Matthew's church. The
circumstances under which it is presented
are explained in the accompanying paper
Imeaning the letter to Bishop JohnSl, in
which ! have stated at length my reasons for
withdrawing from the Protestant Episcopal
Church.
In this official communication will not
undertake to give expression to the feelings
of regret with which look forward to sepa.
rating. under such circumstances, from a
pcoplc who have laid me and mine under so
many obligations. And it only remains for
Inc 10 assure you Of my grateful rcmem-
brance Of the friendly relations which bave
happily characterized all our intercourse as
a Vestry, Of my kindest regards for every
member of your body personally, and of my
.crvcnt prayer that God will so guide you
otfcialy in the trying and responsible posi-
lion in which my resignation will place you
that all YOUR actions may be for His glory,
and for the happiness and peace, here and
hereafter, of the people OF st. Matthew's.
every rc>poctlull" and truly yours, Nc,
"J. 4. LATAsE.'
sv:e have said, the Nestry, ut their meet
ins OH Saturday, took up this letter for fur
ther consideration and decided to accept the
resignation therein rendered, which they did
by passing the following resolution:
"ReSolred. That Mr. Latane having re-
nouuccd the ministry Of tie Protestant EpS-
| coD:l Church we are most reluctantly con.
>t!aincd hereby to accept his re.iynatl)n OF
The rcc.orS!iip Of s.. Matthew's parish. III
thus scyering our relations 10 the late be.
loved pastor We bear our testimony to hi:
fidelity and ability in the discharge of all his
duties. and pray that Gods richest blessings
NAV attend him and his family to the end
| OF life