Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-02-06
THE REFORM MOVEMENT.

Mr.. LATANE's RESIGNATION ACCEPTED |
The RREsPoNDENCE--AN NEW Do |
CEsE FOR WEST VIRaINIA-A RICH |
MoND CLERGYMEN ON THE CHURCH
Mr.. HuLLIHEN's SERMON
&c. &c. &C.
The resignation of Rev. Jas. A. Latane,
has been accepted by the vestry of st.
Matthew's church in Wheeling. On We'd
nesday of last week, Mr.. Latane, the Shep-
herdstown W. Va. Register says, was in
that town for the purpose of consultation
with DR.. Andrews of the Episcopal church
there with reference to the course to be
taken i'll the present condition OF the
church." The Wheeling Register gives
the following particulars of the reception
of Mr.. Latane's resignation by his vestry:
1t is of course understood by allour rea-
ders that at the time Mr.. Latane submit
ted to the Vestry of St. Matthews church
his letter of withdrawal from the ministry
OF the Episcopal Church he likewise ten
dered them his resignation of the pastor
ship of their parish. At the request of the
Vestry he ofliciated in the services of the
church in the usual manner on the follow
ing Sunday, but since that time has taken
no part in his former duties. Pending ad-
vices from the bishop of the diocese, the
Vestry thought it prudent to take no &C
ton whatever on the resignation of Mr..
Latane, and accordingly nothing was done
until the arrival of Bishop White on Fri
day last. On Saturday meeting of the
Vestry was held, at which it was decided
to accept the resignation rendered by Mr..
Latane ON the 10Th ultimo. We presume
that there was no division of opinion among
he Vestrymen 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 does not.
we infer, carry with it any expression of
opinion whatever on the part Of the YES
try touching Mr.. Latane's views. AS to
those views, we but state what is probably
generally understood among those who are
best posted on the subject when we ex-
press the opinion that the majority of the
VeStry hold views in sympathy with MI.
Latane. Still, inasmuch as Mr.. Latane
has actually and formally withdrawn from
the Episcopal Church, the Vestry could
not, without also withdrawing from it's Or
ganiZatiOn, as it were, continue him as
their pastor. There was no doubt, all the
more unanimity in deciding to accept his
resignation from the fact that diocesan
council will be held in Virginia next fall,
at which it is possible some important
steps will be taken by the whole body of
the Virginia Church on the issues raised
by Mr.. Latane's letter. Prior to the meet
ing of this council there would naturally
be areluctance to take any steps that might
embarass it's action, especially by those
who hope and anticipate that it's action
will be such as to substantially endorsethe
views Of Mr.. Latane. If we understand
the position Of both the bishops Of this do
cese and also that of the Church organ, it
is that they still regard Mr. Latane as ca
nonically qualified to discharge the duties
of an Episcopal minister for six months to
come. In other words, they do not choose
to throw the great influence of their posi-
ton against him but rather in favor of
him. This, we presume, is all that they
could do were their views expressed word
for word in MI. Latane'S letter.
The language of the ''Southern Church.
man. in the article published from it on
Sunday is certainly significant not only of
sympathy with the views held by Mr.. Lat
ane, but also of a determination ere long
to call for more general expression of
opinion from the Virginia Church ON the
question of reform. Prior to such an ex-
preston, and especially on the eve of it, as
it were, the Well-known conservative feel
ing of the church would naturally manifest
itself ON such an occasion as that presented
by Mr.. L@tane's Letter. 1t is not, there
fore, surprising that the Vestry of st.
Matthew's decided to accept the resigna-
ton that had been rendered to them. The
following is the letter rendering said resig-
nation
ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.
WHEELING, W. VA, January is, 1874.
"Gentlemen of the Vestry,-You have
fJn1 hat ,s~~l>4
lay before you this my resignation OF the
rectorship of St. Matthew's church. The
circumstances under which it is presented
are explained in the accompanying paper
[meaning the letter to Bishop John's], in
which [ have stated at length my reasons
for withdrawing from the Protestant Epis-
copal Church.
E'In this official communication 1 will
not undertake to give expression to the
feelings of regret with which | look for
wardto separating, under such circumstan-
ces, from a people who have laid me and
mine under SO many obligations. And it
only remains for me to assure you of my
grateful remembrance Of the friendly rela-
lions which have happily characterized all
our intercourse as a Vestry, OF my kindest
regards for every member Of your body
personally, and of my fervent prayer that
God will so guide you officially in the trying
and responsible position in which my res
ignation will place you that all your ac-
lions may be for His glory, and for the
happiness and peace, here and hereafter,
of the people of St. Matthew's.
Very respectfully and truly yours, &c.
J. A. LATANE."
AS we have said, the Vestry, at. their
meeting on Saturday, took up this letter
for further consideration and decided to
accept the resignation therein rendered,
which they did by passing the following
resolution
"Resolved, That Mr.. Latane having re-
nounced the ministry of the Protestant
Episcopal Church we are most reluctantly
constrained hereby to accept his resigna-
ton OF the rectorship Of st, Matthews
parish. In thus severing our relations to
the late beloved pastor we bear our testi-
mony to his fidelity and ability in the dis
charge of all his duties, and pray that Gods
richest blessings may attend him and his
family to the end of life.''
BISHOP wHITTLE. ~
The Wheeling Register" says:
We will venture to say that ninety-nine
out of every one hundred persons who as
sembled in st. Matthew'S church yesterday
morning were disappointed in not hearing
something from Bishop Whittle in refer
ence to the S'present unpleasantness, -
that is troubling that congregation.
REV. MR.. HULLIHEN's POSITION,
The Wheeling Register" has the fol-
loW ng;
The Staunton 'sWindcator" of last Fri
day contains a full report of a sermon by
Rev W. @. Hdllihen, rector of Trinity
Parish in Staunton, the position held by