Wilmington daily commercial., 1876-09-19
The Unitarian Passionate.

REsIGNATIoN OF REV. MR.. IsRAEL-AcTIoN
OF THE CONGREGATION.
Last evening meeting of the congrega-
ton of the First Unitarian church was held to
take action upon the resignation of the pas
tor, Rev. Fielder Israel. The circumstances
of the case have been known to a number
of persons for some time, and they simply
are that the means at the disposal OF the
congregation for the support of a pastor
are at present straitened by the times, and
that without any hint or intimation what
ever from Mr.. Israeli who has not received
gular salary, but has served the coll
gregation for such support as they were
able to provide, the Trustees felt that they
were not doing Justice to him, and that
they ought not to further hold him in the
service of the church. Upon knowledge
Of this, Mr.. Israel rendered his resignation,
to take effect ON or before December 1st,
with the request that it be accepted by the
church. The Trustees presented this 10
the meeting of the Society last evening,
when it was concurred in, and the following
resolutions unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The Rev. F. Israel has ten
dered his resignation as pastor Of this Soci-
ETY., your committee to whom was referred
the letter of resignation would ask leave to
ResolUed, That m accepting the resigna-
ton of the Rev. F. Israel We are animated
by desire to be just to him who has 80
long served in the relation of pastor and
teacher in this community. We feel deep
ly the loss entailed by this separation. Mr..
Israel has unselfshly and successfully la
bored from the beginning to establish a
church of our faith and to promote the in
terests of pure Christianity. His public
spirit, earnest and hearty cooperation in
! all good works, has made for him a place In
the confidence and affection of this people,
that will make his removal felt as a public
loss. We esteem him highly both as pastor
and friend. Our confidence in him as a
| Christian minister is unabated, and our as
sociations with him as pastor will be among
the most sacred memories of our lives.
ResolUed, That we tender to Rev. Mr..
israel our gratitude and love for all the
past, and our sincere wishes for the pros
perity and happiness in the future of him
/ self and family.
Resoiued, That we cordially invite Mr..
Israel to remain with us as long as it shall
suit his convenience, we rendering him our
| best support for his services.
JOHN P. WELLS,
Gro. W. RoBERTs,
VIM. s. WATT,
Conlmittee.
Mr.. Israel has now been resident of
Wilmington for nearly ten years, with an
interval of absence at Taunton, Mass, of
about two years. His relations with the
congregation at his church are of the most
friendly and cordial character, and their
expressions OF regret at the step which
seemed proper uuder the circumstances
may be accepted as the sincere presenta-
tion of their feelings. Mr.. Israel has been
very active always, outside of lis church,
IN every sort of benevolent and progressive
work, laboring steadily for the public good
in the various associations and Organizations
formed for charitable, educational, and kim
dred objects. His departure from amongst
us, which will not take place at once, will
be the cause of general regret.