The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-08-22
For TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Rev. James K Hazen and his Church at
PrattYille, Ala.

Rev. James K. Hazen and his Church at
PrattVille, Ala.
On Sabbath, the goth ult, at the usual hour for
morning service, the pews of the Prsttville Pres
byterian church were filed with wistful, sorrowful
listeners from all the churches and congregations
of our town and vicinity, waiting to hear the
farewell sermon of Rev. j. K. Hazen, who has re-
Gently been called from the pastoral charge of that
church, to enter upon the duties Of Secretary OF
Publication, to which Office be had been elected at
the last meeting of the General Assembly in May.
Although greatly fatigued by the excessive labors
of the month past, in attendance upon the minis
terial duties of his church and the Missionary
Branch churches, together with tie toilsome abors
and great mental anxiety attending the coming
change, the packing, and otherwise dsposng of his
household and other personal property, he arose
in his accustomed place in the pulpit with that
same vigor and indOmitable energy which have
ever been the leading features of his life and char
acter.
His text was taken from Thess. ii: l9 and 20,
aud the earnestness with which he addressed the
audience, together with the profound quiet and at
tention of his hearers bespoke deep feeling on the
part of both speaker and congregation.
In the course Of his sermon he gave brief sta
tiscal report of his labors in his own charge in
Guiding the missionary work, and it stands as I'm.
mistakabe evidence of what untiring energy and
unwaverng devotion to the cause of God, will &C.
oomplish. On the 9th of November, 1860 he was
licensed and took pastoral charge of the Prattvie
church, then with membership of only twenty
four. The following is a copy Of the report Bap-
tisms, 2O6; Adult, IA; Infant, 1872; Accessions,
25S; Average per year, Is NEARLY; Missionary
work, branches g. Benevolent contributions, 10
years, 81, 3l5.l5 Present membership, 1873.
Such are the fruits of energy and devotion to
the cause which he had espoused, and under such
active business qualifications as he possesses, we
may safely predict the future prosperity of the af
fairs connected with the Board Of Publication.
At the close of his sermon, he dismissed the con-
gregation, and called meeting of the members Of
his Church and congregation for the purpose OF
rendering his resignation.
The following is copy Of the preamble and res
olutions read and adopted
Whereas, By the action of the General Assem-
bly, of the Southern Presbyterian Church which
Convened in New Orleans in May, 1877, our be-
loved pastor Rev. James K. Hazen, after having
served US faithfully earnestly, and successfully tor
seventeen years, was chosen as Secretary of the
Committee on Publication:
And whereas be has rendered his resignation as
pastor of this church, preparatory to entering upon
the duties of that office:
Resolved, LIST. That his resignation be accepted
by this Church and congregation, and that we, the
members thereof, unite with him IN petitloning the
East Alabama Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral
relation hitherto existing.
Resolved End. That first of all, the unfeigned
thanks of this church and congregation are due to
the Father of all mercies for the marked NANTES.
tation of His care for US, in sending among one
who has SO long and so faithfully broken unto US
the bread of life; one, who by purity OF life and
cody walk, has taught US our Christian duties by
example no less than by and through the Spirit Of
God he has taught US by precept.
ReSolved, 80, That the thanks of this church
and congregation be rendered to our beloved bro
Their and teacher in Christ for the patient, faithful
and earnest manner in which he has long abored
with US and for u.s.
ReSolted 4th, That as the time has come when
God directs for the welfare of His church on EARTH
that there should be dissolution of the sacred ties
that have so long united us in the relations of pas.
tor and people, we bow in humble submission to
His will knowing that He doeth all things well.
Resolved, 5th, That, believing that God has
committed the support and the prosperity of His
church to the charge of no one man: but that Je.
sus and the Holy Spirit of God are the life and
living power thereof, we will still follow the more
closely this same Jesus whom our beloved pastor
has so zealously preached unto u.s. and that We will
still seek the aid and divine guidance of that same
Spirit, which is able to lead US in the way of
all truth thereby standing out as living evidence
that his labors amongst US were not in vain.
ResolUed, 9th, That this Session will see to it
that until God shall send US another faithful SER
want as our visible, spiritual leader, to go in and
out amongst us, there be no cessation of the usual
services of worship, admonitiOn and mutual en-
oouragement and that there be no neglect of the
observance OF all the ordinances of the church at
regular seasons.
Resolved, 7th, That by this ruling of Gods pro-
violence over Us, we are driven nearer to God, and
united in Christ by stronger ties of Christian fellow
ship and love, with full purpose OF heart, through
Christ, to be faithful unto the end.
Resolved, Sth, That with this, our final and af
fectonate farewell, we accompany him with our
hearts united in prayer to God, long to spare him
in his abors of love and usefulness, and finally to
take him home, bearing with him precious sheaves
into the kingdom Of his Master.
Resolved, 9th, That these preambles and resolu-
tions be copied in the minute book of Session, and
duplicate be furnished to the delegate to the next
meeting of Presbytery, to be given by him to the
stated clerk. O. p. WALKER,
Clerk of Session.
After the adoption of these resolutions an oppor-
tunty was given all who desired it to bid him fare.
WE'LL
The sad and sorrowful faces as they marched up
the aisle, some with no expression other than a
tear and warm pressure of the PASTORS hand, be-
trayed the deep feeling that moved them.
No one, except him who witnessed it, can tell
With what strong ties of love and affection he and
his charge were united. w.
A Good Baptist Sermon.
Rev. DR.. E. T. Buist of Greenville, S. O., writes
to the Christian Observer about the removal of the
Rav Tobn Rroadns n y and the Southern