New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-05
THE REV. DIR. LUDLOW RESIGNS.

SYSTEM OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH GIVEN AS HE
CAUsE-HIs CONGREGATION MUCH DISSATISFIED
WITH THE POSITION TAKEN By THE CoNsIsIoRf.
A proposition was made few months ago
in the consistory of the Collegiate Reformed Cnurch
that the Rev. Dr. James NJ Ludlow, the pastor OF the
church OF that corporation at Fifth-ave and Forty
eirbts should resign his pastoTae. 1t was not car
red into effect at time however but on account OF
the difficulties which then Dr. Ludlow at meet
ing of the church last evening, announced his intention
Of resignng The meeting held at the close OF the
regular prayer meeting, and the attepdance was rnnc
larger than usual Dr. Ludlow, in presenting his rcss-
nation, said In substance:
Tho question will be asked how it is that in church so
nearly unanimous this Is and 50 fruitful sptuN,
separation like this should he necessary cannot eH
plain To those not acquainted with our system Whtn
embraces three churches. When first heard that ne
officers Of the church would be grdneu VIII T
drew | was depressed and tor three weeks
was under a burden. Then came the expleSsl SION
voluntary and hearty. OF your confidence, your i,,
affection, and your desire that | should remain
Ihaye consul ted not my feelings but my Judgment anu
have concluded that must seek another field OF labor
in the position OF one aRPafe ndY e If remain
shall not be able fully to minister to your wants, for
when one is engaged in conflict and lighting ne Is nn'
for study for the tranquil mem daas not lead me
to hope Tor good. think you nave lost your %
ent for church, and ITS spiritual GROWTH IS IN peril
aonin / am not willing TO put burden on your gener-
osty III remain, have no guarantee tiLt tnNSiine
trohle viii not arise IN the future 1t grows out Of me
svstn aud cannot DO satisfactory WORK uaderit. Inc
sysien Is, the government of the church without the
voice of the pcOple hIy proposition mat the people
unite In my hdrawal without dissent Shall carry
with me the remembrance your affection wherever
90 Tho rnal details of my separation from me charge
viii probably br announced sun lay rom the pu'pt
Dr. Ludlow spoke witt! much emotion, and ut times bis
voice was almost broken with feeling meeting OF INC
congregation was aftcrWar1 held Mr. Jeremiah occupy
inc me chair Ir. Morrison moved tnat the committee
npD MED 10 examine the character OF the churCl ne III
creased and that prepare expression OF olhH as
70 DIR Iudlow's resignation. 1t ordered ana Tue
chairman then said. his remarks being appiihdcd'
mat the entire difficulty grew out OF the sSs-
tpln Where the governing body not chosen ny the
people was arbitrary and rannca ana no Den were
So nrc that they could this. The Fourth S'rtcV
Church was DIVING and making sign, a:d inc l"tlh
ninth Slcet Church although it had pastor OF NlS"r
and rutusjasln was also dl ing and TINS chulch th
Youngest and most energetic Of all wa. beng crushed
ope OF progress thought the church was III LIS dc
cadence . A., ,
Mr. Loouier called upon the members OF the cor
sisory for an explanation OF their action tOWHfl INC
r9stOr ana this request was urged 10y round OF APP
nause Mr. Donald. q member Of the cbnSistoiy, san
they ought not to expected 10 answer scn question
whatever the cOnSiSiury had done had been Tor the beS
flat if {; reconciliation could not he effected inc
church should uuwiIinGly submit TO the separation OF
DR. Ludlow from his charge but ne &0n!d tiht NilH MN
Their dpr and heartfelt affection. In The vote upon mo
resolution one feeble Ne" was heard. one EeppehNh
said the church had been treated esPec!Gy, ana ne
demanded an explanation OF the COnsistUlN. MI Dohl
who is friendly 10 the pastor. sad in reply TO ms tat
fIp roussiory had asked That n re Held SIX
weeks ago fci mutual explanations bat Inc ChtCh hau
refused 10 listen to any explanation
Dr. Ludlow told TRIBUNE report tlal MS iasl sermon
in the church wOul! probably he preached on Alrl -