The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-05-31

years old, and have lived there ever
since, except during the time that have
been connected with the Memorial
Church in Baltimore. | was educated at
the Episcopal High School at Alexandria,
and at the University of Virginia. sf-
terwsrd studied theology at Alexandra.
81 was ordained deacon by Bishop Meade
in June, 1868, aud ordained Priest by
Bishop Johns in June, 1869 served as
assistant to my father, Rev. Joshua
Peterkin, st James church, Richmond,
for about year. Then l became Rector
OF ST. Stephens church at Oulpepper,
Virginia. remained there four years
and half and then went to the Monu-
mental church in Baltimore, where l
have been for nearly tive years"
you served in the army did you not,
during the late war;"
"YCs sir | fought all through 1t. |
entered the Twenty first Virginia in
fantry at the outbreak of the war and
left 1t after beng made sdjutant, to
take position on the staff of Gen.
ersl Pondleton, Chief Of Artil.
lery. | was on the stall until
the surrender at AppomsttOx'
"llave you determined TO reside in
WheeIing2"
"No, the question of residenca has not
been settled yet. shall remain in this
vicinity for two or three weeks in order
to beCC me acquainted with the people.
My family is still in Virginia and they
will stay there for the present"
Bidding the Bishop god morning, the
reporter lett.
Mr.. Armstrong; Lester of Resignn-
ton.
WHEELING 9th April, a, ID. rs.
To the Vestryof ST. Mdtthet0s' Church:
DEAR BRETHREN-I have come to the
conclusion that it is my duty to accept
the call recently rendered me by the YES
try Of Monumental Church of Richmond,
Va, and as a preliminary to the sccep-
lance to place in your hands my resig-
nation of the Rectorship Of ST. Matthews.
You will therefore please accept this as
u performance of the latter act.
You are swrse that on the frs! receipt
of this call | very promptly declined II.
IL has since, however, been renewed and
the considerations which have been
urged upon me to reconsider the matter
and to reverse my decision have been
such rs to weigh heavily upon my mind
and TO leave little If any room to doubt
what Is the clear line of my duty
in the premises. You will believe me,
am quite sure, when l say that the mat
ter has given me much distraction and
pain. 1t has been no ordinary conflict
through which my mind has passed IN
arriving at this decision. 1t is IN no DIS
respect OF the people to whom | shall
90, but as an expression OF my sincere
and deep affection for you when l shall
leave, compared with whom they are
almost rs strangers to me, that l say that
the conflict has been between sense OF
duty and deep warm love. For you and
the good people you represent, l can
truthfully say thst my love, especially
during the past two years, has been
growing stronger and stronger"
and the consciousness OF its
strength has never been more
distinctly asserted in my heart than now
when | contemplate the not far distant
prospect of the severance Of our present
relations. You will, therefore, not blame
but sympa.hlze with me IN coming to the
conclusion that have now made known
to you. l shall, as far as possible, con-
suit your convenience and the welfare Of
the parish as to when this resignation
shall take place, Meantime, may Gods
good spirit guide you IN the path OF duty
10 the choice of another Rector, who shall
be, in all respects, worthy OF the office
and of the full love Of the people OF ST..
Matthews.
Ian, in the bonds of true affection,
Yours