The Portland daily press., 1878-12-05
PAYsoN mEMNRIAL CHURCH.
Dismissal of Rev. Dr. Carruthe, $.


The council to dissolve the pastoral and min
isterial relations between DR.. Csrruthers and
the Second Parish church, met in the vestry of
Payson Memorial church at haif-psst two
O'Clock yesterday afternoon.
The letters missve were addressed to High
Rtate street, Bethel, Williston, Plymouth, st
Lawrence street, West End, Deering aud Cape
Elizabeth churches; and set forth the facts that
DR.. Carruthers resigned his ministerial Office
August IL 1877; that tho resignation was TO
take effect on the settlement of his successor;
that no settlement has been effected, aud that
DR.. Carrutners now asks his Off ial dismissal
The latters are signed by the pastor, and by w.
d. Little, j. f. Liscomb and a. z. Merrill, q
committee Of the church.
There was a large attendance ia spite Of the
weather The Rev. Edward Y. Htncks OF
State street church, was appointed moderator,
and Rev. Mr.. Bosworth of Dsering, scribe.
A portion of scripture was read and prayer
offered by the moderator.
The roll of the council was called as fol-
lows:
State street-Rev. E. Y. Hineks D. W CLARK.
High StreGE-keV. w. ii. EeQQ, u. Is Ll0DV,
Williston REV F. e. CLARK. q. W. Baker.
St. Lawrence street-Rev. A. q. Wright Edward
Waite.
Piymouth-Rev H. P Lathe, Horatio Me rrill.
Bethel-Rev. f Southworth, j. M. Gould.
West Eud-Rsv. j. r. Morgan, William West
wood.
Deering-Rey. W. A. Ellsworth, Deacon j, III,
Clark.
Cape Elizabeth-Rev. E. A. Harlow, G. Shannon.
Papers were then read set.iag forth the
action of the church on DR.. Carrnthers's resig-
nation.
DR.. Carfuthers was called upon for any
statement which he wished to make, but de-
clioed.
The council then went intu private sess ion 10
thu adjoining room, aud at p. m. reported
recon nending the dismissal.
COMMITTEES Of the council consisting of Rev.
Messrs. Fem and. Hacks, and j. B Libby,
prep ared the following resolutions, which were
adopted by the council and read by the chair
mao, Mr.. Fem:
Whereas. Rev. j. j. carruthers persists in the
renewal of his request made to the Second Parish
church September 10, 1877 (some fifteen months
since) and,
the church and parish aforesaid; therefore
Resol0ed, By this council, that we do hereby adj
wise the dissolution of his pastoral relation to this
church.
Resolved, That whieiwe recognise with unfeigned
sorrow the wisdom of this determinat IN uni ed
" desire to bear testimony OF gratitude to AL
slowed upon our venerable Father lin Chris) in per.
mitting him for SO long time and in Sd many ca
pacities as missionary, and as preacher and pastor
to serve our Lord SO usefully and acceptably.
RESOLVED, That we cannot allow his ministry of 81
years to this church and parish to close without
pressing appreciation of the fidelity, dignity
and power with which he has set forth the dis
tlncive truths of the Gospel OF Christ. We recall
with pleasure his uniform urbanity and kindness
Vic hrnf hQro md and hon fhor hn
long be spared by his presence and occasional minis
tatous, to strengthen and cheer the church of God
ReS0lUed That we sympai hize with this beloved
Mother Church in its present need Of pastor and
teacher and beseech tn eGreat Head of the Church.
their behalf speedily uni,e their hearts upon
worthy successor of tue eminent men OF God, who
have hitherto ministered to this people.
The council closed by prayer and bsnedislion
By Rev. Mr.. Fem.
The following resolutions were adopted by
the society sometime since:
Whereas In consequence of a severe domestic
affection, and subsequent serious and protracted
illness. combined with the ndrmities of age, Rev.
DR.. Carruthers, the venerable and respected pastor
of this society. has been under the Sity of
firing from the more active labor OF this pastorate
and consequently to tenier resignation of nis Off
cial relations to take effect the settlement of his
successor this society desiring to bear its testimony
TO the AGILITY and fidelity with which more than 81
years he has discharged the arduous duties of his
ministry among u.s. allow this occasion to pass
without placing record QUE appreciation of him
ripe scholar and faithful minister of the gospel of
Christ, therefore
Resolved That this society deeply regrettng the
circumstances which have compelled Rev Dr. Car
ruthers to resign his pastorae, and inasmuch he
is yet to be officially OF locally separated from the
people of his charge, would hereby express their
highest regard for him as minister and spiritual
guide trusting that the severance of the connection
as pastor and people. whenever 1t may take place,
tions that have so long existed and that he may yet
be able to some extent to labor among them, in word
and and M n3sb and od G
that many years of usefulness may yet be spared
him. and that he may be blessed abundanty in his
declining wears. whether here or elsewhere.
Resolyed That tne thanks Of this society here
ty presented to Rev. Dr. Carruthers for the generous
REIMBURSEMENT of his salary and thus enabling the
society to supply its pulpit without mourning addi-
tional expense therefor.
Resolvsd, That the clerk of this society furnish
Rev. DR. Carruthers will c Ply of these resolves;
and whenever council shall be called to dissolve
his pastoral relations, copy of the same be furnish
ed said council
The following resolutions were adopted by
the church:
Whereas. The Rev. Dr. Carruthers, the veneratei
pastor of the church, has signied to his mature
conviction that ivancing age, with its accompanying
physical infrnties, renders it expedent to draw to
close his long and fruitful pastorate OF more than
thirty two years, and has therefore requested the
church to unite with him in calling a mutual
council to advise respecting the dissolution of the
consummated without placing on record the senti-
ments of deep and sincere regret with which we
template the termination Of connection filled for
so long a period, with tender associations and
cherished memories and in which he has 50 COM
petely fulfilled, in his life and services the highest
ideal Of true and faithful minister of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Feeling it to be due to ourselves as well as TO him.
to express our appreciation of his able and faithful
ministry among us both in our homes and in the
sacred desk, the discrimination with which the
great truths Of the Gospel have been expounded and
set home upon hearts; the consistent and stead
fast walk with which they have been illustrated and
which has made him, in the communil IAN exemplar
of graceful dignity an6 kindness; the rare ability
ripe scholarship and Christian sincerity which have
distinguished him, Of the foremost and abest
defenders of the faith once delivered to the saints
therefore,
Resoived, That while regretting the necessity