Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-08-11
THE HEsIGNATION OF REV. DR
STAFFORD.
Action of the Ecclesiastical Counctl-
His Passionate Dissolved.


The council of Congregational churches.
called to consider the resignation OF Kev.
George b. Stafford, ID. D., as pastor OF the
Third Congregational church of Burlington
met in the chapel of the church, Tuesday
Aug. 9Th, at 9 p. IT,. The following churches
were represented
Burlington, 1st.-Rcv. L. o. Brastow, ID
d., Dea. Augustus Kimball
Jericho, 1st.-Rev. Austin tiazcn, Dea
NJ. II. Chaplin.
st. Albans-Rev. Charles Van Nordcn
Bro. L. b. Whiting.
vergennes-Rcv. George L. Hall, Dea
Andrew Ross.
Westford - Rev. George p. Byington
Bro. Albert Partridge.
The church in South Hero, which had been
inyited, was not represented.
The council organized with Rev. Charlei
Van Norden as moderator and Rev. Austin
Hazen, scribe. Rev. Mr.. Van Norden offer
ed prayer.
After hearing the reports of the action oil
the church and society on DIR. Saffords res
ignation, and statement from DIR. Stafford,
and after due consultation the council adopt
ed the following resolution
Resolred That the coun Gil desires 10 express il
firm conviction that no adequate reasons, other thar
personal ones exist for the dissolution OF the pas
ioral relation OF Dr. Stafford to the Third Congrega
tional church, and that his church and the commu
nifty and the State at large must suffer IN their bes
| spiritual interests through his departure. I'M
express s e9pe 9, pa n frS to
CONSIDER his former action.
The resolution having been communicated
| to DR.. Stafford, and he adheriug to his previ
Gus decision, the following resolutions wcr,
UNANIMOUSLY adopted as the final result o
the council:
| Resolutions.
| Whereas, The Rev. Geo. Il. Stafford, d. D., has re
| signed his pastoral office over the Third tongrega-
tiona church OF Burlington VT. and his Resignation
has been accepted by said church ana society, SUB
ject to the a1yicc Of this body and rs, although W.
have failed to discover adequate cause for his res
ignation, and Notwithstanding our earnest rcques
tina, ms 9s be- ant
| Resoired, That We do unanimously acquiesc'
In such action land that In coming to illis result
the council able to declare with great satlsiac
tlon that they have found nothing in the inveslga
ton OF the causes which have led to ms dislnls
sion, to impair their confidence IN the integrity o.
| the Christian or ministerial character OF IN
retiring pastor land further that they hereby re
commend him to the confidence OF the chnrche
not only AS an honest, Iuithiu anu usclui
OF the Lord Jesus, but as brother well-belove'
and highly honored among US, whose long pastor
ate and eminent abilities have made him recos
nized leader in all matters OF social reform an
ecclesiastical concern Tor wide region roul
about, and who shall carry with him our tende
sympathes and earnest prayers for his future pros
| periy In the work of the Lord, wherever fro'l
dence may assign his labOrs.
ResGlrei, Also, that we hereby ehpress cur sernlt
sympathy with the Third Congregational churc
and parish In this their great loss; anu Una! W
commend them 10 the merciful providence OF IN
great Head of the church In earnest hope that Inc
may be speedily guided to the selection oil an ahl
and faithful pastor.
The council then adjourned sine die.