Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-02-01

THE CONGREGATION REFUSE THEIR CONSENT TO THE
TRANSFER OF REV. DIR. PAXTON TO NEW YORK
THE NATTER DISCUSSED AT MEETING LAST MIGHT.
Despite the disagreeabie weather last evening
the lecture-room OF the New York avenue PreSby
terrain church was crowded to overlooking, the
occasion being a meeting OF the congregation to
take action I'm relation to their PASTOR Rev. John
r. Paxton, who has received call to a church In
New York city. Rev. b. F. Bittinger, OF the West
minister church. was the moderator and Colonel A.
A HOSner the secretary.
DIR. PAXTON MAKES A STATEMENT AND wITHDRAws
FROM THE MEETING.
Rev. DR.. Paxton read statement to the meet
ing that he had received call from the New York
church and had preached there. He had, after
some consideration, telegraphed last "Wednesday
shortly afterwards. He found himself now in an
embarrassing position. He had doubts, he said, as
to his Guty-whcther there WAS not work for him
To do in New YORK, and whether his health would
not BE- better in New York than here. He could
informed by the New York congregation that they
would prosecute the call before the preSbyteTy.
Or. Paxton then withdrew from the meeting.
RESOLUTIONS REFUSING CONSENT TO PAXT0N'S
TRANSFER.
Mr.. H. H. Wells said the situation OF the pastor
was an embarrassing one, and some OF the mem
bcrS. nclu ling the trustees had drafted series
of resolutions, which he would Offer The reso-
buttons recita that in view OF the success OF DR..
PaXtonS paStordte UP 10 this time. the growth OF
the congregation AMI enlargement Of their house
u.
minds with sorrow and with misgivingS as to the
future; that the Result OF his laborS here they re-
gard as small in comparison with what Will he ac-
coinpltshed Il he remains; and in view Of all the
c.run!st 1n es they are constrained to refuse their
consent TO his transfer TO another field. and de
clare that they will resist his dismissal before the
PreSbytery. and that they recognize. it as their
duty 10 lighten his llborS &c.
MIR. VIM. Ballantyne seconded the resolutions
DISCUSSION.
Judge Strong said the congregation, with re-
m2rk2bie unantmity, desired the continuance of
the pastor. They honored him as man; as a
minister he had grown upon their affections, and
all could testify to his zeal and industry. He did
not see that they could do more or less than adopt
the resolutions They should not be carried away
by their feelings. and should bear in mind that DR..
Paxton had the right t. act according to his judg-
m"nt lie should consider that here his preach
Ing reached class which could not be reached
el5ewhere-that this was cosmopolitan city, and
this a cosmopolitan church. III the climate of
New York WIS necessary to his health, he should
go there, and this church should not stand in his
way. The great question for consideration
was. can he do a greater work for the cause OF
Christi nifty here or there.
Gen Reynolds remarked that the acceptance
was conditional on the action OF the congregation
and the pre>bytery. He thought that physicians
could be found who would say that Washington
was more healthy than New York with the pulsa-
tions OF Wall street.
Mr.. Cochran said it appeared to him that there
had not been enough OF meditation, either on the
part OF the pastor, or on their part. DR.. Paxton
had said his nervous system needed the bracing
air OF New York. There no city in the world
NneFe tnere are more nervous disorders Than New
York.
Mr.. A. c. Bradley said the teachers of Gurley
mission had appointed Mr.. n. S. Robbins and
himself to drait proper expression OF their feel
1ngs on the subject, and he read that paper, in
Which the hope was expressed that the relation
OF pastor and people would not be dissolved at this
time.
Mr.. Wells called for the vote. and the resolutions
were adopted by a standing vote unanimously.
Mr.. j. W. Thompson, On behalf OF the trustees,
offered resolution extending the usual leave OF
absence to four months. and approDriating $1,000
to enable Dr. Paxton to secure the needed rest ana
recuperatiOn Adopted.
The following were then appointed to act as
commissioners to the preSbytery, ii any occasion
should arise therefor through the action of the
New York society in sending commissioners to
that body: II. III. Wells, senator Frye. Justices
Harlan and Matthews, OF the Supreme Court OF
the United states: Gen. Dunn, Major Quafe. A.
A. H0Smer, James T. Fitch, j. ". Thompson, Mr.
Clayton, Auditor Reynolds, A. c. Bradley, VIM.
B1ll2ntyne. DR.. f. II. Gallaudet, Mr.. COchrane,
VI. W. Gait, Wm Thompson and Hon. s. +. Phil
lips, Solicitor General OF the United States.
The Secrt tary of the meeting subsequently nOti-
lied Dr. Paxton OF the action tIken.