The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1883-11-24
THE LATE DIR. MATLACK.
Action of the Quarterly Confer
pnce.

The Quarterly Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in this town
having delayed action with regard to the
death of our former pastor and late pre-
siding elder, Rec. DR. l.. G.. Matiack, for
fuller attr enhance Of the members OF
the Conference. placed upon tue min
utes at the last session fitting
expression OF the painful feelings
produced by the announcement Of I'll e
sad event at the time it occurred, and a
testimonial OF thci rhi9h estimate OF tie
christian character, ministerial ability
and great personal worth Of the lanented
deceased as follows:
DR.. MatlacIl came to Eikton from the
| Philadelphia Conference of 1861, at
! Harrisburg as his first appointment at
ter his return to that Conference, and
sustained the pastoral relation to this
| church for two years of great usefulness
aud much temporal aud spiritual pros
/ perity.
| Coming as he did, So recently from a
/ distinguished military command i'll the
army of the Union, to coutny town in
a border state, and to a congregation
composed of members of different po-
| litical afiiuities and feelings, notwith-
standing the deIicaoy of the position. he
soon found way to oar hearts and conf
denco by the dignity of his demeanor,
~. -, III.
scientious conviction OF right. and the
genial spirit of his intercourse with the
people of his charge, Of all classes.
After IA pastorata of two Yeas of
marked ability in the pulpit, and great
spiritual prosperity in the church, he
left Us at the call OF ;hc Bishop for a
prominent position i'll the South, where
he commanded the respect of those with
whose political principles he was at war,
but where lie passed. through great per-
sonal suffering and bereavement.
In 1872. when ov a singular exercise OF
ecclesiastical authority, we We're in the
middle of the wear deprived of our pas
tor. and left without ministerial supply,
he voluntarily surrendered the position
of Presiding Elder of the New Orleans
district, sought the consent of his Bishop,
came to us in our desolation. and again
filed the relation ofpaStor to the charge,
tn the treat satisfaction aud profit Of the
Charch.
Daring the four years Of his relation
rs presiding Elder of the Wilmington
district, his visits 10 Eikton were always
seasons ~ Elrat pleasure aud prpit that
will long h., remembered hv the Church.
Our relations TO DR.. Matlack have
there foIc been such as render it emil
nently proper that We shouli give suit
abe expression to the sincerity with
which we, in common with the entire
Church. mourn the loss OF one 50 emf
neut III :he ministry. 50 valiant i'll the
cause Of righteousness and truth. and so
well beloved 10y all whom in his labors
in the cause OF his Master he has been
related.
Especially and deeply do we sYmpa-
thza with his bereaved widow and her
child IN their sadness and sorrow under
this dark Providence, rejoicing however,
in the knowledge that The GOO whoa he
served is her God. and who will be to
her las fhe shadow OF i great rock and
her ''cyce",lin3 great reward.
fo:iv committee INTERNALLY suggest
that this memorial be entered upon the
minu'"S Of the Conference, at this pres
ent session October aGth, 1883.
Signed,
T. \. ELiHS. ,IOHN PERKINS.
WI. II. En"E. THos. c CEoUcH,
". J. JoHES. Committee.