Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-02-22
!
CLOSE OF A TWENTY SIX YEARS
PASTORATE.

THE RESIGNATION OF REV. VIM E.
BAKER OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH ACCEPTED-HIs RESIGNATION
RREvOCABLE--LEXIN PREsBY.
Terry ACCEPTS IT.
[Reported for the staunton VrND1cAToR.
Sunday was gloomy day at the First
Presbyterian church. The sky without
was cloudy. and the misty rain
darkened the stained windows still
more. The congregation was not
large. There was little of the Gus
tomary Sunday morning whispering to
neighbors before service. All knew what
they had come for-to receive the resig-
nation of the beloved pastor who, for more
than quarter of century had minister
ed there. Some present had been born and
reared under his ministry. 1t seemed
somehow as if the pastor was dead, and
little movements around the pulpit seemed
to confirm it. The sexton renewed the
little platform on which the late PASTOR
who was short of stature, used to stand.
At II O'Clock Rev. r. G. Walker, Stated
Clerk of Lexington Presbytery, who was
to preach and also to represent the absent
pastor in rendering bis resignation, ap-
peared in the pulpit. He had occupied it
often before, but this time it appeared as
if a stranger had already come in. The
deacons came forward to take the collec-
ton baskets and the audience looked up
as if the pail bearers steady step was
heard. The text of the sermon was Cast
ing all your care upon him for he careth
for you.'' At its close. the minister called
the congregational meeting and opened it
with prayer.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.
Elder Jos. A. Waddell presi ded over the
meeting. and Deacon James H. Blacklev
acted as Secretary.
Rev. R G. Walker explained the object
of the meeting. He said the congrega-
tion was called together to say whether
they would unite with Rev. W. E. Baker,
their pastor. who is now in Georgia, in a
request to Lexington Presbytery to dis
solve his pastoral relations with them.
Mr. J. A. Waddell. the Chairman. who
is also Clerk of the Session of the church,
read the following letter which he had
received from the absent pastor:
ROSWELL, COBB COUNTY, GAL
Feb. 1st. 1854.
Mr.. J. A. Wdddell, Clerk of sessions
Thereby tender my resign alton of the
passionate of the First PRESBYTERIAN church
of Stauntnn. and request the congrega-
ton TO unite with me in asking Presby-
terry to dissolve the relation subsisJing be
tv cen US.
This action of mine IS due to the coun-
tenance given in the congregation to the
scheme of -pastor-a scheme known
to he disapprOved by myself.
Respectfully. W. E. BAKER.
MR.. BAKERS LETTER TO HIS CONGRE.
CATION.
Mr.. Waddpll then read the following
letter which Mr. Baker bad requested him
to read to the congregation
ROSWELL. COBB COUNTY, GA,
Feb 9th 1884.
To the members OF the FIRST Presbyterian
church and congregation Of btaunton,
w.:
Dear Brethren:-I write YOU this letter.
that [ may not seem to have gone off
without bidding you farewell. | do not
propose to d we'll upon the reasons for this
withdrawal, except to say that it is not
owing to d,strust either of myself or nv
Master. l have no doubt but that could
continue, with the divine blessing, to
draw in the new corners into the church.
and to secure It's growth and prosperity;
but various circumstances lead me to b.
lieve that the Lord intends to favor me at
a n
and responsibility.
Having done more for the church. how
ever, than anv one among you. it is natur-
al that should feel deeper interest in
its spiritual prosperity, and you may.
therefore, always rely upon my good
wishes ard my prayers.
Remember then the word which snake
unto you while was yet with you. Your
best safe guard in the present crisis is hu-
militv. and profound sense of your need
of direction from above.
Let those WIN differ from their breth-
rem in the church see that they hold the
welfare of souls to he above all personal
considerations. That Jesus be glorifed
and sinners saved is the main thing.
And consider that the success of God s
cause does not necessarily depend upon the
carrying out of your plans Even divls-
ions and contentious al often so ordered
as to purify the faith and zeal of the dis
ciples.
Finally, let ME exh0rt such as have de-
ferred entering upon the service of God to
delay no longer. desire to use the So
lemnty of the parting word as means OF
urging their duty npOn them.
Yours, ffectionatelv.
VIM. E. BAKER.
Mr.. Waddell moved that the letter be
referred to committee to bring in re
port to be acted on by the congregation.
Mr.. J. Emmett Guy asked who would
be entitled to vote on the report.
Rev R. G. Walker replied that only
members of the church would have that
privilege, though after tie first vote was
taken. members of the congregation
might by custom, though not by right
vote.
The following gentlemen we're appoint
ed to constitute the committee-Wm 10.
Frazier, Charles Grattan. W. a. Burke,
W. J. Nelson and a. d. Peck. They
after brief absence returned the fol
lowing preamble and
RESOLUTION OF ACCEPTANCE,
which were read by VIM. Frazier, Esq.
Chairman of the Committee
Tue congregation of the FIRST Presbyte-
rian church of Stanton, Va, Convened
to receive and take action ON the letter !
RESIGNATION by Rev. w. E. Baker, of his
pastOrate of this church, desire to express
to him and to put on record their se Sc OF
She present situation, as we'll as some faint
testimony to his past SERVICES to this
church.
La Jue first place. we are assured by Mr..
Baker that this tender of his resignation
js no tentative proposition, nor meant by
him in any sense as test but that 1t is
absolute 80 far as he can MAKE it such.
We believe 1t has been brought about
by all honest difference of opinion in the
onnurnpatOu upon the eXpedjencv of call