Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1884-02-23

Pastor DomoH's RssigHnfioD.
At the regular morning service ofthc Bethel,
last Sunday. Pastor Damon announced that at
the next Wedncsdayeve prayer meeting
he .hould read a letter to his Pensioners and
hoped to have a full attendance ON that occa-
sion. IN response TO that announcement and
request, the lecture room Of the Bethel was
well filled las, wednesday evening After the
usual service Of prayer and song Mr.. Damon
read the following letter.
Honolulu, February IS, 1884
To TIC Wfmb3g ofkfc Befbri UHi11 CiH,rl.
Christian FrifRA To-day have entered
upon my 10Th year, aud long since, | came 10
the decision to- resign my Passionate NJ this
church, when had arrived at the age ol thrc
score years and ten; and, in order to give
ample time for the church to make choice NJ
my successor, now tender ny resignation. to
take effect one year from this date. That
the subject has been under consideration on
my part will I've evident, by the closing remark
OF my Jubilee sermon. viz: ~ sincerely think
the time has come for steps to be taken look
ing to such a result and suggest, that you ~
members Of my church, take The subject into
Thoughtful consideration"
This decision, | do not consider as affecting
my position as Chaplain Of the American Sea.
mems Friend Society, neither do I wish it TO
be understood that cease my labors in
Honolulu for the good Of my fellow men.
! believe the time has fully come when
this church and congregation should enjoy the
preaching and the pastoral scryicesui younger
man, and furthermore, | fully believe that
there is ability in this community tu support
such man without foreign aid Ii only nrcls
to have this ability developed. | am fully Of
the opinion that now is the time for the expert
ment to he properly tried
Christian friends, members of this church
cannot open up this sui. e4t, without express.
ing the deep interest which | now feel, and
which | shall ever feel, in your spiritual wei.
fare and prosperity
II God shall spare my life, | shall hope to
return and labor with you, for years to come,
in the up-building Of Christ's Kingdom ON
| these Islands, II no longer as your pastor, then
as your fellow laborer, in the closest bonds OF
christian fellowship and love.
| | shall hold myself If readiness to confer
with you in all matters necessary to carry gu,
these plans.
Ever looking up 10 God, and His Son, the
Great Head OF the Church. for divine aid and
strength, subscribe myself your friend and
pastor. SAMUEL c. DAMON,
Pastor OF Bethel Union Church
In abiding to his resolve to resign the
pastorate on the completion of his 10Th year
Mr.. Damon repeated his belief that the so
ciety needed a younger man, and that he be
lieved they could better decide exactly wha
to do, during his absence from the country
He had made no effort to supply the pulpit
during his absence because he believed il hes
that the church should carry out their owl
wishes and preferences in the matter according
to their own light and their best judgment.
The retiring pastor spoke feelingy of hi
long sojourn on the islands and his long pas
torate OF the Bethel. He said that the onl,
white persons still in Honolulu who were her,
when he landed were MesSrs. Henry Dimon,
and S. n. Castle, Rev. Lowell Smith, Capt
John Cummings and Mesdames Lowell Smith
Dimond, Dominis, Cooke, Dudoit and Carter
lie spoke ieelnely, also, the efficient aid ans
sustaining sympathy OF Deacons d. p. Peterson
and T.G. Thrum: OF the efficient Sunday schoo
work of Superintendent II. NJ Whitney; o
Mr.. ]. Peterson's work in the library and tn,
| twenty one years service of Mr.. William Carl
as head librarian. He also alluded To the yea
and talent OF the ladies who, from time to
line, had carried along the singing of the
church.
In discussing the future OF the church, the
retiring pastor suggested that the name o
Bethel Union Church be changed 10 UnioI
Church of Honolulu. He spoke of the term
in which the Hawaiian government had cede,
the property on which the Bethel stands, anC
spoke of the necessity OF corresponding will
the Seamen's Friend Society about the society
vested rights in property here.
Dr. Damon, after an impressive prayer ant
a few closing remarks, withdrew for the mem
bers to select officers and confer together
committee OF three to secure pulpit supply wa
appointed and on motion of Mr.. s. NJ. Damon
The meeting then adjourned till Friday Cast
evening for action ON the subject before them
Mr.. and Mrs Damon will leave about nool
Monday for China, by the bank Ceylon. The,
are unable TO announce when they may return
Mr.. Frank w. Damon will be married aitel
they reach liongkong and he and his wife viii
probably return with The elder Mr. and Mrs
Damon by way Of Japan and San Francisco