Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-09-18
DR.. Hicks Obtains EGis Freedom.

BIS RESIGNATION ACCEPTED AFTER A STRONG APPEAL
The MEETING AT TIE TABERNACLE LAST NIGHT.
After Rev. DR.. W. W. Hicks, pastor OF the
tabernacle. had led In singing and prayer at a
meeting o. his congregation last night he an
hOunce1 that the business that had called them
together was the consideration of the conmunica-
lion which he had written 10 the congregation
dering his resignation. He made brief address,
statiIS now deeply he was Interested In this
church, which had. he said broken away from Ger
tam sugerotitions, and how sincerely lie regretted
tne necessity OF severing his connection with it.
Al his suggestion Mr.. 5. p. Keller was chosen to
preside moderator, and the doctor took seat
VITA the congregation. Mr.. W. j. Murtagh, the
Clerk or the congregation read Dr. Hicks letter of
resignation, which assigned TWO reasons IOr the
slep-the writer's physical disability which un-
ntted him for ministerial work here during the
winter months, and lis material interests In
Florida which require his presence in Florida oc-
casIondlly for the next six months at least. When
the letter had been read MIR. {. P. Crandall sug-
geotcd that the resignation be not accepted. He
lAOl NJ they should let the pastor have his time.
II they could not supply lis place for short time
how could they do - when he was away altogether
Mr. Jos X. Sharp did not see how they could sus-
tam church un.ess they had pastor who could
gave his wIo.e attention 10 it.
DR.. Hicks made emphatic address, stating
tiiat his resignation was offered In good faith, and
the reasons assigned were genuine. Ii must he ac-
etpted In the fiith iii which IL was offered.
whether you vote yes or mo- said the DOCTOR
II must resiga- Ii anyone votes not to accept,
thinking that If the church votes not to accept
VIII reconsider. let him Dansn that thought at
once should nave To tear my seif away anyhow,
aid that would not be pleasant"
Mr- trdndaii thought that the acceptance Of the
resignation might be considered as I rejection on
the pastor. tie thought that they should vote not
t. accept, and then let the pastor insist upon his
Resignation.
Or. Blald and others maintained that accepting
The resignation in the terms in which IL was writ
teI would cast no reflection upon the pastor.
y Vie WAS taken and y voted not To accept
while - voted TO accept.
Dr. Hc.s again made an address. Insisting that
the members OF the church did not unlerstand the
lre6 for
S!ginS stating That his ply steal ability vas In
cuFltl III India when lie Was serving there as a
Missionary. de said he had ambitious TO sue
ctti III us enterprises III Florida. so as To be able
10 Ec.p the tabernacle. \ gentleman, he said, had
asked MA. the day before. II il true that he
lnJeAued To accept call 10 certain church in this
city In!S the speaker denied. stating that he
would not leave his own church to go TO any other
Church lie expected, he sud, TO return to the city
next spring, anu TO spend his summers in W .Sh-
lhSlUl. lie Was grateful that NEST, perhaps all,
Inc members oil the church desired TO retain him.
kterIlis 10 tne history Oh the church, he said that
It's erection had advanced The value OF homes in
SOllh " iShington 5JU per cent. He made a strong
appeal, which resulted i'll q recon 5iueration of the
1Ufintr vote. The Resignation was then accepted
10y Vote Oh 10 TO IA, and the meeting was ad-
JOurned.
Dr. Hicks stated to STAR reporter that he would
leave or florida October LIST He said il was eSpe-
ciiilIy important tnat this church should have q
ItSIir minister, as Ii was not connected with any
CSLOL!lIdtlOnii connection which could supply 1t.
Iiic CHURCH Was liberal. and the Only CONT cliOnS
tlat would supply 1t We're the Unitarian AID the
CnlversuliSt.
This Is a church, observed one of the members
W Il SiAR IepO. Ter, THAT gives the sinners
as Wei as The saints. The manual requires that
iiiftt OF the nine trustees snail be chosen from
HleihpeIs oI the congregation Who are not cOmmu-
nl;antS'
No definite steps have been taken yet towards
securing pastor,