The Evening critic., 1884-12-08

Rev DR.. william Paret, Dlshop-elect OF the
Diocese of Maryland, addressed the copgre-
CATION OF the Church of the Epiphany yester-
day morning on the subject OF his ministerial
labors In connection with the parish and tho
approaching dissolution OF those relations. q
He said that the vestry had, by unani-
moue vote and at his suggestion, extended
call to the.Rev. Chauncey d. Brewster, present
pastor OF Grace Church, Detroit, a man OF
great ability and In every way competent to
carry on the great work for which Epiphany
parish affords the opportunity and the neces-
slty.
DR.. Brewster has not as yet accepted the
call, but there is every reason to believe that
no VIII do so, and 1t 10 his purpose 10 visit
the city at once to personally acquaint him.
self with the nature and extent OF the work.
he Will very probably be present at the serv-
ices next Sunday, and In the event OF his ac-
ceptance will endeaver, as far as possible, to
become acquainted with his new parlshioners
before DR.. Paret Is forced to retire from his
rectorship to assume the duties OF the bishop.
rlc.
DR.. Parets remarks upon the subject OF the
history OF the church under his charge, and
his enforced and reluctant REIMBURSEMENT OF
the charge which he has 30 nobly performed,
were very affecting and moved many mem
berB OF the congregation to tears. IL was an
nounced that tho collections at next Sundays
aeryices will DO devoted TO tho extinction OF
the church debt, which has been reduced from
$4,000 TO $1,000 under Dr.. Parets rector
tntDs
The correspondence on the subject OF DR..
Parets resignation OF the rectorship OF Epi
phany Church is as follows:
10 he TestYy Of he Church ofMe EpiDhany:
The Church in Maryland, by Its voice In
convention, has uttered its wish thatI should
become the bishop OF this diocese.
This election yet requires the approval OF
majority OF the dioceeee, and majority OF the
bishops. But It is due to you and the best In
terests OF the parish that should not wait for
that confirmation before placing In your
hn INV N(R nal n Inv nf m
torship OF this parish, so leaving you free to
take action for the future. I do, therefore,
with much sadness, tender TO you my resigna.
ton OF the rectorship upon condition OF, and
from the date OF, my conservation to the Epis-
copal of1lce.
it is a comfort to me TO know that this resig.
nation was not the act OF my own choice ana
Will, but In simple obedience to a call of
higher duty under circumstances so marked
that neither you nor could call 1t In ques-
tion.
did not know what pain there would be In
such n severlng OF pastoral relations until this
moment has come for making 1t. 1 neither
knew how deeply my own affections were
bound up in the members OF my flock, nor how
warm their affection was for me. The thought
Of separation has brought out the expression
in a manner and with fuliness that touches
me very deeply. wish to put upon record my
loving gratitude to them all.
add, also, to the members OF the vestry es-
pecially, my gratitude for the unquestioning
confidence with which they have supported
me In all my wishes and plans for the work OF
the parish.
my rectorship, 1t has not been by my own Wis
dom or labors alone, but with Gods blessing,
by the help OF vestry who have we'll fulfilled
their responsibilities, and OF q band OF work.
ers, both men and women, who have en-.
Outraged their rector by moot untirlng labors
and sympathy.
Grated to the ONCE of Bishop, hope that no
interval OF uncertainty may come before the
settlement Of new rector.
help for your choice, and VIII always pray
for the welfare OF the parish which has called
has and will have place in my wafmest afrec-
tions. Yours truly,
WILLIAM PAIlET.
Upon the reading OF the rector's letter OF
resignation the following resolution was
The Vestry OF the Church OF tho Epiphany
have learned with pride, mingled with regret
that their rector has boon elected to the high
position OF Bishop OF Maryland; pride that
the choice has fallen upon one whom they
know so well as pastor, and believe to be
eminently fitted by executive ability, zeal ana
Industry for the wider sphere OF usefulness to
tho Church, thus opened TO him, and regret
that the relations which have for eight years
subsieted between them shall, OF necessity, be
weakened and made moro distant and general,
record their testimony 10 the falthfulness
with which DR.. paret has discharged the
duties OF rector OF this parish, the success that
mas hltenueu Hlb ullnlbudllOHh III IL, huu tublr
arrectionate regard for him as a minister and
friend.
Rev. Mr.. Brewster is at present tho pastor OF
Christ Church, Detroit, Mich. lie Is about SO
years old and o graduate OF Yale and Berkeley
Divinity School. MIR. Brewster is also q class-
mate OF Rev. DR.. Leonard, OF 81. Johns parish.
He Is expected here by next Sunday, when he
will deliver sermon and converse with
Bishop Paret about the affairs OF the parish
and determine whether he will accept the
parish. DR.. Brewster Is spoken OF In the
highest terms as an eloquent preacher.