The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-03
REV. MYRON REED RESIGNS.
An Abrupt and UnwelcOme Announce
ment to the First Church.
Characteristic Statement of the Facts-Uni-
versal Expression that His Departure
Is the Loss of the Community.

Rev. Myron w. Reed for seven years pastor
of the First Presbyterian Church, yesterday for
maIly resigned his charge, and will probably
within a month accept the pastorate of the First
Congregational Church of Denver, Col, to which
he has been called Although public announce
menJ of the fact that Mr. Reed had received such
an invitation, and that he had gone to Denver to
look over the ground, had already been made,
yet his resignation, it may be said, totally
unexpected yesterday. 1t was supposed that he
would take at least several weeks to consider
the matter, and that an inti1naton of his inten-
tions would be made in proper time. Instead of
doing this, however, at the morning service, yes
terday, he formally rendered his resignation.
The knowledge of this fact, which spread rapidly
throughout the city, created much comment.
and was the common topic of discussion. That
purely church matter should arouse such gen
eral interest among all classes is somewhat re-
markable, but not especially so in the present
instance, when one stops to consider the char
acter of Mr.. Reeds work in the city, not only in
the church, but in all movements that had
for their object the relief of suffering or Distress
or tyrannieal usuIpation of power. He has
been prominent in all benevolent and humanita-
rian schemes, and, as a result thereof, has been
associated and made friends with all classes of
people. Aside from this fact, the vigor, force
and characteristic originality of all his pulpit
utterances have attracted to his church hun
dreds of people, who cared to hear other min
lister. 1t is not to be wondered at, therefore,
that Christian people, as well as those who have
made no professions, united in general feeling
of regret that they should be deprived of the
services and society of such a man.
Mr. Reed announced his resignation in a char
acteristic manner. At the close of the morning
sermon, after giving out the hymn, he said:
suppose it is proper that should allude to little
matter of business. I of the meeting this
church and congregation heidi the kind things you
said and the resolutions you passed put in my
hands Friday, at st. Louis. Nothing could be
more complimentary, more cordial, more kind. 1
have been with this church seven years You know
my line of thought are familiar with my stroke and
have learned how to parry it. Were to remain here
another year think that could hold things together
as they are L could not do more. But wish to do
more than to hold my own; wish to see things be-
1t would be serious matter if you wished
to go away: it is serious matter with me that you
wish me to remain.
think it best in the interest of this church and of
the church to which shall probably GO that state
my decision at once and therefore tender my resig
nation pastor of this church. subject to the action
of the presbtery and to take effect the LIST of next
April
think probably have done about as much here as
can do could not get the church in better condi-
1t out OF debt and there perfect good Will
both Sides and think it is better that should lay
the work down 1 have to be dissatis-
fed with the church the congregation, or the city
have been treated with consideration, appreciation
and kindness by the church and citizens, especially by
all sorts and conditions of men, and for this feel
grateful
Mr.. Reed was visibly affected, and while his
voice was firm, he twirled his handkerchief in d
nervous way, and on giving out the hymn,
How gentle Gods commands" sat during the
singing of it with bowed head behind his desk.
During his remarks there was breathess silence
throughout the congregation, and during the
hymn the men laid their heads together,
in apparent sorrowful comment while
tears glistened in many eyes After the usual
benediction the large audience quietly, and with
evident sorrow, retired. The announcement of
the resignation was, in fact more than a surprise
to the congregation; it shock-for they had
hoped that Mr. Reed could be persuaded to re-
main with them 1t was evident. however, from
his remarks, that he was firmly decided to go,
and that nothing could change his intention.
WHAT MR.. REED SAYS.
II don't relish the idea of leaving Indianapolis"
said Mr.. Reed to journal reporter last night.
''It is rather serious matter. 1 don't want any
| misunderstanding about my leaving the church
here. The question of salary did not enter into
the discussion with me; it did not matter; that
is not the question The point is simply this:
| feel thatI have done here about all can do!"
'iIn what respectP
'Simply this: There is a new field for me, and
something to de. The church here is now united,
cOntented and out of debt The best
l have brought this all about by
my own efforts, but have contributed to it. |
want to do there about what have done here.
,rradT re offO
| long that there is danger of them becoming
| weary of them. The gain of getting in
field is offset by the loss of the capital of my
tended acquaintance here"
''And you think Denver is the place for such a
work."
Il do. 1t is bright, pushing city, and the
floating population is very large, coming, as it
| does, from all parts of the world The people
| there are smart and energetic and if the recep-
ton had while there last week is anything of
an indication, l am sure l shall like them,
and 1 want to make them like me.
Denver is the only city l know of
that l would leave indianapolis for I would net
go to any Eastern city for Idont believe L could
do much good there. The West is evidently the
place for me-"
''What about the church that you are going to
there}"
1T is the First Congregational Church, and
has been in existence since 1876. The congrega-
ton numbers about $50, think but the church
building will probably seat 1000. 1t has been
built within the last -FOUR years Inc present
pastor is Rev. M. V. Hilton, who resigned, how
ever, some time ago, and is only preaching there
now until a successorcan be provided 1t struck
me that there were excellent materials in the
church, and opportunities for plenty of hard
work, and that is what want"
Have you formally accepted the call'
mo, have not, but probably shall If l do,
it is to take effect April 1, but previous to that
time the presbytery here will have to take action
upon my resignation. Of course it will be &C
copied"
In further conversation Mr.. Reed expressed
surprise at the feeling that had been displayed
by the members of his congregation over his
proposed removal to Denver.
Il have received expressions Of regret from
people whom I did not think were particularly
Interested in my work. Perhaps l would have