The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-10
REV. A.. II CARRIER RESIGNS.
The Congregation Accepts and Passes Series
of ResolutiOns-A Spirited Discussion.

A meeting was held last night by the members
of the Fourth Presbyterian Church to take action
upon the resignation Of their pastor, Rev. A. Il.
Carrier After the usual Introductory devotional
exercises, conducted by Mr. Carrier himself, he
announced the object of the meeting, and, after
reading the following resignation, absented him
self III order that free discussion might follow:
INDIANAPOLIS July 8.
"To the Congregation of the Fourth Church,
"Dear Friends--I ask you to unite with me in
requesting the Presbytery to dissolve the pas
toral relations between this church and myself
Such difficulties have arisen as to compel me to
feel that can no longer work happily and use
fully in this field 1t would serve no useful
purpose to enter infinitely into the reasons
which have brought me to this conclusion. 1t is
certainly from no sudden impulse of
feeling that I ask for the sundering
OF the ties that have bound us to-
gether. ! have tried to look at the subject
on every side, and have asked, as you will not
doubt, the direction of God whether to take so
important step. My judgment has become
thoroughly convinced that l can do 10 other.
During the six years past my relations with you
have been, for the most part those of mutual
loved this peoples and have not been without
many proofs of their love in return. 1t is easy
to work when heart is responsive to
heart. 1t is not easy if dstrust
and estrangement arise. You will do me. now.
kindness if you accede to the request which
make. l should be glad to obtain my release as
early as practicable, III order to carry out plans
of foreign travel and study. l wish to express
the heartiest desire for the welfare Of the mem
bers of this flock. And for this flock, may say
that have labored in all conscience Affection
ately, your pastor, ga. Fl. CARRIER"
Rev. ". A. Patton then took the chair and
the motion was put and carried unanimously to
49, c.11z.
luton:
Resolved, That for the reasons stated by our pas.
tor Rev. A. H. Carrier in his letter of resignation,
the members of the Fourth Presbyterian Church,
JON him In the request for dissolution of his pastor
al relations with the church, and be it further
Resolved, Thatwe regret the necessity for this
separation from who has long been to tender
shepherd so kind pastor able, faithful instruct
i've and pleasing preacher of the pure gospel of
Jesus Christ Like Paul, he has known nothir G
among us save Jesus Christ and Him crucifed; and
like the Master himself he has gone in and out
among us to serve and do good.
continue with him and his faithful wife in the hope
that his work may prosper wherever God in His prov
idence may call him to labor.
An additional motion was put that the follow
ing resolution be made a separate clause and
incorporated in the above resolution:
Resolved, That our pastor is in no way responsible
for the difficulties in the church. to which he has al
luded in his letter of resignation.
This motion stirred up a good deal of feeling,
and was fercely combated by number of
speakers, who thought it would injure both the
pastor and the church. Others demanded that
it be passed, in order that justice might be done
to the retiring pastor. 1t was evident that there
were two factions present by the tenor of
speeches in general. Finally Mr.. Patton made
a powerful appeal for the motion, and succeeded
in overcoming the prejudice of several members,
resulting in carrying the motion by vote Of
thirty nine to FIVE
The members appointed John A. Cleland and
Pleasant Bond one from the congregation and
the other from the elders, to represent the
church at the presbytery which will meet on
July IT, to take action on the dissolution of Mr.
Carriers pastoral relations with the Fourth
Church Congregation
The retiring preacher will occupy his pulpit
for the last time one week from next Sunday
and will sail next month, with his family. for
Leipzig, Germany. The church will be without
a regular pastor until next year. The project of
combining the Fourth Presbyterian and the
Tabernacle churches, which was thought by
many to be almost consummated, has been aban-
doned.