Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-03-04


The Lexington Presley terry WAS convened in
spec,al session on the End in this city for the
purpose OF d. solving the relations OF Rev. AL
exander Sprunt as pastor OF Augusta Church.
Mr.. Sprunt in the absence of the modera tor
called to order and opened the session with
prayer, after which Rev. ]. e. Booker occupied
the chair. Rev. Mr.. Walker. stated clerk. was
present, besides other ministers and Elders
constituting quorum.
Rev. Taylor Martin, of Mechlenburg Presby-
terry being present. was invited to seat as
corresponding member.
The objects of the session were then ex-
planned. when Rev. Mr.. McCutchan moved that
the pastoral relations Of Mr.. Sprunt to the
Augusta Church be dissolved and that he be
transferred to the Orarge Presbytery Of North
Carolina. Messrs. VIM. 81. Norman and P.
n. See appeared as Commissioners from Au-
gusta Church and submitted the following pre-
amble and resolutions which were adopted by
that church on the LIST instant, both of them
giving expires ion to the sentiments Of the
church and community in being called to sep
arate from a pastor and friend held In such
universal esteem and affection -
sit is with feelings OF sadness. that we hear OF
onr beloved pastors determination to ask the
in the pleasant relations of pastor and people
for almost six years to our spiritual good and
aQVaQcomGQL. Ocou
indeed-tireless in every duty; the very en-
bodiment of christian zeal; seeking continu-
ally every opportunity to advance his masters
aud example, in spirit SO loving and tender,
as to draw the tendriIs of his people hearts
closely about him. Feeling, as we do, that his
ministry has been so blest and productive OF
good SO great. that We could not unite with
him in his request. even though he felt 1t his
peal to tSs eslnss Of lowe hsI oromps US e
wish to retain him as our pastor. Therefore.
belt
Resolved lst That as the promotion of his
health would be the preservation of his use
fulness 1t is our sad duty to unite with HIM In
his request that the relations as pastor and
Resolved End. That we heartily recommend
him to the people to whom he goes as faithful
and earnestly hope they Will hold up his hands
and strengthen his zeal with loving apprecla
ton"
Mr. Sprunt briefly addressed the Presbytery
In touching language, and under deep sense
of the circumstances which had led him to
take the step which separates him from
q congregation and friends so dear to him. The
manifestations by all, the young people as
well as the older. and the coiored also. in ex.
pressing their desire that he would remain as
their pastor had come to him go often and 10
so many ways that IL was indeed a struggle
with him at times to obtain his own consent
for this dissolution of ties. He had been re-
peatedly informed by his physicians that dis
ease was making inroads on his health. which
more Southern climate would probably ar
rest, and as he knew this disability was grow
ing annually, he had at last concluded to seek
relief by the change. He referred to Augusta
Church. and his associations there, in tender
and solemn words. Mr.. Sprunt also spoke OF
the church at Henderson, N. c., to which he
goes. He had every reason to believe that the
charge would improve his health, but that was
not the only consideration by which he was
guided He believed that 1t would be in his
power to accomplish more In the work of the
ministry there than here. and that fact i'm
pressed him wit h all its Importance.
Revs Walker, Winfree Raiey, and John.
son. made brief addresses in relation to the
separation from Mr.. Sprunt. that breathed the
full spirit of christian love.
Mr.. Johnson, who has recently assume d the
past0rate at Hebron, vacated the pulpit to
which Mr.. Sprunt is called.
The resolution was then passed. and Mr..
Sprunt was requested TO preach next Sunday
at the Augusta church and declare the pulpit
vacant.
The Presbytery then adjourned.