Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-22
Resign alton Of Rev. !. r. Booker.
ACTION OF THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ACTION OF THE CONGREGATIONAL 1AnAA
OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
APRIL 18th. 1885.
Immediately after divine service. in accord
ance with the call made by the session on the
18th inst. and the public notice, congreea-
tional meeting was held in the Second Presoy
terrain church. On motion of T. @. Morton,
Elder Hotchkiss was elected Moderator ana
Thos. s. Doyle, Clerk. The Clerk then READ
the request of the Pastor. Rev. J. E. Booker, 10
the session for a called meeting of the congre-
CATION to act upon his request to unite Win
him In an application to Lexington Presoyte-
ry, at its next meeting to dissolve the pastoral
relations between himself and the Second fres-
byterian church of Staunton, in order that ne
may accept a call to the First Presbyterian
church of Charleston w. Va and also the call
made by the session of the church on the 10Th
inst. for this meeting. 1t a pearing that que
and sufficient notice had been given 10 tDe
congregation. the following preamble and res
olution expressing the feeling of the congrega-
ton In uniting with the Rev. ]. E. Booker IN
asking q dissolution of the pastoral relations
with this church were presented by ID. W.
Henry and seconded by T. c. Morton In lew
feeling and we'll chosen remarks. and unanl-
mously adopted by rising vote:
Whereas our beloved pastor Rev. J. e.
Booker has informed US that he has received
call from the First Presbyterian churc, OF
Charles ton, w. Va. and that after ayerfui
consideration he considers 1t to be his duty 70
accept the call, because he believes that In this
new field of labor there will tie open to him a
larger sphere of work and usefulness III our
masters service; and because ne is persuaded
that the Head of the church calls him to enter
upon that work ann service; and whereas ne
asks ms to unite with him In reques' TO Lex
fngton Presby terry to dissolve the relation ex-
listing between himself and this church as pas
tor and people; therefore
Resolved. That we, the members of the Sec
oud Presbyterian church of StauutOn, do here
by unite with our pastor and request Lexing
ton Presbytery to .'issDlve the relations now
existing between the Rev. r. Booker and
the Second Presbyterian church OF StauntOn.
Resolved, That. in Joining in this request. we
desire 10 make 1t known that we do 10 solely
because we are ass red that our beloved pas
tor has pray erfully sought to know what the
Lord would have him to do in this matter !;
and Il at be is persuaded that he is being led
by the spirit to field of greater usefulness
and more abundant iabors In the Lords SER
vice. We. therefore, yield Our " ills to his con-
N,cti"ns OF duty 10 the great Head OF the
church.
RESOLVED. That we cannot permit the strong
ties Of Christian love and sy mpathy. which
have bound us 10 our pastor for the past seven
testimony to the faithfulness. under all cir
cumstances, with which he has Discharged his
duties to the flock over which Christ the Lord
placed him as Bishop; In mlniStering In the
word and ordinances, in reproofs. rebukes. In
exhortations. in supporting the weak in SYM
paihy and consolation to the sffi cited, in the
good example of a bameless life. in his labors,
prayers and watchings for the saving of souls
| a. true minister of Jesus Christ; and to how
well he has r ept all that was commit' ed to his
charge on his coming to US as our pastor.
Resolved. That ii it shall be the will of the
Presbyrery to dissolve the relation between
our pastor and our church. we will part with
him with sincere affection and regret; we will
pray that He who calls him to go from us may
endue him abundantly with grace for his in,
creased work and responsibility. and bless and
own his work with rich and great rewards,
and grant to him thousand fold for all that
he leaves in going from US. the affection. SYM
pathy. and hearty co operation of the people
to whom he is called.
On motion of T. G. Morton, 1t was resolved
that the delegate or his alternate chosen TO
represent this church at the next meeting of
Presbytery be empowered to act as commits
sloner for this church to make presentation of
this action Of the congregation to the Presby-
terry.
On motion, the meeu adjourned.
THOMAS 8. DuYLE. Clerk.