The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-11
A true copy.

A true copy.
E. s. ATWOOD Secretary Conference.
Some of the circumstances which Jed to the
publication OF this circular are we'll known to
the public. In the latter part of 1883, or the
early part of 1884, the First Presbyterian
Church of Syracuse. N. Y. was without a pas
tor. on account of the retirement of DIR. Willard
Following the usual custom, the committee of
the church invited number of prominent cler-
gymen to deliver sermons before the congrega-
ton DR.. Wlthrow preached there in the latter
par5 of 1883. 1t was understood that the invita-
ton to him was more complimentary than
otherwise. from the fact that the salary Of the
pastor of Park-street Church is larger than that
of the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church
in Syracuse, and it was not likely that any sal
airy which the Syracuse people might offer
would induce Dr. Wthrow to change pastorates
Among those whom the church in Syracuse
thought to be eligible for the position of pastor
was the Rev. Samuel E. Herrick D. D., pastor
Of the Mt. Vernon Church. in this city. Some
time in the spring of 1884 Prof. E p Nichols, of
the Syracuse church, sent to prominent clergy
men of Boston inquiries as to Dr. Herrick's quail
fcations. Dr.. Withrow. the pastor of Park
street Church, was one of those whose opinion
was asked. In April 1884 DR.. Withrow wrote
letter in answer to Professor Nichols's inquiry.
This letter was regarded by the Syracuse people
as being unfavorable to Dr. Herrick and it was
the only unfavorabte rerly received. Notwth-
standing DR.. Withrow's letter. late in the au-
tumn of 1884 call was extended to DR.. Herrick
to boone pastor of the church in Syracuse. Dr.
Herrick held the invitation under advisement
for six weeks. and finally declined the call
After Dr. Herrck had declined the call Dr.
Wlthrow heard that the knowledge of his letter
had got back to Boston. and he Immediately sat
down and wrote to DR.. Herrick denying in toto
that he had written anything at all against him,
and asking DR.. Herrick if he had heard that Dr.
Withrow had said or written anything against
him not to believe it.
How strongly Dr. Wthrow disclaimed having
WRIT any such letter be seen by the fol-
lowing extract from a letter dated Feb IL, 1885,:
challenge any living creature near or far to show
that did, by paragraph line or letter. by lifting a
finger or opening my lips. do anything which could or
night py any possibility have impeded the progress Of
that call or have cooled the ardor of that congregation
or of any one of Them in making it out. 1t is a
despicable meanness of which L am incapable.
Tonight, for the first time, the following letter
is given to the public. which places DR.. With
rows veracity in question:
[ConfdentiaL
My Dear Sir: The gentleman is very we'll known to
me- lie has been here twelve fifteen years. l
think he is generally regarded man of fine tastes
aud good learning. 1t also true, as far as know
that his people pleased with him. His appearance
is that of gentleman of refined tastes. His manners
are affable His age is would take it. about forty
sire could not speak confidently. He might serve
you WELL AS read the fine conditions which greeted
me last summer it is not clear to that this gentle
man has the qualities which would enlarge
them still more and for the better. His
career here has not been noted for in
crease Two dismembered churches have been
united with his in large numbers during the past
eight years and yet his is weaker than before It is
sometimes said his location is unfavorabe down town.
etc. But within these lateSyears two other churches
in the same neighborhood, which were depleted
than his have become stronger than both being
full and fourishng. Perhaps the real is a lack
OF that neffable something which dsposes people
come and continue to come and hear. What we know
as "a man who wears" will conquer obstacles and re-
cast conditions in his favor which at first hostile
to
This gentleman with all his virtues, could not be
counted strong to lead into broader and higher fu
ture for church whose standing is onspicuous and
demands exactng.
This is in strict confidence, according to your prom
Use. Yours ever
j. l.. WITHRoW.