St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-07-07
At the Annual Meeting Of the
First Baptist Church Con-
g'regation.
Writing From Scotland, Pas
tor liable Insists on Re-
signing His Charge.
He Gives His Reasons at
Length for Such a Propo-
Sition,
But His Flock Want Their
Shepherd, and Postp one
Definite Action.

President D. D. Merrill occupied the
chair last night at the annual meeting
of the First Baptist church. There were
sixty members of the church present
out of membership verging upon 500,
and the proceedings were of pro-
tracted character. Treasurer f. A. Fogg
reported the current expenses for the
year ending June so at S6,215.63. This
included $1,000 for pastors salary
and SS26.S1 for organist and music.
The income was Sc, 19O61, leaving a
deficit of s25.02. The statement of the
condition of the general or current eX-
penseS fund disclosed the net floating
Indebtedness to be S1,992.77. After the
adoption of the treasurer's report. H. D.
Gates, E. +. Drake and A. s. Tallmadge,
the retiring trustees of the church, were
reelected for a further term of three
years. ID. ID. Merrill was reelected
president of the church and congrega-
ton for the ensuing year. Rev. III. G.
Mabie, ID. D., pastor of the church, is
now in Europe upon
SIX-MONTHS VACATION.
Within the past week the members
were dismayed by the receipt of letter
resigning his pastorate. DR.. Mabie
writes from Glasgow, Scotland, the letter
being dated June 7, and says: ''Since
the Sabbath on which | was last with
you,the conviction previously awakened
terests of Christ's cause among
you would be best served if this
separation, which then hoped would
be only temporary, was made final. On
several accounts it seems to me highly
important that should remain abroad
for longer period than my vacation of
two months provides for. Besides, the
Immediate mission for the performance
of which feel God called me has been
accomplished. Even though it had
been only to span the chasm between
that which has passed and better
assured future, am willing that in
Gods providence it should be so limitC d,
Your cause will be better served,
all things considered, if l now surren-
dered the charge Just here. l have left
it, with the understanding that my pas
toral relations cease AT the end of the
vacation you have
KINDLY GRANTED ME.
1t will particularly accord with my
feelings, and, l believe, bowling to
Christ, if the same unanimity which
characterized your call to me, and which
has until this hour marked all orr joint
actions. shall prevail in granting my
release"
The reading of this letter called forth
number of manifestoes of regret, but
it was the feeling of many members of
the church that DR.. Mabie's letter of
resignation was final, he having, in pri-
vate correspondence, counseled prompt
action in the matter. j. w. Griggs, Jr.,
though regretting the step he was COM
Oe1lpd to take moved the acceptanca of
DIR. Mabie's resignation. T. S. Temp
kins seconded, as did many otEer mem
bers. believing that they would best
show their respect for DR.. Mabie
in following his instructions and releas-
ing him at once. j. III. Randall, Mrs.
Randall and large body of the mem
bers spoke strongly against this step.
They urged that in the interest of the
church efforts should be made to retain
DR.. Mabie, his passionate of nearly three
years having proved such blessing and
the means of inestimable good. Event
ually decision in the matter was post
pOned until Wednesday evening next.