The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-14
AFFAIRS OF THE CHURCHES.

DIR. Jeffery Unexpectedly Resigns the Pastor
ate of the First Baptist Church.
Rev DR.. Reuben Jeffery last night resigned
the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in
this city. This announcement, which was made
by DR. Jeffery at the close of the regular weekly
prayer meeting, created the GREATEST surprise,
no such action having been an ticipated by any
of his members. DR.. Jeffery gave as one Of the
causes for his retirement that this climate was
not suitable to him. and he feared that his health
would break down IL he did not make change
He also stated that his children. who lived in
the East, were importuning him to join them,
and that as his years multiplied he felt nat
ural desire to be nearer them. His resignation,
together with the explanations which he offered,
was presented IN writing and submitted 10 the
officials of the church One of the latter m owed
that the consideration OF the matter be laid over
until next prayer-meeting night, which was
carried AT ths close Of the service the mem
bers OF the congregation informally discussed
the matter, many going 10 DIR. Jenery aud cx-
pressing their personal regret at his action.
journal reporter called at the Doctors resi-
dence, on North Pennsylvania street, few
minutes later, and found him IN consultation
with two or three Of the members OF his congre-
cation. II have nothing to make public about
the matter, believe" he said. more than that
have given IN my resignation TOR reasons. some
OF which are private and others / made known
to my congregation tonight The principal
cause for my action Is that all my children are
located 10 the East and would like TO join them
there or be near thsm. Then another thing Ia
that find the winters here very severe on me.
and l shrink from the thought Of spending
another winter here.'
"You do not contemplate leaving the minis
'Oh, no; expect to spend many years more
in the pulpit But / will rest for time with
my children in Brooklyn. You may say for me
that have the kindest feeling for Indianapolis.
and shall always remember the many courtesies
that have been extended TO me here
Dr. Jeffery remained in consultation until q
late hour last night with some of the more act
i've members OF his church. who, 1t is believed,
were endeavoring TO dissusde him from bis reso-
luton. tie 10 very popular with his cougrega-
ton. and also among the ministers Of the other
denominations in the city with whom he is
thrown into association in the Ministerial Al
lance and elsewhere. He Ia q man of splendid
appearance. his snow-white locks presenting a
strange. but not unpleasant, contrast TO the
healthy complexion and full round face beneath.
He is a graduate of Madison University, in New
York state, and is one Of the most
scholarly men IN this State. His addresses
are always full OF profound thought and logic
He also possesses eminent social qualities and is
successful pastor out Of The pulpit as well as an
interesting speaker in IL He was ordained as a
Baptist minister in Natuckst. Mass, on Sept
Il, lS4I, and has preached steadily since, 1t
being period Of forty-one years During that
time he has baptized and taken into the church
over four thousand people. He has peen a pas
tor in some of the largest cities in the country
including Albany, y. Y; Denver, Col, and
Brooklyn, y. \. IL Is thought by some
OF his friends here that he con
templates returning TO the pulpit which
be once occupied in Brooklyn He came to this
city, from Denver. on the LIST of January, 1885.
About year ago be married Mrs. Marsh, az ac-
complished and popular lady of this city. None
OF the members of the First Church. who were
seen by the Journal reporter last night bad an
tieipated DIR. Jefferys resignation, aud sams of
them had hopes that be could be induced TO re-
consider It. Rev. DIR. Mcleod. pastor of the
Second Presbyterian Church, and a warm per-
sonal friend Of DIR. Jeffrey expressed the great
est surprise when told of the resign alton. Il
have never had the least intimation Of IL" said
H..