The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-10-22
REV. DIR. KERR WILL REMAIN.
The Call to the Brooklyn Church
Declined.
From the Richmond Dispatch.


From the Richmond Dispatch
very large congregation thronged the
First Presbyterian church on Sunday morn
ing, anticipating, no DOUBT, decision from
the lips Of the paster, Rev. r. p. Kerr d. D.,
as TO tho call recently received by him from
the First Reformed church Of Brooklyn.
This was unanimous and tempting invita-
tion and for the past week had been prayer
fully and conscientiously considered by DR..
Kerr.
The session of the church bad met and
passed unanimous resolution urging his
defamation. The members of the church
and congregation had united their pleas
with those coming in from all sections and
denominations of Richmond, and from
many portions of the state outside of the
city, all testifying to the love and devotion
felt for this Jealous servant Of God.
Anxious, tender solicitude marked nearly
every face in the audience, and a trembling
hush rested upon the great congregation as
it awaited the verdict.
After the opening services, and just prior
to The sermon, DR.. Kerr briefly stated the
facts pertaining to the call, and that the
call would have received brief consideration
but for the fact that in such an urgent way,
and from church whose organization ante
dated the declaration OF Independence
by 100 years, and other consid-
erations presented by the committee
who brought the unaalmous call, which
deserved mature and careful consideration.
Then upon the warm mutual love existing
tetween himself ana his beloved people, aud
the tender ties that bound him to his church
and congregation aud that week Of unrest,
prayer, and deep consideration had ended
on Saturday night, when he had resolved
to decline the call and remain in Richmond.
A WAVE OF JOY.
Upon this glad announcement wave Of
JOY seemed to thrill the entire congregation.
Smiles of gladness chased the clouds away,
and tears of gratitude fell from the eyes of
men and women as they realized that the
loved pastor was still to remain among them.
THE DISCOURSE.
The sermon following was one of rare
power and impressiveness, based upon
Matthew tx, 80: pray ye, therefore, the
Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth
| laborers into his harvest"
The discourse was preached IN accordance
with the recommendation of the Presby-
| terrain general assembly, that the second
| Sunday of October be observed as a day OF
| prayer for an increase in our supply OF
| ministers.
| The speaker dwelt upon the vastness Of
| the work, the Importance and extent of the
| field, and the untold value of home inflU-
ence, stating as fact that the large ma
| jority of the ministry came forth from tbs
atmosphere and teachings of christiar
homes-godly fathers and mothers. Four
| young men of the First church are now pre-
pairing for this great work. and the speaker
wished the number was four score.
| THE DOXOLOGY.
| As the people rose for the benedictioI
the long-meter doxology seemed to burs
1
in singing Praise God from all blessing
| fow."
| The Rev. DR.. Kerr was junior pastor O
the Independent Presbyterian church o
Savannah in 1881, and was deservedly pop
| ular.