Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-28
HE MUST HAVE REST.
Mr.. sTuReIS ASKS TO BE RELIEVED
UNTIL CONFERENCE MEETS.
Tho Matter Laid Before Bishop wilson
sociable Mt Broad-Street Church
other Religious Notes.

Rev. J. X. Sturgis has written letter 70
DR.. J. Powell Garland. presiding elder OF
this district, asking that his official con-
nection with Trinity Methodist church as
its pastor be severed and that he be allow
ed TO rest until the next Annual Conference.
Mr. Sturgis is forced to take this step on
account of his feeble condition and con-
tinued i'll health, which Is such that he
finds himself utterly unable to discharge
the onerous duties of his large and import
ant pastorate.
DR.. Garland has no authority to act in
tho matter, and has, therefore, forwarded
the letter OF Mr.. Sturgis to Bishop A. W:
Wilson. of Baltimore who has charge OF
the Virginia Conference for this year. with
the recommendation that the request be
acceded to.
DIR. Garland said to Dispatch reporter
yesterday that he had no doubt Bishop
Wilson will allow Mr. Sturgis to retire and
assign some other minister to Trinity
church until the next meeting OF Con-
ference. The assignment Will probably be
made this week and the new pastor Will
take charge as soon as he can get ready and
come 10 his new field.
This act of Mr.. Sturgis is by no means
withdrawal from the Church nor q retire
rnent from the ministry, but he SIMPLY
wants TO take needed season OF rest and
try TO build up his health, so that he may
be able again to serve his Maker as he has
done so faithfully for long number OF
years. Mr.. Sturgls might have been grant
cd furlough by his church, but under the
laws Of the denomination the church
could not have any other pastor while he
holds that official relation. Mr. Sturgls
has hosts of warm friends and admirers IN
Richmond who earnestly hope that with a
respite Of few months from his labors he
may be sufficiently recuperated to resume
the active work of pastor.
socIABLE AT BROAD STREET.
The social reanion of the members OF
Broad-Street Methodist church and con-
gregation last night was a most delightful
affair.
The meeting, which was held in the lee
ture-room. was the conception of the ON
cial Board, who desired to introduce this
system of bringing the membership into
closer relations in Christian work.
The exercises were opened with solo by
Captain Frank Cunningham, after which
prayers were offered by DIR. w. w. Parker
and Rev. DR.. Lambeth.
An incident Of the occasion was the sur
prise given the pastor and his estimable
wife, They were approached by Dr.
Buchanan, who in q cbaste address present
ed them. on behalf of the congregation,
with beautiful service of silver not. only
as a souDeltr of their feelings but IN re-
membrance of the twentieth anniversary
of their marriage. DIR. Lambeth respond
ed in his happiest manner.
After these exercises the entire company
were invited into the church parlors, where
an ample repast was furnished. The tables
were handsomely set not only with the
substantials of life. but beautiful fiowers
and choice fruits added to the elegance OF
the supper.
The different committees all deserve
credit for their efforts. The initial socia-
BILE having proved such aperfect success, IT
will no doubt be followed by others, and
the plan is sure TO result in great beneflt IN
that the people will learn to know each
other better.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The annual meeting of the membership
of the First Baptist church for the election
of officers and to receive reports was held
ut o'clock Sunday afternoon IN the MAN
audence-room, large number of the
male and female members of the church
were present. The reports of the officers
of the different societies were encouraging,
showing large increase in the amounts
collected and a good work done during the
past year. The treasurer's report showed
that the church had collected during the
past year from all sources $19,039, and had
paid out 10 benevolent objects and Tor re-
pairs to the church nearly this amount.
DR.. Cooper, the pastor, made his report,
showing 94S members on church-roll; had
paid $40 calls; additions TO church, llO ;
lost by death. 1G. The following officers
were elected for the year 1890: 30. Davis,
clerk: Robert S. Bosher, treasurer; George
A. Haynes, assistant treasurer; n. IL,
Savage, auditor.
ELEVEN MEMBERS RECEIVED.
At the communion service at the First
Presbyterian church Sunday morning the
pastor, Rev. DR.. Kerr, announced the
names of eleven new members, six OF
whom had been received ON certificate
from other churches and five by profession
of faith.