Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-12-19
A CALL TO Mr.. MASON
THIS DIVINE ASKED TO BECOME REC
TOROF GRACE CHURCH.
If ix Understood that lie WIN Accept and
Come Here After Easter-The
yestry silent.

1t is now regarded as not only probable
but quite certain that Rev. Landon L.
Mason. of Marietta. Ga, will succeed the
talented DR.. Jackson, recently appointed
Bishop of Alabama, as rector OF Grace
Episcopal church in this city.
His name was mentioned in the Dispatch
about three weeks ago as one of those upon
whom the vestry had their eyes, and it was
stated at the time that he was one of the
six from which q choice would most likely
be made.
A call has been extended 10 this gentle
man by tho vestry Of Grace church, but so
far as could be learned by the Dispatch re-
porter yesterday Mr.. Mason has not rs yet
informed them positively whether he Will
accept or decline, although II Is generally
understood that be will accept, and he IS
expected 10 commence his duties in this
city some time after Easter.
TIE vFsrRY DECLINE TO DISCUSS rus MATTER.
Several members of the vestry were seen
by a Dispatch reporter yesterday and asked
10 give some additional information con-
cerriug Mr.. Mason. They were unani-
nous in declaring that they were unable
TO say anything at all concerning the mat
ter, and seemed bound by the strictest
secrecy.
When asked by the reporter whether Mr..
Mason was really the pastor called 10y the
church they declined either To deny or
affirm the report, although from the sig
nificant smiles which passed over the
features of one Of the gentlemen who was
questioned il WIS evident that the news
paper-man was not altogether
All of the vestrymen who were seen,
however, said unhesitatingly that Rev.
tkfI 4. d hn1 nnf
been rendered the call, as had been report
ed His name was, however, among those
reported.
A sKETCH OF MR. MASON.
Mr.. Mason, who willlprobably succeed DIR.
Jackson, Is Virginian by birth, and son
of the late Rev Dr. Mason, OF Fairfax coun-
ty. He received his theological education
at the Episcopal Seminary, and after Ia
boring for several wears in Charlotte coun-
ty and then in Shepherdtown. W. Va. was
called to Marietta, Ga, his present home.
He is first cousin of Bishop Randolph,
and is also connected with that noted
divine by marriage ties. having, married a
daughter of Rev. John Amber, OF this
State. Though not tall man, he has a
dignity of carriage that adds 10 his ap-
pearance. and he is considered by many to
be very handsome.
A APREACHER or GREAT ABILITY.
Mr.. Mason ia said TO be- an eriempore
| speaker and rarely uses notes. His ser
mons, though not oratorlcal and by no
means sensational. are said to be OF the
/ highest character. remarkably fine, and
/ always instructive.
He is of one of the best-known families
| in this State. and he has the address OF
| high-bred courtesy. In manner be Is aha-
| BILE. pleasant, and manly.
| A representative Of the Dispatch was told
| last nigbt bv a gentleman whose informa-
| tion can hardly be otherwise than correct
| that Mr. Mason had either accepted OF
given the assurance that he would accept.
| Dr Jackson will probably leave for Ala
| bama about January 18th.