The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-03-27
Rev. Samuel Rodgers.

The enforcement of the economy OF
the Methodist church often occasions
surprise and regrets. The presiding
Bishop at each annual conference, has
imposed upon him grave, and sometimes
disagreeable duties, which have to be
met. with reference to the general good,
and any emergencies which may arise.
The ministry is educated to submit I'M
complainingly to the orders OF the Blsh-
op. having confidence that all decisions
are reached. with the lights before him,
for the promotion of the cause OF the
church. One of these surprises came
to the congregation at Staunton in the
assignment of ministers at the conference
recently closed in Baltimore. Rev. Saml
Rodgers had rounded his first year as pas
tor of this congregation. Under the
usages obtained and observed, ordina-
rily, it was expected he would remain
here for four years, although there were
whispers before the conference convened
that a change might become necessary,
in view of the service in broader field
of usefulness The change was made
unexpectedly to the conference, to the
presiding elder, DIR. Waugh, to the pas
tor, DIR. Rodgers, and to the congrega-
ton. DR.. Rodgers was assigned to the
city of Baltimore, as presiding elder-a
position of high honor and great respon-
sibiity and Rev. Mr.. Williams, for
years pastor of Central church, in that
city, designated to take charge of the
congregation in Staunton.
1t is hardly necessary to say that this
change was received here with much
regret, not from any dissatisfaction with
the new appointment, but because of
the warm personal attachment which
has grown up between Dr. Rogers and
the people he has SO faithfully and ac-
ceptably served for twelve months past.
Dr. Rodgers is a gentleman of broad
culture, close, perspicuous reasoner,
considerable pastor and a genial compan-
ion. His well adjusted mind eminently
qualities him for pastoral work, both in
and out of the pulpit. He knows, in the
OuC PlQCNs WIot w oGNN hOV w soy II,
and when to stop. In the other, his
quick perceptions and kindly nature
catch the situation and appreciate the
surroundings. His study of human ma
ture enables him to address his congre
CATION in the way they most appreciate.
AS an administrative officer. his success
has been remarkable, without the con-
slant iteration of the wants of the sta
tion A simple statement of facts, by
authority of the officials of the church,
and then the matter would be left to
the sense of duty of the membership.
As result the financial condition of the
church was never more fiattering than
at the close of the last conference year.
justified, and without Importantly,
without the too common habit of
''dunning," the entire assessment upon
the congregation was in every instance
adjusted, scarcely without knowing it.
Personally, we regret very much that
the larger and broader service of the
church made it advisable in the opinion
of the Bishop to deprive the people of
Staunton of the ministrations of DR..
Rodgers. He was doing a good work
here, and SO universally esteemed that
the pews in the building were generally
we'll filled, with an interested and APP
preciative audience. He, with his in
teresting family, will leave behind them
nothing but the tenderest and most
pleasant memories, and take with them
the heartfelt wishes of this people for
their future health and happiness.