The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1891-06-13

Atlanta, June 5.-BishOp-elec GallOr
declines the office Of Bishop Of Geof-
gia to which he was formally elected
/ By the Savannah convention Of the
Episcopal Church. This morning the
announcement was made pubic At
SeWanee and the greatest enthusiasm
over the decision was displayed by
students and professors. They almost
literally went wild. Torchlight pro-
cession tonight and many demon
strations of joy during the day. To-
morrow thanksgiving services will be
held in the university chapel. The
news has been received with regret
here. CihsneelIor Gailor's letter to the
committee of'the diocese of Georgia is
as follows:
'EsriLL SPRINGS. Tenn., June 4. ls9l
The Reys. H K. Ross, q. DSIarrison, Com
mittee;
Gentlemen-When you first waited
upon me with the formal notification
of my election to the Episcopate of
Georgia, | told you that it was impos-
sible for me to see that divine direc-
tion, without which no man could
accept so solemn responsibility.
AT your urgent request | have left
my home and have waited another
week, and now feel compelled to
adhere to my original decision.
For one who believes as deeply and
truly as in the divine Institution ana
necessity of the Episcopate, this letter
is bitter trial. Profoundly moved as
| am by the expressed confidence of
the people of great diocese, this
determination, which has forced itself
upon me, humbles me in the dust.
And yet have asked Gods help and
direction, and after many hours of
prayer and meditation my duty seems
to me clear and unmistakable. when
God gives man the enthusiasm of o
great purpose, and places him in a
position where he may help on the
realization of this purpose, this IN itself
constitutes divine call.
For ten years and more | have
worked and prayed and lenged for the
time when our people would fully
realize the Importance and necessity of
great church university. By provi-
dental leading came at Sewance. |
fully appreciated its comparatively
small beginnings. | earned to believe
in the greatness of its future, as proph-
esied by the wise master builder, Bishop
Stephen Elliott, of Georgia | am
heartily and thoroughly convinced
now that the maturity of the University
of the South will be full of blessings,
not only to our church in every
diocese, but also to our people at large
in every State
My special fitness for work of this
peculiar nature has been clearly indi-
Gated. have hardly yet entered upon
my duties as the executive head of the
institution. If | should die tomorrow
with the conviction that had helped
some churchmen to truer conception
OF Sewanee's present and future inn
portance, | would feel that my life's
work was well done. Such a convic-
ton, reinforced by the Masters bless
ing, is, as said call from God.
On the solicitation Of friends and
the advice of those who could not
understand the nature of the case, have
made me hesitate for one moment.
Now, have thoroughly sifted all the
evidence. feel that | have conscien-
tiously done my duty to Georgia and
TO the whole church, and | believe in
the generosity, the sympathy and the
kindness OF our people, that they will
not misunderstood me.
God knows that write this with
humble gratitude for your confidence,
with real anguish for your temporary
disappointment, and with the most
feryent prayers for the diocese ol
Georgia aud for the noble men who
have Its best interests at heart. Believe
me, very faithfully, your servant in
Christ, THOMAS +. GAILoR.