Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-02-23
HIS RELATIONS DISSOLVED.
nr ID. X. Mcrariand's Letter-Action OF
His Congregation.

correspondence OF the Richmond Dispatch
gre-Sros. Va. February 22.-At the
T,ret Presbyterian church in this city yes
,e,dav immediately after the service there
as called congregational meeting TO
consider a letter from the pastor. the Rev.
Dr d X. McFarland--the letter In which
Dr Mcfarland asks. on account OF MS Ill
health. for dissolution OF bis pastoTate
relations with the church IN this city. The
letter is as follows:
"SrAUSroN, Va, February 5, 1892.
"To ne Members of he First Presbyterian
Church, S'Gmlton, Va:
"Again do feel under the necessity Of
,eouesting that you will unite with me in
spetition 10 the Lexington Presbytery for
dissolution of the pastoral relation exist
inc between myself and this church. III Is
orlv IN obedience TO the most painfui con-
yiciiOn of duty that / now renew TINS re-
quest. But therecognition OF the fact tnat
ma longer have the physical health
and strength 10 do efficiently the work
~ the pastorate makes il obligatory
mon me TO seek release from it. not only
f1r ms own sake. but for the sake OF the
church. whose interests can only suher
through my continuance as It's pastor.
The opinion OF my physician supports me
In the conviction that nothing less than
entire cessation from the work OF preach
Inc gives me any good promise OF thefuture
recovery of my health. IL is needless tor
me 10 attempt any expression OF the
pain and sorrow with which L
contemplate the severance OF re-
latlon IN which nv best affections are
boupd up and in which l have been per-
mitted to render the happiest of my lite;
Neither spoken nor written words could
EXPRESS the keen sense of grief and Of per-
soial loss with which | realize that am
no longer to hold my place among you as
pastor. can only here record my graft.
tude 10 God and to you for the universal
and underwriting kindness end synpa-
thy aud support which 1 have received
from YOU during the time OF my pastorate
among YOU from the first day even until
now. iraying that you may have the I'M
erring guidance of the Holy Ghost IN all
your affairs as a Church, am sincerely
aud aiectionately yours,
ID. h. MCFARLAND, Pastor"
The Rev. DR.. ii. A. White was elected
moderator of the meeting, and Henry a.
Walker was made secretary.
After the reading of DR.. McFarland's
letter the following resolutions were adopt
"a unanimously
The Rev. ID. K. Mcfarland, ID. d., having
again rendered his resignation as pastor OF
TINS ClQrtu huu JtHucctcu Jul NOH~~'
renee therein. therefore
Resolved /, That for the reason stated by
Dr. Mcfarland we unite with him IN the
application TO Lexington Presbytery 10
dissolve the relation between us.
2. That the necessity for this act causes
US poignant grief. and We can only strive
10 submit TO IL as the dispensation OF ouI
wise and merciful God.
8. That while we wish to testify our ap.
proyal and admiration Of DIR. Mcfarland
As a minister and as man. we ind nc
words adequate TO our purpose. For si'
years be has gone In and out amongst us
and both IN public services and private
intercourse has won our unbounded con
fdence and affection. As preacher ant
pastor he has been faithful. efficient, ant
universally acceptable, and as a sympa
thinng friend he has endeared himself Il
every member Of his flock. Although h'
NAV no longer occupy an official relation
to us we trus, that he will still abide witt
Us, as we consider his presence In GU
community a benediction. and whether b
shall remain or depart he shall have on
prayers for the rich blessing OF God upol
him and his.
4. That II. ID. Peck be appointed Il
communicate this, our action, to Lexing
ton Presbytery.