St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-08-13
REV. BLACK RESIGNS.
CAUSE OF HIS LEAVING PROVES QUITE
4 STORY.
PASTOR WRITES LETTER,

But 1t Doesn't Contain All There
Is i'm the Case-Red-Hot Meet
ing of Depositors of the Farm
ers' and Merchants Bank
General News of a Thriving
City.
Rev. J. S. Black, for the past three
years pastor of the First Presbyterian
chnrcirof this city, last Sunday sent in
his resignation of the charge. to take
as follows:
TO The Members of the First Pres
byterian Church-My Dear Friends ::
1t was my desire to be with you today
so that l might read this letter myself,
but being proyidentiaily hindered,
nave asked Rev. DR.. Adams to take nv
place. The way has been opened for
me to devote a year 10 travel
and study in Europe, and | give The
usual notice of my Intention To resign
my charge as your minister, said resig-
nation to take effect on aud after the
first Sabbath in October. 1 wish you
to join with me i'll taking the necessary
steps 50 that the preSbytery OF Mimic
apoiS may take action. However pleas
ant the prospect of travel, rest and
study may be. | assure you. my friends,
that 1t Is no easy task to part from so
many Who are dear to me. Wishing you
grace, mercy and peace, | am your
friend aud pastor. j. 5. BLACK"
On the part OF many OF the members
OF MIR. Blacks church the resignation
came not unexpected. and careful eX-
animation develops the fact that there is
more TO the matter than given in the brief
statement of the doctor himself. A
number Of prominent men connected
with the first church society were inter
viewed last evening, anu the facts
learned as follows:
The trouble which has resulted in the
resignation of Mr.. Black originated be-
fore MIR. Black accepted his charge, in
Tact, vas the cause OF the withdrawal
OF Rev. Campbell, his predecessor. Mr..
Black was regularly selected by COM
mittee of nine members, chosen from
ali classes of the church, and received
their unanimous vote. When, however,
the question was brought before the
church society for their satisfaction
there was small minority opposed 10
ms Call. These were not active workers
IN the society, but are needed tor fiuan-
ciaI assistance, and as they have been
persistent i'll their opposition, the above
Stated action has been precipitated. 1t
is stated that Mr.. Black refused TO re-
maiE under the fire Of these Sore-heads.
Such appear to be the facts in the
case. Certain rumorS, which like the
fabled "Falna' of Virgil are many eyed
ana many cared, are also in circulation.
these, however, cannot be traced to any
responsible source, and as they are not
complimentary to the pastor are sup
pressed. 1t is known that at recent
meeting of the session, composed of the
elders OF the church, these matters were
discussed, but there was no call on the
part Of that body for the resignation. 1t
is said, however, that at least two
OF that board have been disaffected
toward their pastor. and, though not
taking the field openly against him. are
not deeply grieved over the outcome.
Capt. Whitney was found by GLOBE
reporter beneath tn coveriet of his in
wiling bed. II have nothing but praise
for MIR. Black" said lie. land consider
him one OF the most scholarly teachers
In Minneapolis. L know there has been
some opposition TO him from the first,
but think there will be large majority
sorry to see him leave" AS to the
statements made by backbiters, Mir.
Whitney would say nothing.
w. b. Mclntyre and E. X. Ely, both
members OF the session, were among
others seen. and were unanimous in
praising the work of Rev. Black. When
asked the question point blank, how
ever. what the underlying causes were
OF the resignation, each refused to be
quoted. Mr. Ely's reply was: The
newspapers have no business to know
some things and This is one Of than -