Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-17
TALMAGE MAY COME HERE
Asked if He Would Act as Dr.. Sunderland's
Associate.
The Famous Brooklyn Preacher May
Become CO-PnstOr Of the First
Presbyterian Church,

Rev. Dewitt Talmage. formerly pastor
Of the Brooklyn Tabernacle may become
associated with DR.. Sunderland as pastor
of the First Presbyterian Church of this
city. He stated last evening in Brooklyn
that he had received a letter from Rev.
DR.. Byron Sunderland, the elders and sew
eral prominent members of the church
here asking him if he would consent to
come here as co-paster with DR.. Sunder-
land. DIR. Talmage said that he had not
answered the letter, but would do so to-
day. He was asked If he would come to
Washington IL DR.. Sunderland should re-
sign, and is quoted as answering that he
would probably do so. He has not had a
pastorate since the burning of the Taber-
nacie some time ago, but has mainly de-
voted himself to the work of editing re.
hg1ous journal, and to his lecture field.
The officials of the First Presbyterian
Church are extremely reticent upon this
subject. Mr.. James L. Norris, one of the
prominent members of the church, said to
Stsr reporters Il cannot say anything
very definitely to you In regard to this
matter. DR.. Sunderland and DIR. Talmage
have been lifelong friends and 1 know
that they have had desire to work to-
gether. 1t seems to me like the hand of
Providence working to bring these men
together in the First Presbyterian Church.
DR.. Sunderland has at various times
Spoheu VI TtSlSHlHS, when ne Ielt the DUR
den of his years press more heavily than
usual upon him, or when he failed tenn
porartly In health, but each suggestion of
the kind has always been met with a storm
with him. They will not hear of his sew
erfng his connection with the church.
II he should fall ill now and be
too weak to come to the church Of his own
chair by his people. who love him beyond
all measure. He is now at Catskill, N Y,
ana VIII not return to the city until the
end OF the month l have written to him
upon the subject of the recent develop
ments. and expect a telegram from him In
reply momentarily."
Others Reticent.
Capt. Tyler, chairman Of the board Of
trustees, said that he had nothing to do
with the pastorate of the church, and he re-
fused to say anything about the matter.
He referred the reporter to Mr.. Norris
Other members of the church, when ap-
preached upon the subject, exhibited a reti-
cence that indicated that the matter has
been the subject of active discussion
among the congregation with. perhaps, not
altogether harmonious results. In case a
change should be decided upon, 1t is said
the first step would be for either DIR. SUM-
derland or his present assistant. Rev.
Adolos Allen to resign. 1t would seem
from Mr.. Norris talk that the first contin-
gency Is not within the range Of prob
ability. In case Of a resignation the con-
gregation would be called together to act
upon it. and to make call upon some min
lister to fill the vacancy.
No Resignation rendered.
No such step has yet been taken. and Mr..
Norris declared positively that there
had been no resignation rendered When
asked If the church was large enough to
hold two such distinguished. preachers as
Drs. Talmage and Sunderland. he replied:
They would never work apart
DR.. Talmage, 1t is said, has been given
to understand that he should be allowed to
continue his lecturing and his editorial and
literary work If he came here to work
Jointly with Dr. Sunderland. This is an
important consideration, as his revenue
from these sources far exceeds that which
he would probably receive from the First
which is not now in a position to
grant an extravagant salary. The plan of
a co-pastorate would include alternate SER
mons by the two preachers, and a division
of the ordinary ministerial labors