Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-20
HE Announces HIS ACCEPTANCE.
DIR. stricIsIcr to Come to Union Semi
nary Next Sepfember

The following from the Atlanta Con-
stitution of Monday will be read with
interest here:
Or. George b. Strickler. the present pas
tor of the Central Presbyterian church,
who has accepted the call to the Chair Of
Systematic Theology in the Union Theolo-
gical Seminary. al Richmond, Va, made
the formal announcement Of his resgna-
tion before his congregation at the regu-
lar church services yesterday morning
AS is well known, DR.. Strickier has had
the matter under consideration for some
time, and has decided only recently to ac-
cept the professorship. He gave his con-
gregation the first official notice of his
decision yesterday.
Despite the very warm weather large
congregation was present as it was antic-
ipated that the famous divine would an
nounce his decision at that time. That
the message was received with deep
feeling OF sorrow and regret was evil
denced by the sad expression that was
clearly noticeable on the countenance Of
every listener.
DR.. Stricken preached one Of his usual
characteristic strong and effective SER
mons, taking his text from Luke x, >,
and drawing many forceful lessons and
ILLUSTRATIONS lIcin lHt pdidbif VI th'
Good Samaritan. The Doctor preached
with his usual eloquence and power, but
close observer could see that he was
somewhat depressed by the sad ordeal
which was TO follow.
After the sermon had been concluded
and the last hymn had been sung, DR..
Strlckler rose and began his sad story
with an inexpressible look of sorrow de-
picted on his countenance. He spoke
very briefly. but told of the history Of his
decision The congregation gave the
closest attention, and feeling Of sincere
sorrow was visible on the faces Of his
people who had listened TO his teach
ings and kind admonitions for over
thirteen years.
The occasion was characterized by no
display. The Doctor told i'm a very plain
and simple manner of his resignation and
the causes prompting H. and while the
scene was indeed a sad one. yet there
were no demonstrations Of any kind, and
every one was impressed with the humble
manner in which the pastor delivered his
message.
DR.. Strickler spoke in part as follows
81 guess you are aware. through the
public print, that I have rendered my
resignation as pastor of this church 10
accept the Chair of Theology in the Union
sure you that this decision has not been
reached without my very careful and
prayerful consideration. and that it Is
with a great degree of sorrow that l
have determined TO surrender the pasto-
rate of this church
81 have been prompted to this decision
by several reasons. / am OF the opinion
that the new field OF labor offers greater
opportunities for future usefulness in the
years that are to come. | have felt for
some time that it IS my duty to teach and
encourage young preachers and / have
come TO this decision on the judgment Of
others more than my own.
again, my duties here are becoming
heavier instead of growing lighter My
work at the new field will necessarily be
easier on me, and l believe l will be able
to work ten years longer than If 1 had
remained in Atlanta.
Some Of the congregation have eX-
pressed TO me the fear that II leave the
church will not prosper as II has done in
the past. do not believe such will be the
case. but If 1t is this would be only adj
ditonal evidence to me that l am doing
right in handing in my resignation. II l
have not been able to place the church on
such foundation that IT could stand
then think II your duty TO secure some
one WIN VIII NC hOie SuNSVssiul' ihio
decision is made through no selfish mo-
tivos, for believe have been called and
have a right to go. and / am only acting
on the advice OF those Of my brethren
who have been insisting for some time
that the present course is my duty.
II heartily thank the ladies' of the
church for their offer of a three months
| tour and vacation in Europe. but l am
afraid that my change Of work and resi-
dence will necessitate my not accepting
| the offer.
'T hope there will be no opposition on
| the part OF the officers OF the church as to
accepting my resignation, and I am sure
when my motives are considered there
will be none"
| DR.. Strickler will not enter upon his new
| field of labor until next September, when
/, the fall term of the seminary begins.