The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1896-04-11
he matter, tberefore, RESOLVED,

CiuTCH IHeTe HIS pSSh etHi 10 etS SoiIi-
plete unanimity in the affection felt
for the pastor and confidence in his
leadership as ever falls to the lot of
pastor and people.
Second-That the continued prosper
ity of the church, its constant increase
In membership and its enlarging bene-
factions, Notwithstanding the changed
conditions and the shifting of popula-
ton in this part of the city, all point to
the continuance rather than the sew
erance of the pastoral relation.
Third-That the prospect of losing the
services of our beloved pastor in the
pulpit and his sympathizing visits in
our homes brings more clearly to us
the value of these services in the past
and awakens our fears lest we have not
always shown the appreciation of them
that we have surely felt.
Fourth-That while we do not share
our pastors convictions, we are salts
fled that in leaving us, as all through
the seven years of his ministry, he is
seeking the best interests OF the church,
regardless of any personal considera-
tion.
Fifth--That we desire to put on rec
ord our thanlfulness for the efficient
work which our pastor has done among
us, and the personal attachment we
have been permitted to form for him
and his family. His life among us has
been ever a fitting illustration of the
gospel he has preached He and his
will long be remembered in the affec-
tions and in the prayers of the church.
Sixth-That we receive the resigna-
ton of the pastor only under protest,
and because our refusal to accept it
would not avail to change our pastors
purpose.
Those present continually expressed
their disinclination to accept the res
ignation and the resolutions were voted
on, each one separately, the one in re-
gard to the acceptance being put last
by the chairman. Every one in the
room stood up to vote for the first five
resolutions, but when it came to the
sixth only half dozen could bring
themselves to vote for it.
After this business had been trans
acted a letter from the Howard avenue
church was read recommending Miss
Ella Peck, a member of that church,
for membership in the First Baptist
church.
The meeting closed with a prayer by
Rev. p S. Evans.
At the close of the meeting the mem
bers could be heard in all parts of the
room deploring the fact that their ac-
ceptance of the resignation had been
made necessary by the positive state
ment by Mr.. Mason that he would un-
| der no consideration continue his pas
| torate.
| The first letter in which Mr.. Mason
announced his intention of resigning
was published in the Courier few days
ago, and last evening a second letter
| was read at the meeting before the
| vote was taken The,letter was as fol-
| lows:
Mr.. MASON'S SECOND LETTER.
To the First Baptist Church. Dear
Brethren-Through many private chan
nels as well as through the daily press
am assured of the intention Of the
church to request the withdrawal Of
my resignation IN view of the posi-.
bility of such acton, 1t seems best
to me to add word to the communi-
cation already in your hands. Such
action on your part, however, crafty
ing it might be as an expression OF
confidence, could not affect my de-
cision and would only result in pro-
longing the period of uncertainty in
your mind.
Although my resignation came as q
surprise to the entire church, yet there
| was nothing Of haste in my action
After much meditation and earnest
prayer for divine guidance / am abso-
lutely certain that am doing the right
thing-hence the wise thing from every
| point of view.
| For precisely the reasons mentioned
in my letter, / leave the privilege an6
honor of leadership in the First Bap.
tist church to another. For seven
years I have been happy to render
you such service as was in my power
and the memory of my New Haver
pastorate and of my many friends
both within and without the First
Baptist church, will be among the hap
piest memories of my life. But my de-
cision is irreversible and my resigna-
ton final.
Again assuring you of my gratitude
for all your kindnesses and of my un'
ceasing interest in your welfare. I an
Most affectionately your pastor,
JOHN Fl. MASON.
New Haven, April TO- 1896