The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-02-15
Tacoma Bureau OF the Post-Intelligencer.
1l2S Pacific Avenue.

Tacoma Bureau OF the Post-1ntelligencer.
1l2S Pacific Avenue.
TACOMA Feb. Observation-Disclosures
enlightenment on the Presbyterian church
matter came az the morning session to-
day when Rev. A. y. Thompson read a let
ter TO his congregation, giving the reasons
why he wished 10 resign
The statement In the Post-Inteiligencer
of last Monday that the minister had de-
termined on this step because OF internal
dissensions. which has been denied In let
tiers published by the elders, was corrobo-
rated by the ministers letter today Mr..
Thompson not only admits that there Is
dissatisfaction IN his church, bat states
that that Is the cause of his desire 20 get
away.
A portion os his letter follows:
II have several times been informed.
in effect, that what I had all along rec
ognized as a nsutralizing and hindering
influence was developing into a dissatis-
faction with my pastoral and especially
with my pulpit ministrations- During the
last Jew weeks | have been informed
that this dissatisfaction was on the in
crease that q was crystallizing into a
more or less aggressive opposition. and In
one instance | have been told that there
was no peace nor harmony IN the church.
and would not be so long as | stayed
with IT,
This last cut me 10 The hearr. and
EDTeiNs me animation tH8f / was the
occasion OF such dlscOrd and contention
that harmony could only he restored by
nv withdrawal is better described rs a.
shock than as surprise This infor-
marion led ne 10 fear that 10 would he
impossible FOR me TO be OF much further
service in this church. with such insur-
mountable difficulties thrown in the way
of my influence and usefulness. And for
these reasons I have taken the constitu-
rionai steps 70 secure a special meeting II
the preSbyterv. IN order 70 Mace before
its members my request for permission
70 formally resign my pastoral charge.
II have known for n long time that
some Of YOU were dissatisfied with nv
ministratious. That there have been
among the dissatisfied ones some whose
ability / profoundly respect, and some
whom I had counted a. warm personal
friends, has been a deep disappointment
and grief. That 7 have sometimes chafef
under these things do not deny. That
have sometimes expressed that chatting IS
perhaps not altogether unnatural I have
been gratiied ar assurances given. by
church officers and others. that there
We're TO personal differences entering into
the case, r and that there was no personal
unkindness toward me. | want 20 say
deeply wounded. I am havboriug no re-
sentiment nor unktud feeling toward any
person"
Referring 70 his resignation:
1T Is not due 20 any loss or Interest on
my part in the church or It's work nor TO
any disqualification Herewith n is not
due 70 any previously entertained c0uyIc-
ton on my part that 7 could not with the
Divine help. carry forward the work to
which ! believed God had called me r.
IS not due 70 any personal misunderstood
ing with any Individual members Of the
church. II il solely because having been
informed OF what appeared 10 be a strong
dissatisfaction on the part Of some Of
Co.'s people with my efforts TO do HIS
service among you"
Mr.. Thompson sa!d today that he had
no plans Tor the future and did not know
where he would 90.
The congregation viii meet tomorrow
night 70 discuss the matter and appoint
representatives 70 attend tho meeting OF
the presbytery Tuesday night