The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-26
DIR. wIrHEBspooN's ACCEPTANCE


Following is the formal letter Of ac-
ccptance of Rev Or. Jerc WltherspOon,
who Will come 20 Richmond as the pastor
Of the Guce-Strect Presbyterian church.
The letter was read before the cOnsIe-
CATION sunday morning.
Baltimore. Md. oct. p, 1897
Mr.. B. C.. WhcTy Clerk OF Session OF
Grace-Stroct Presbyterian Church, Rich
mOnd. Va.
Dear Brother.-Moro than two weeks
have passed since your congregation took
action Zoo calliug me % che passionate Of
the Grace-Strcet Presbyterian church.
These weeks have been fun of praycrful
thought touching a matter that Involves
the prosperity of your church and my
own happiness for TIE coming years.
Ny recent visit, 70 bright memory, l can
assure you. was designed 90 increase my
information as 90 the outlook Of the
church and its peculiar needs just now.
That visit was I'm every way gratifying
Ii would have been impossible under the
circumstances. for any one 90 have met
more hospitable and cordial welcome
from people who have known but little
OF me and many Of whom had not seen
my face before. since my return to Bal
timore the news from your city as 90
the feeling of the congregation. has been
Of an assuring character and n would
seem that He who turns the hearts of
men as the rivers Of water are turned
has been pleased 10 give me favor In the
eyes of that good people.
Following what believe 10 be the guild
ance Of God. and with the prayer that
results may reveal IN due time the wis
dom OF my decision. l hereby signify my
willingness. II the way should be made
clear ny my church and presbytery, 10
undertake the pastoral work i'm your
midst rendering, through you, 10 the
officials and members OF the church and
20 the people OF the congregation who
have evinced concern IN this subject my
heartfelt gratitude. ! am. as ever
Yours fratornally.
JERE WlTUERSPOON
DR.. WithersTOon viii doubtless De trans
forred 10 East Hanover Proshytcry about
the middle ~ November. and take fun
charge Of GrJcc-Strcct church the FIRST
Of December reXt.
Tho Baltimore correspondent Of the
New York Evangelist. writing 10 that pa
per in regard 20 the pastOfatos OF that
city for the past five years. makes the
following alusion 20 Or. Jcrc Withcr-
spoon. who accepted the call Of the Grace
Street Presbyterian church Of this city.
Now comes a call 10 one greatly below
cd by all his co-prcsbytcrs Rev. Or
Withcrspoon. who came from Nashville.
10 be the successor Of Dr. Leftwich. of
the First church lie has won the hearts
Of his brethren IN the ministry, and enc
dearcd himself 20 the people of his charge.
But Richmond has fixed its eye upon him.
That city Is growing rapidly In import
ance. and by the removal Of the Union
Theological Seminary 20 b., 10 is TO be a
centre OK Prcsbyteriarism.
"'rhe Gracc-Strcct church being with
out a pastor. We DO not wonder that they
turned 10 DR.. WitherspoOn. Gifted by
nature and hy grace. DE Will not disap-
point I'm the pulpit II he should decide %
go. and by his kind. gentle ministries as
pastor he will win every heart.
Hard as IL may be 10 give him up. ~
he thinks It his duty 20 go. his people and
his brethren In the ministry here will fol-
low him with good wishes and prayers.