The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-27
DIR. FAIR DETERMINED.
HE WILL CERTAINLY GO TO SA-
VANNAH,
Aud Induces His Congregation TO With
draw All Formal Opposition-Fare-
we'll Sermon.

There is now scarcely any doubt that
Rev. DIR. Fair. now pastor OF the Grace
Street Presbyterian church. Will accept
the call lately rendered him by tho In
dependent Presbyterian church. OF sa-
vannah. Ca
Sunday morning. at the Grace-Street
church. after he had pronounced the BEN
ediction at the close OF divine service,
there was a meeting OF the congregation
for the purpose of annulling the action OF
n previous congr, gational meeting where
In Presbytery was requested not TO dis
solve the pastoral relations now existing
between the Grace-Strect Presbyterian
church congregation and the Rev. Dr.
Fair.
This meeting OF Sunday was calleu
by the session In compliance with what
was generally understood 10 be the ear
nest wish OF DIR. Fair.
Mr.. r. r. Somerville. who has been
member of the congregation TOT Sixty
years and who is the oldest member OF
the session. which is composed OF the ED
ers OF the church. was made chairman
ut the request OF Rev. DR.. FAR VINO call
ed the meeting TO order
Mr.. y. c. Wherry who Is the clerk
OF the church session, acted as the secre'
tary OF the meeting.
BEST FOR ALL CONCERNED.
In calling the congregation TO order sun
day, DR. Fair said. In substance, tna'
after due consider alton of the situation,
he thought II best for him and for the
church that he should accept the call to
Savannah.
He regretted very deeply, he said. the
necessity for this statement, but. as he
had not reached this conclusion hastily
he gave Il as his final and positive de-
cisIon. and he trusted that the previous
action Of the church would be reconsid-
cred; that IL would intcrpose no objec-
ton or obstacle in the way of the Pres
hytery. which was 10 meet Monday night,
SO that this body may dissolve the pas
toral relationship.
This statement from DR.. Fair was not
entirely unexpected for IL was known
that the reverend gentleman had
made up his MIND 10 20 10
Savannah. Nevertheless. there was
great sorrow and distress manifested by
all present. men. women. and children CIV
ing free expression 10 their sad feelings.
After the remarks of DR.. Fair. he left
the meeting and there was silence for a
few minutes. Mr. Wherry then rose and
said he had been requested to read and
offer resolutions expressive OF the sor-
row OF the congregation at this prospect
Of losing their beloved pastor.
RESOLUTIONS WERE READ.
The resolutions, which were unanimous
" adopted. told of the respect and es-
teem in which Grace-Street Presbyterian
church held Rev. DR.. Fair as man and
pastor; expressed the belief that he was
guided in his present action by what
he believed 10 be the right; and said. that
as his wish to go from them was mani
fest, that they would interpose no fur
Their obstacle TO II. ana prayed for divine
guidance and blessing upon him in his
new field OF labor.
The meeting then adjourned. and the
members dispersed TO their homes and
many were the sad and fearful comm ents
upon the fact that DIR. Fair was going
20 leave Richmond.
In the evening D.. Fair preached the
same sermon that he delivered on the
first Sunday on which he officilted in this
church. eight years ago.
This he did because Sunday nights ser
mon Will most likely he the last he VIII
preach in the church. as there is not
thought to be any dOuh. as TO the action
prompt dissolution of the pastoral rela-
tons will almost surely follow.
CHILDREN OF MASONS.
The boys and girls from the Ma
sonic Home OF Virginia attend
cd The morning service at Grace-Street
Presbyterian church Sunday morning.
Dr. Fair IS well known as a prominent
and enthusiastic Mason of high degree.
Both the morning and evening ser
vices at this church were very largely
attended Sunday.
Or. Fair will 20 TO Washington next
Saturday TO preach for the Rev. DR.. Pit
ger In his church in that city, on Sun
day next.