Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-20
URGE HIM TO REMAIN
MEMBERS OF DIR. FAIRS FLOCK
DON'T WANT HIN TO GO.
ELDERS SEND HIM A LETTER,
Thcy Advance strong Reasons Why
lie shouid Continue the work ut
Gracc-Strect Presbyterian Church'
Has Met with Great success

The congregation of the Grace-Street
Presbyterian church are fearful that their
eloouent and greatfy-beloved pastor Rev.
Dr. James Y. Fair. Will decide 10 accept
the cali rendered him by the Independent
Presbyterian church. Of savannah. Ga
They do not propose 10 let him do so
without a protest from them, however
and the elders on yesterday sent him
the following letter. which explains IL
self:
Rev J. Y. Fair. u. D.:
Dear Sir and Brother.--The ELDERS Oh
Gracc-Slreet Presbyterian church nave
heard with uneasiness OF the call that ma
been extended 20 you by church ID az"
other city, and hasten to express 10 YOU
for ourselves and for our people .he
hone that YOU will not give u iaVorap'e
consideration The suggestion OF your
senaratson from VS. recalls to our minus
thoughts OF many days OF dehgh'iui
Christian intercourse we have ehjoEe"
with Won. and awakens apprehensiohs as
TO where we can expect TO ma aho'ne'
pastor who will so successfully ana nc
ceptably take up the arduous duties w"
would lay down. We are remnueu OF '"'
falthfulness and power with winch you
have preached 70 rs the Word OF pou
giving 20 each his portion IN que '.,,,
% tho zeal ana patience WIN WIZ -
b,v, iahorei 10 advance the interests OF
our church OF the heavy demands We
have made upon your kindIN. ~ 'np ,al,
thstic heart. and OF the geheIosl.S a.,
se,aerneee With which yON have pON'tI
ont vour affection upon us Ia our times OF
care. dependency. md trouble. anu w
are not disposed 10 hear Of separation
However We would not urge our lsvi-
fngs i'm a matter OF this KIND n" hHllsi
how stronc they might be II we cOuld
sec that duty was calling you 10 anothtr
field But Is not the call OF duty 20 re-
main with US? a.. ..,,.,
of the fruits OF your pastoraie, ana are
refoiced 10 see our once disorganlzel
church now again harmonious bhu
thrifty. the Joy of all lovers OF Chrisi on
account OF IT'S spirituality: the unusual
accession TO It's numerical strength. which
continues from month 10 month; the III
terest and attachment or IT'S mthht'9
growing stronger as the weeks go bN'
lis prayer-meeting. that surest Indicator
of a church's condition. well attended and
evidently blessed by the presence OF inc
Holy Spirit. and all OF these things &C.
cOmplshed IN the face Of unusual aim
culties and obstacles. Surely you may
take ENCOURAGEMENT that you are in the
path of duty in the manifest blessing or
God upon your work
Our church had been through the deep
est troubles prior 20 your coming among
US. and it's greatest need WAS a thorough
re3airing Of the breaches and a wise
healing Of old heartaches. These things
have been I'm large measure accomplished.
but much remains TO be done. and we are
satisfied that this new call is intended OF
God only TO rewaken us to the oppor-
tunities stretching out before us In this
field and not TO lead 10 removal OF
qualities such rs peculiarly mark your
fitness for this work from environments
especially adapted 10 their highest exer-
else.
We beg Won TO look over the field and
see how manifestly God has endowed you
10 labor In H.
And we hereby declare TO you our re-
newed int ention. by the help of the Holy
Spirit 10 uphold your hands In all this
work and to labor more Zealously than
ever before for the upbuilding of our
church and the spread of the Gospel In
this city. A great future is before US.
our little army will soon be prepared for
more effective service in the Masters
cause. and we have the promise Of His
spirit with us.
Only lead on and We will follow May
God in Hts infinite love and wisdom guide
you TO the choice that will most promote
His glory. Yours fraternally.
b. c. WHERRY.
Clerk for Members Of the Session.
March a. 1897
At "A meeting of the elders of Grace