The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1898-01-31
A PASTOR RETIRES
The Rev. D. P. Birnie Sends in
Ills Resignation.
HE WILL LEAVE HAWAII
Makes a Statement to the Congre-
gation-Declines to Give Further
ReasonS-Good Work Here.
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands,
January 80, 1898.


To the Central Union Church.
Three years ago at your call, | turn
ed aside from my work in Boston, re-
| signed my pastorate of the Allston
| Church, and accepted your invitation
to be your minister.
On March II, 1895, began my work
with you. A few weeks later l was
formally installed by council.
The charge which was committed to
me | now return
| No term of service was metioned,
either in your call or in my accept
ance, therefore, the initiative rests
| with the pastor.
| In order that the work of the church
may receive the least possible inter-
ruption, and that you may have ample
| time to secure my successor, | will
| name Monday, July 25, 1898, as the
| date on which my resignation shall
| take effect.
This | do not under the influence
of hasty impulse, but after careful
| thought and earnest prayer.
In view of all the circumstances, |
| do not feel that it is my duty longer
| to bear the responsibility of leadership
| in the work of this church.
| am mindful of the kind help and
courtesy which members of the church
have manifested to me and mine. |
deeply appreciate the cheer and aid
which have come to me from the mem
bers of this congregation, whose pres
ence here is proof of their interest in
| spiritual life Nor do | lose sight
of the confidence and cooperation
which | have invariably received from
all classes and parties in the city.
| Greatly have l enjoyed the intelli-
gent sympathy shown by the young
men inamy efforts to carry the spirit
of Christ into the current life and
thought of the community.
In this pulpit there has been neither
personal nor political discussion, and
in my pastoral work my purpose has
been to serve the people without re-
gard to their differences
My sincere prayer is that our Father
who has guided us in our work for
Him, may keep you in unity and har-
mony, that He may increase your
| strength and add to your numbers
and that the coming year under other
| leadership may bring spiritual bless
and this church.
Your Minister in Christ,
DOUGLAS PUTNAM BRINE.
| I hereby ask that meeting of the
church be called as soon as the rules
will permit, to take action upon this
letter and also to appoint a commit
| tee to cooperate with the Pastor in
calling Council and to request the
| Council to formally dissolve the Pas
toral relation.
The foregoing was read by Rev. D.
P Birnie to his congregation at Cen
trail Union church yesterday morning
and came as complete surprise
There had not been an inkling OF it in
advance. With surprise there was also
deep and genuine regret.
A representative of this paper found
Rev Mr.. Birnie at home yesterday
afternoon. He said he had no state
ment whatever to make as to reasons
for leaving the charge beyond what
was contained in the resignation. Mr..
Birnie added that some time ago he
had given sermon on the 'Grace of
Silence" He hoped to be blessed with
the grace of silence in this matter and
would not under any circumstance
supplement the letter to the congrega-
ton He hoped there would be nc
gossip. Certainly so far as he was
concerned there would not be the
slightest trace of controversy. He had
given ample time that a successor
: might be chosen and with his family
! would return to the United States ii
August. In this interview, Mr.. Birnit
was direct and plain as usual.
Mr. Birnie has been very well liked
) here and has been successful pastor
of the Central Union. Under his lead
t ership the church has thrived and ha!
grown. There has been no hint o
friction that might amount to any
thing. A few months ago it was whis
pered that the pastor had asked TO
an 1898 vacation that would Include