New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-19
TO CONSIDER DR. HADL's RESIGNATION.
CONGREGATION OF THE FIFTH AVENUE PRES
BYTERIAN CHURCH TO MEET TONIGHT
OPPOSITION TO HIS RE1.INou1sH-
ING THE CHARGE

The congregation OF the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian
| Church will meet tonight to consider the Rev. Dr.
| John Halls resignation The question which the
congregation will be called upon decide is whether
or not II will unite with the pastor In applying 10
the Presbytery dissolve the pastoral relations OF
! Dr. Hail with the church. The congregation itself
has no power to &C., upon the resignation. according
10 the laws OF the Presbyterian Church. but II It de-
cl!nes to appoint commissioners to appear before the
Prcsbytery 10 Join with the pastor in seeking the
dissolution asked for the decision Is tantamount TO
a refusal OF the pastors resignation. There is no
doubt that to-nghts meeting will be far from unani-
nous. The majority OF the members OF The church
are opposed 10 the idea Of DR.. Hall leaving the
pulpit which he has occupied for so many years. il Is
understood in fact, that a petition signed by more
than half OF the congregation has already been for
wardod TO the pastor. asking him 10 reconsider his
determination The women almost without excep-
ton. belonging 70 the church are particularly anx-
ious that Dr. Hall shall remain. But It IS generally
believed that Or. Hail Will deprecate any effort that
may be made 10 induce him 10 alter his decision or
10 influence the action OF the Presbyiery. The I'm
preston prevails that he will present letter 70 the
congregation tonight suggesting that no division
OF opinion should ne allowed 10 occur. and urging
that the whole OF the church members join with him
in the request 10 the Presbytery. There is likell-
hood however. that large number OF the congre-
cation Will not be easily persuaded TO agree 10 DR.
Halls relinqusAng his charge. and will persist in
their efforts obtain a withdrawal ~ his resigna-
ton. In this the probability remains that the
Presbytery will advise that the pastoral Relations
continue unchanged. AS (; lies solely win the
Presbytery TO declare q pulpit vacant. the advice
really refusal on the part Of the Pres
bytery 10 separate the pastor from the church
The rumor that Or. Halls resignation was the
outcome Of some friction In the church has been
revived in the last day or two. Several names have
been mentioned OF men who have urged The desr-
ability OF DR.. Hall giving way to young man
with more vitality and energy. Among the names
so referred to Is that Of Robert Bonner the Presi-
dent Of the trustees who gave 10000 to the build
ing fund Of the present church. and who has for
more than a quarter Of century been one OF Dr
Halls closest friends. Mr.. Bonner when seen at
his house No West Fifty-sixth-st. las; night IN
dignantly denied that he in any way opposed 70
DIT Hall or that there had been any lessening Of
his friendship the venerable pastor Incidentally
Mr. Bonner showed The reporter the two following
letters and after some persuasion allowed copies
to be made for The Tribune
No q5s Madison-ave.. January 3. 1898
Nv Dear Mr.. Bonner. AS you were mainly IN
Fifth Avenue Presby ierian Church and have beer
kindly state whether, in your opinion there are
such signs Of Physie3 sHs epa or FIJI F' that max
desirable that ne seSlJ E Ell 3 &c secHIEFFELIN
Robert Bonner. Esq.
No West Fifty-six;h-st. January "A, ls9S
Ny Dear Mr. Schieff"ln In reply TO your I rt'rv'
have Dr Hall for M pastor than any other cIers.i
man that lives ! love the man, have always io;tH
him and snail continue 10 love him to IL! 90 in.',-
ppTrssaching. but If Dr. Hall afrr his thirty year.
service as our pastor. and having pfeachel els
ye1rs before he came TO US. making lorlN ~
years in ALL insists on resignng. am reaGy,
although with great reluctance, 10 conf I'M 20 NJ.
u-ishee. hIt never expect TO feel al home I'D ual
church under any other man a. pastor / o""I To-
hear the thought Of any one takinE MS '..' n
has endearad himself TO me and my fanny III W.
which ! shall never forget. ana TOR when s"a"
N h.
"V'V' O'"' ROBERT BONNER.
: Schiefein. Esq.