New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-17
URGING DIR. HALL TO REMAIN

PETITION IN CIRCULATION ASKING HIM
TO RECONSIDER HIS RESIGNATION
THE MEETING on wEDNEs-
DAY. NIGHT
Tie Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church had yes
terday morning it's Usual large congregation. but
tn" pastor, the Rev. DR.. John Hail. made refer
to the subject OF his resignation except that
In reading the church notices from the printed
slip OF which copies placed in all the pews.
he said that he call the attention Of his
hearers TO two communications the slip-his
letter Of withdrawal presented 10 the session at
its meeting OF January g. and the resolutions there
upon adoption by the session both OF which COM
muEicatons were printed IN last Mondays Tribune
for the purpose OF announcing that the meet
ing OF the church ard congregation had been called
by the session for Wednesday night the devotional
meeting usually hed that night would this week
take place on Tuesday night.
There no demonstration at the close OF the
service Or. Hall remained IN his seat in the pulpit,
until most Of the congregation had left the church.
when he came down TO go 10 his study several
persons crowded up 10 greet him. and he shook
hands With about twenty Of them
There have been in circulation among the church
people within tho last few days 80 printed copies
Of petition asking Or. Hall 10 reconsider his
resignation and urging the church not TO consent
TO It, This petition, which originated in a women's
prayer meeting. has been presented for signature
mainly TO the women OF the congregation. and In
practically no case has been presented IN vain. II
reads follows:
Whereas. we have heard with pain OF the resig-
naton OF our beloved pastor. the Rev. John HAM,
Whereas the session has called a meeting 10 take
acton on the pastors resignation on Wednesday
Therefore. We. the undersigned members OF the
tlfth Avenue Presbyterian church. desire 20 mako
appreciation OF DR. Hall We Ne recall With thSnkf r
ness ms thirty years OF faithful preaching Of the
Lord Jesus Christ himself the living example %
.otion as our pastor. We recognize that the Fifth
Dr Halls leadership and with Gods blessing on
Eberality Of It's gifts 10 Ell branches OF Christian
work ani IN rs Christian aciiy!;y We also recognize
,hat ~. ha eye Is NOT dn. nor as natural iorcs
~. expositlons OF The Word Of God and richer In
Therefore We respectfully petition Or. Hal 20
reconsider his resignation. and We respectfully
recommend to the said meeting Of the members OF
the church that his resignation be not accepted
prominent member OF Or Halls church. in
talking with A Tribune reporter about this petit
ton, SAID that II was not strictly accurate in
mendng TO the members OF the church that the
resignation be not accepted AS matter OF fact"
said he. under the law Of church the meeting
OF Wednesday night mas power 20 act upon he
resignation OF Or. Hall. Indeed. that resignation
will not be before the meeting II was sent by DR..
10 ~ The 70 PraebyterT h@ ony body Win aathoriy to
dissolve the pastoral relation between PreSby-
church and congregation = called simply 20 ap-
point commissioners. who are 70 unite with Or.
Hall in asking from the Presbytery Affirmative
action upon his resignation or remOnstrate with
him upon his decision-in other words, who Will
or Will not second the pastors the matter
OF retiring according as they are representative OF
the side or the other
The petition already referred 20 will be pre-
sented 70 Dr. Hall nefore Wednesday night. II IL
not known. oven by his close friends and sup
porters. Just what attitude he will take AT tho
church meeting. but II j. believed that the de.
cison he announces then will govern the choice OF
commissioners by the meeting.