New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-31

SOME MEMBERS of THE SESSION II IS
SAID. NAY RESIGN

!
BoDY-TnER WISH THAT HE NAME 4 LIN
IT TO his -sIGNIFIcANT
REMARK OF THE PASTOR.
The Rev Dr. John Hall made rerererce a;
either az Tire two services yesterday AT the Ffih
Avenue Presbyterian Church to matters concerning
the withdrawal OF mis- resignation. His two ser-
mons purely dociriral and cont aimed not the
least suggestion that variances existed or were
likely TO arise in the church. But that there are
several prominent members Of the church VINO de-
sire that Dr. Hall should retire in favor Of younger
man is longer disputed. Hitherto efforts have
been made 10 keep from public knowledge any hint
that any pressure had been brought 10 bear upon
Dr.. Hall resign the pastoraie he has held for
more than thirty years II is now known. however
az was reported in yesterdays Tribune. That Dr.
Hall offered TO retire because Of representations
that were made him by certain members o. the
Session Dr. Hall became convinced that his with
dravaI from the pulpit would tend to he best in
terssts OF the church but he reconsidered this de-
termination after resolutions asking him 10 remain
were unanimously passed by the congregation last
Wednesday week.
Despite this general desr. that Or Hall continue
HE relations with the church. the opposition that
was manifested toward him the part o. some
OF the men composing the Session had not ahated
60 strongly do these members regard with cisiavor
Dr. Halls attitude that. il Is reported they nave
expressed their intention o. fe,leNlHg tbTtt H'N'
bcrship in the Session after tn" adjourned meeting
OF the congregation f. heid next Weinesda, nisnI
THE REASON THET WILL GIVE
The nominal reason they will undoubtedly give for
this step is that Dr. Hall sighted and humiiia,ed
the Session IN announcing the withdrawal OF his
resignation from the pulpit. without first consult
ing that body. Upon this action Of Or. Hall one
member has been ieard 10 remark that the pastor
was adopting Congregational methods instead %
conforming 10 tho piccepts Of the Presbyterian
Church
Four or tho members Of the Session who aro
orcnlv spoken Of o. l;key retire. are John
sloane John j. McCook Malcolm Graham and
silas y Brovrell Several members Of the Sos
sion including the four men just mentioned. were
seen Yesterday but they refused absolutely 20 an
sger inquiries They would make commiital
statement regarding the probability o. their rcss-
nations either ono way or the other Mr.. Brow
nell who IS the clerk OF the Session. when asked
after the afternoon service whether he would deny
that he would resign II DR.. Han remained in the
church renlied Significantly. no. Don't deny IT.
The wish OF the Session ia that Or. Han should
send a communication to neXi Wednesday meet
ing setting some limit OF lime 10 Ms continuance
in the pastorate Whether he will consent 10 TINS
course is az yet 4 matter Of doubt The commit
tee OF which Robert Bonner s he mead appointed
TO confer with him has no definite Information as
10 the course he may pursue. The committee VIII
meet tomorrow night 20 prepare lts report 10 rue
congregation but before that report is drawn up
the members will probably consult again VITA me
p,stor DR. Halls aversion 10 strife or trictloh i
walI known and his friends fear that the dissa',,
isfa that prevails in the session may 'd"
him To resolve TO terminate his ministry AT =
Comparatively early date. but 1t IS certain tnat II
such a purpose should ne conveyed to the congre.
Win IN came Intensity his proposal 10 re-
sign Immediately.