New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-19

HIS RESIGNATION ACCEPTED ny PLYM-
OUTH CHURCH
To TAKE EFFECT OK MAY THE CONGREGATION
RELUCTANTLY ACCEDEs To HIS WISH TO
BE RELIEVED FROM ACTIVE DUTY.

BE RELIEVED FROM ACTIVE DUTY.
The congregation Of Plymouth Church. Brook
lyn. decided yesterday to accept the resignation
Of its pastor the Rev Dr. Lyman Abbott. The
resignation will take effect on May |. After
January ! DR.. Abbott will not he asked to do
any pastoral work but merely to preach on
Sunday.
The business meeting was held in the lecture
room after the morning service. Henry l.. Pratt
presided. and the attendance was large. II VIII
he remembered that at last Sundays meeting
the Advisory Committee appointed To consider
the resignation Of DR. Abbott presented re-
port and resolutions accepting the resignation
and providing as mentioned. Action was not
pressed then in order that those who were still
hopeful OF getting DR.. Abbott TO reconsider
might have the opportunity to work with him
Yesterday the report and resolution were called
10 for action. and after some discussion they
were adopted by a viva voce vote of the church
members There we're only few scattered
hope that DR.. Abbott would reconsider but who
fatty refused to accept his decision as final.
Some. perhaps. were clinging to a forlorn hope.
After the congregation had voted the church
society voted with similar effect
The principal speeches for the resolutions were
made by Thomas q. Shearman and Frederick
W. Hinrichs. Mr.. Hnrichs said that while they
all felt profoundly the loss that DR. Abbott
would be 10 them there was no occasion 10 lose
hope. Plymouth Church not Beechers
church or Abbotts church. but Chrst's church
II was a church that would furnish inspiration
to any pastor who came TO II in the future.
Mr. Shearman said. In effect. that Plymouth
Church would make the man. and IT was not
necessary for the MAJ 10 make Plymouth Church.
II offered an opportunity that not offered
10y any other church. Plymouth Church would
have strong preaching in the future. He said
he did not know who would succeed DR.. Abbott.
hut the inspiration Of preaching from Plymouth
Church's pulpit would make the next preacher
also a man of strength.
Robert Van Iderstine chairman OF the COM
mittee that was appointed the other night at
the young peoples meeting. reported that the
committee had visited Dr. Abbott. but had found
him unshakabe in his resolve. The committee
likewise had called upon Dr. Conklin. Or. Alb
botts physician. and he told them that If they
loved DR.. Abbott they would not try to induce
him 20 change his mind in this matter HIS
health would not stand the strain Of continuing
the work Mr Van Iderstne read letter
which Dr. Abbott had wtten to the committee.
The pastor said that he was glad to that
the young men OF the congregation took SO deep
an interest In the welfare OF the church He
had first heer Induced 10 accept the pastorate
Of the church because the young people wanted
him But the time T. separate had come irrevo-
cably. The activity and zeal Of the young men
had been q strong inspiration to him. and he
hoped that his retirement would not result in
a. lessening OF zeal in behalf Of the church on
their part. Put While he appreciated their de-
sire 20 retain him IT his duty TO go. He
had never done things by halves. and therefore
h. did not feel that ho could consider the sug-
gestion that he preach one sermon a weeK. He
must give up absolutely.
These We're the resolutions:
Resolved First-Tnat Plymouth chnrch has re
Ccived with deep sorrow the resignation Of its be
loved pastor. the Rev. Lyman Abbott under whose
sympathetic inspiration. wise guidance and help
ful te1chlng it has enjoyed eleven years Of unin-
tcrrunfcd harmony. progress and success I'm Chris
tian labor. We appreciate the force Of the reasons
which have led 20 this resignation which, with
great regret and reluctance. feel constrained
70 accept: and although desrous Of retaining his
services as long ~ possible. yet; in view Of his
generous consent to postpone the date OF his retire
mcnt for The convenience OF the church. pledge
ourselves 10 him that We VIII undertake Al once.
with the utmost diligence and good faith the
:, ,roo srtrr thr ,vorl ,"bich has heen carried on
for more than Afiy years 10y the two pastors IN
whose mnistra'ons this church has been so won
Resolved. sesond That his meeting recommended
be- called for the special purpose OF taking action
/ In accordance with law and tie usage OF 'ongre-
gatlcna church ss. upon the resignation OF our
pastor the Rev Lyman Abbott.
Resolved Second THAI this meeting recOmmenl
that IN. church and society. when thus convened.
respectfully take the proper steps 10 carry ont the
following ARRANGEMENTS:
Firsi-That the rcsgnation Of the pastor be &C.
ceplci 10 take effect I'm May mex, or at any pr
vl6us time not. however. earlier than March. Wncn
his successor may have been chosen and be- ready
10 commence acuve work among us
Second-ThAt on and after the nfs' day or IAN
u1ry s9q our pastor be relieved from all executive
administrative labor and responsibility In connec e.,
,fc, win the boards. committees and branches OF
| the church. - ,,,, .,., ,,..
ROSSITER ". RAYMOND.
Corresponding Secretary.
FREDERICK g. MANNEI.
Recording Secretary.
An amendment made the resignation take