Evening star., 1898-10-17
RECTOR" RECEIVES A CALL
Dr.. Alexander Macksy-smith Wanted by
Philadelphia Parish.
belfef Expressed by His Close Friends
That He VIII Accept the
InvftatiOn.

Rev. DR.. Alexander Mackay-Smith, rector
OF ST. Johns Church, of this city, will prob
ably accept call to the Church of the
HOLY trinity, Philadelphia. DR.. Mackay-
smith Is entirely non-committal upon the
matter, but it is very well known that the
fhiiadeiphia church has stated it's willing
ness TO make formal call if he will indi-
cate or express a willingness to accept.
Close friends of the popular divine said to-
day that he has concluded to accept. and
that the fact will be publicly announced in
due course of time.
DIR. Mackay-Smith's disnclination to
speak of the matter is due to the fact tina t
calls are considered purely personal with
the recto1s to whom they are directed, and
II is not customary for the information to
De given to the public until the call has
been accepted. Those of the vestrymen of
St Johns Church who were seen today
said they were not aware that a formal call
had been extended, but they knew that six
months ago there was some discussion Of
the matter, and the opinion was that a
call then extended had been rejected.
1t was believed. however. that second
call Is soon to be extended. although the
members Of the church are hopeful that
Dr. Mackay-Smith will decline Others
who are better posted, apparently, say that
the call will be accepted, and that it will be
sent with that understanding.
Church Seeking n Rector.
Since Rev. DR.. McVicar, rector of Holy
Trinity, was made bishop of Rhode Island
the Philadelphia church has been seeking
an eminent divine for itG pulpit.
Under the procedure of the Episcopal
Church rector is first nominated in the
VeStry and then the name must lie on the
table for a month before a ballot for cleo
ton can be taken. AS yet no nomination
Is before the vestry of Holy Trinity and
no early election is to be looked for, but
at the same time the wardens and vestry-
men have been seeking a clergyman for
long time. 1t is said in the congregation
of Holy Trinity that forcefulness tactful-
ness, catholicity Of spirit together with
capacity for work and intellectual culture
and ability are combined to a degree in DIR,
Mackay-Smith to make him one of the
lew men who would be received in the
parish without misgivings as to his success.
The Philadelphia Parish.
Holy Trinity Church parish is one of the
largest and richest Episcopal dioceses and
the salary of the rector is $4,000 per an
mum, as against $500 paid by ST. Johns
Church in this city. The late Rev. Dr.
Phillips Brooks was at one time the rector
and it is regarded as next to Trinity
church, New York, the most desira BILE
church IN the country. Dr. MackaySmith
is what is called a low churchman, and al
though other cfergymen have been consitl-
cred by the Philadelphians, it is believed
lnat ms views are more nearly in accord
with those of the congregation than any of
the others proposed.
on the other hand st. Johns Church is
rot only historic church, but is one of the
most prosperous Episcopal churches in the
country. The rapid growth of that part of
the capital city, adjacent to the White
house early in the century led to the found
Ing of the church in 1916. and upon its COM
pietion the vestry, invited President Madi-
son to accept pew in the church, which he
aid From that time ST. Johns has been
known as The Presidents Church." and
this pew has been invariably occupied by
the Presidents who have been Episcopal
ians. Among these in addition to Presi-
dent Madison, have been Presidents Nor
roe, Jackson, Van Buren,, Harrison Tyler
Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Buchanan and
Arthur Chief Justice Johu Marshall was
one or Its leading members. Secretary
Seward was a member, Montgomery Blair
was vestrymhn and Chief Justice Fuller
is a member Of the ysstry now.
DIR. Mackay-Smith is very popular with
his congregation. and he will not be al
lowed to leave the city if it can be helped