Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-13

Grove-Avenue. 1t lasted from o'clock
until nearly l this morning. The discus
sions were earnest and animated, though
not acrimonious. Or Hiden was present
at the opening of the meeting, but as
soon as he finished reading his brief let
ter Of resignation he retired. In the hours
that followed there was a very free and
full interchange Of views with reference
TO all departments of the church work.
All that was said OF DR.. Hiden was in a
complimentary VEIN In the final note ac-
ceptlng the resignation, it was noticeable
that a number Of those who have at all
times been the most staunch supporters
of the pastor voted to let DR.. Hiden 20.
The explanation of this is that they
felt that since Dr. Hiden had
reached the decision TO give up the pas
torate it was best in the interest Of har-
mony in the church, to accept it.
THE DEACONS RESIGN, TOO.
It has been the rule of the church that
the resignation of a pastor should not
be acted upon except at meeting of the
members of the church, male and female
the members present at regular church
conference. the call for the meeting to be
announced from the pulpit for two sun
days. But this rule was rescinded last
night and the way was then open Tor
such action as might be deemed .Npe-
dent.
The idea of the church in suggesting
that the deacons all resign was 10 open
the way for a complete reorganization be-
fore a new pastor is called, in the hope
that it may effect entire harmony and
unity of feeling. a Finance Committee
and treasurer will be chosen next Thurs
day night. The present deacons are
Messrs. j. II. Dickerson, T. II. Elicit.
II. H. Crump, II. NJ. Jones, Andrew L.
Creath. George w. Chamberlayne. B. y.
Jacob, a. l.. Phillips, Henry K. Pollard,
c. A. Spence. and Ramon Garcin.
CAME AS \ SURPRISE.
DR.. Hiden rendered his resignation to
his congregation Sunday and 10 many
who were present IL came in the nature
of Il great surprise. The pastor had Just
concluded a highly interesting ana intc-
lectual discourse on the subject OF heaven
ly recognition, and his congregation
was very much impressed thereby. As
he closed the Bible. however he walked
around to the side Of the pulpit. and
drawing from his pocket a paper he read
slowly and with great distinctness. th2
following:
To the Grove-Avenue Baptist Church:
Dear Brethren,-My resignation as your
pastor is hereby offered. to take effect
at the close Of my pastoral year. August,
l. 1899. Truly, your brother,
J. c. HIDEN.
The letter created profound interest,
and was the subject for considerable dis
cussion and speculation after the service.
DR. Hiden declined TO discuss his rea-
sons for this action, saying that they are
purely of a personal character. He said
however. TO a Dispatch man: 81 have
never had warmer friends in any COM
munitv than / have found here. and that
without regard 10 denominational lines"
DIR. Hiden has not formulated any plans
for the future. but he SAYS he has no idea
OF changing his residence until the eXpira-
ton Of his pastoral year. His pastorate
at Grove-Avenue has been very success
full one. During the six years that he has
ministered TO his present flock over ~
per cent. of the present membership have
been added 10 the church; the debt on
the church building has been largely re-
duced as n result OF which nearly 500 is
saved annually i'm interest.
Dr. Hiden came here from Eufaula, Ala.
lie had previously held pastorates In Will
mington. n. c.; Lexington. KY; New Bed
ford Mass; Charlottesville, Va. and
Va. He Is an orator in the
,nln,t and a man Of high intellectual at
foinments, and az writer has earned for
himself a fine reputation.