The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-10-09
intimate association existing between a


intimate association existing between a
pastor and his congregation until the
time comes for breaking ties which
have interviewer their lives during
years of close relationship.
The fact that they are to lose mar.
with whom they have been closely as
ISOLATED for upwards of nine Years az
pealed strongly to members of the
congregation of Plymouth church, and
not a few wiped away involuntary
tears of regret Nor was the feeling
confined to members of the congrega-
ton alone. DR.. McCullagh realized as
never before what it costs him to break
away from the ties that have formed
between pastor and people during his
life in Worcester He could not bear
to meet the people after the morning
service, and hastily left the church the
better to conceal emotion which he was
powerleSS to control.
Dr. McCullagh's letter of resignation
which thoroughly covers the situation.
folloWS:-
and congregation: My Dear Friends
A little over nine years ago, in response
to your unanimous call, l assumed the
pastoral oversight of this church. The
history of my pastorate need not be re-
hearsed l have tried to be both a
minister Of the word and pastor. Dur
ing the period of our association, my
life has necessarily been closely inter
woven with your lives. have stood
with some Of you at the marriage altar,
with some at the baptismal font, with
some in the chamber of sickness and at
the open grave. Your sorrows have
been probably more than you are aware
my sorrows, while your successes and
joys have gladdened my heart
The names of 343 persons have been
added to the church roll. The gifts
for missionary causes have amounted
to $274 900 and the contributions for
church expenses have been $4,000
While it has been my privilege to
visit Europe repeatedly during my
summer vacations. 1 have never had
the opportunity at the proper season Of
visiting the Orient. For years l have
desired to see those lands where the
most thrilling events of biblical his
tory were enacted, and visit the places
trod and hallowed by the footsteps of
the Master. 1t is my purpose to take
this trip. If spared to return, it Will
be. hope, enriched in mind and heart
by such studies and experiences and
better fitted to take up whatever work
God in his providence may have for me
to do. l therefore return to your
hands my pastoral charge, with the re-
quest that it be accepted, and that my
pastorate end Jan. LIST.
cannot sever these ties without say
ing that my relations with every Off
Ger in every department of the church
is of the pleasantest and most frater-
nal character In the close associa-
ton of years, have always found them
high minded, eonsiderate gentlemen,
with whom to work was delight and
for whom l cherish feelings Of the ut
most kindness and esteem. / can also
say that my relations with all the
churches of the city have. been most
friendly, and one of the pleasant memo
ries that / shall carry with me is the
repeated statements Of the clergy OF
other denominations that / have done
something toward cultivating the spirit
Of tolerance and bringing the churches
of different denominations into closer
fellowship.
wish for you as a church the largest
true spiritual success. offer the apos-
toiic prayer to our eternal Father.
that he would grant you. according
to the riches Of his glory, that We may