New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-24
DIR. DE COSTA HAS RESIGNED
HE SAYS HE WISHES TO MAKE WAY FOR
SOME YOUNGER MAN IN THE REC
ToRsHIP OF ST. JOHN THE
EVANGELISTS

The Rev. DR.. Benjamin F. De Costa. rector OF the
Protestant Episcopal Church Of St John the Evan
gelist, WaverIey Place and Eleventh-st., has
handed his resignation 10 the wardens and vestry-
men, and is waiting their action. These facts be-
known Only yesterday, although DR. De Costa
took this step about two months ago. AS most Of
the wardens and vestrymen OF the church have
been out % town since then action could be
taken. is the resignation likely 10 be passed
upon officially until next month. Dr. De Costa said
last night that the prominent part he took in the
controversy over the ordination OF Or. Briggs had
nothing whatever 70 do with his resignation. He
also said that he knew that his psrishioners were
strongly opposed to his resgning from the rector
ship and that he had asked 10 be relieved OF the
responsibilities and cares Of the rectorshp solely
on account OF his
MY retirement from the rectorship will per-
haps take place" he said. in the near future.
have been actively engaged in the ministry and in
literature for many years. and the time has come
when I must rest. I no longer bear the re-
sponsibility, and some younger man must step IN
and relieve me OF 1t. I resigned six years ago, but
my vestry would not permit me TO GO Few per
sons have any idea Of the and the burdens Of
a rectorship in city Ike this. have an assist
ant but the responsibility falls on me-
Dr. De Costa was asked II his health was seri-
ously impaired and he replied that he was in good
health. but his physician had told him 70 be care
ful. DR. De Costa will probably accept the place
OF rector emeritus Of the church.
Whom do you think the wardens and vestrymen
will choose to succeed you?" he was asked.
Il cannot speak about such matter at this
time" he replied.
Or. De Costa preached his first sermon in the
Church Of ST. John the Evangelist in 1858, in which
year he to this city. He assumed the Editor
ship OF The Christian Times and continued IN
that work for several years. At one time ne was
assistant OF the Church OF the Ascension DR.. De
Costa later edited The Magazine Of American His
tory" He became rector OF the Church OF st. Jonn
the Evangelist in 1881 has been there ever since
DR. De Costa has been a prolific writer His pest
known writings are a volume Of poems entitled A
French Pilgrim OF the Hudson" and novel under
the nom de plume OF William Htckling. called The
Rector OF Roxburg" He was also contributor 10
many magazines. 49,,
Dr. De Costa was chaplain in the 18th and 9Th
Massachusetts regiments OF infantry in the civil
War. He has been something OF a traveller and
has crossed the Atlantic, in company with his wife
twenty-five times He Is enthusiastic biolio-
phile and has large collection OF valuable volumes
Or De Costa is a member Of the New-York His
torical Society and a number OF like foreign So
cieties
Or. De Costa IS descended from. the Hqguenots
and was OF the founders Of the Huguenot
Society. He founded the White Cross movement in
which ne has been prominent He IL a member Of
the knights Of Labor.