New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-13
they did not realize the purport OF his words
but when the truth dawned upon them many
began to weep. Here is what he read:


began to weep. Here is what he read
To the Pilgrim Church of New-York.
Dearly Beloved: On the 23i OF last April II
was twenty eight years TO a day since | first
stood In the pulpit OF Pilgrim Church. During
all this time | have never been away from you
for any length of time, except during the usual
summer vacations
Showers OF blessings have fallen upon us as
these years have passed. The Gospel has been
the power Of God unto salvation and unto edifi-
cation. More than thirteen hundred persons
have been received by me into the membership
of this church, though in our floating popula-
ton IL requires more than two additions to
make n permanent increase of one member; a
goody company Of faithful and beloved disciples
have gone from us to the heavenly home; and
from weakness you have grown to strength and
conspicuity The location Of the church build
ing has been changed and new house Of wor-
ship erected and abundantly used and enjoyed
All forms OF local Christian activity have been
sustained with blessed results. In the larger
tolls of the Kingdom Of Christ you nave had
worthy part. and 1t has been my pleasure 10
represent you on the Ofhclal boards OF many
great Christian organizations. Great changes
have occurred I'm our community. over halt
million people are now in this ward. They are
largely non church gOers. numerous jewish
contingent is about the church doors We have
not been unmindful Of the necessities thus Gre
ated in planning and conducting our various
schools and other organizations
CHANGES CALL FOR NEW PLANS.
The changes still in progress in this part OF
the city call for fresh adaptations 10 new neceS-
stiles by Christian toilers. new plan with
long outlook for It's largest success needs to be
adopted by you. If you are to remain in this
neighborhOOd special tolls requisite. III
you go elsewhere wise and careful plans must
be laid II is right that the one who shall work
the plan a leader shall help to form 1t, and
so | have decided to lay down my pastorate
that you may call some one at THIS period Oh
your history to lead YOU l trust, for another
quarter of a century.
Ny pastoral service has already been pro-
longed far beyond the usual measure OF to-day.
Every Congregational church but one in Greater
New York has changed its pastor, some several
times since came TO you, Dr. Storrs alone re-
naming in exalted labors into the fifty-fourth
year OF his pastorate. In the Broadway Tab
ernace DIR. Thompson completed his Iabors Or.
Tavlor came. labOred twenty years and depart
ed; Or. Stimsons pastorate followed, and DR..
Jefferson is now pastor. All the churches or
this vicinity have changed pastors again and
again But few in any Of the denomina-
tions in the city the country remain at one
post Of service as long as ! have remained mere.
1t was in my mind and heart to retire at the end
OF twenty-five years but our local needs ana
YOUR warm entreaties prevailed at that time.
Few pastorates have been as free from SHADOW
as mine among YOU and ! JOY TO think that
may retire when affection burns In every heart,
when noble activities are in vigorous progress
when our young people are loyal and loving, ana
full of Christian zeal, when unity Is unbroken
nv even a whisper Of discomfort in any OF the
ranks Of the church, when you have among
YOU sufficient wealth to accomplish any purpose
that you shall heartily and unanimously ADOPT,
and when Notwithstanding the general religious
depression, a new voice and an inspiring per-
sonality with the blessing OF God can accom-
plish blessed possibilities
Conscious of the limitations Of my service. l
am vet glad to feel that Pilgrim Church has had
the best of my life. regardless or the alurements
OF other fields and the Vaccinations or other
calls Others may you better, none can
over love YOU more. And in this mutual affec-
ton l resign the pastorate Of Pilgrim Church:
TO take effect December II, lSD0, al the close OF
the present fiscal year. and near the END or my
tventy-ninth year Of service in the church.
ask you at the fitting time to unite with me
in calling council to terminate our relallohsnlp
according to the customs Of our Congregations!
churches May the abundant blessings or COO
never fail to enrich you and yours to the latest
generation
CHURCH IN GOOD CONDITION.
Dr ktn resigns at n time when the church
Is in excellent spiritual and financial condition.
All IT'S societies and activities are In a healthy
state and the membership contains large
number of prominent and wealthy families.
Samuel Henderson Virgin was born at North
Carver, Mass, on August -, 1Si2; was gradu-
ated from the Phillips School, Boston, In 1885,
from the Latin School OF Boston IN loo-' en-
tered Harvard College in the same year was
principal of the Leomnster High School from
1864 to 1866 studied at Andover Theologicai
Seminary from 1866 TO 1868. was ordained pas,
tor of the Broadway Orthodox CONGREGATIONAL
Church Of somerville Mass; IN iooo, reslgne resigned
l..
tionaI Church in this city in 1871, and has re.
mained there ever since. DR.. Virgin received
the degree OF d. d. from the University OF New
York in 1856 and the degree OF LII. d. from
iowa College In 1891. He has published many
~ his sermons and addresses. and Is mem
her Of many social organizations. Including the
linton League Harlem and Congregational
clubs the New England Society and the Sons
of the American Revolution.
DIR. VIRGINS EXPLANATION.
DR.. Virgin preached last evening In MS church
on "The Kingship OF Christ" AT the close OF the
services many members Of the congregation
crowded around the pastor and expressed their
surprise and sorrow at his action and their nope
that he would reconsider his resignauoh' 10
Tribune reporter Dr. Virgin said:
1T seemed TO me wise time 10 resign wheh
evervthine Is harmonious and happy and anec-
tion is as perfect as II could be throughout the
entire congregation. / thought 1t was the Des'
time 10 begin the new plan OF work IL the con-
eregation should stay on this corner there must
be great aggressive hustlIng work, unlike wha'
we have done for thirty years. rms chuIcn in
FAMILY church and always has been essehtisiiy;
ai,honeh we have had mission interests anu az
Linds az classes I'm our congregation. IN ,nis
nnigh borbood such O church Is an impossioliy
ne,tnuousIv OF course the members cluster
shnut me and my personality. and members
49, ,rnm distances to attend the services out
the neighborhood here u one IN WHICH '"'''