The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-04-07
Simply Stated That He Thought Il
the Best Course to Pursue.
THE ACTION QUITE A SURPRISE.
The Vestry Held Meeting Last Night
Reported that Mr.. Scmm,s May
be Called to Portsmouth,
Nirginia-A Talented
Minister.

Rev. Thomas semmes has resigned as
rector OF 81. Andrews Episcopal church.
This decision on his part was reached
few days ago, and on last Tuesday night
al a meeting Of the vestry OF the church
his resignation was read before that body.
Mr semmos had written his resignation
on Monday. and left the city on last Tues
day morning FOR Albemarie county near
Greenwood, where he went for short
rest after the duties OF the Lenten sea-
son. lie did not give any reasons FOR
his decision IN the paper which was read
before the vestry. but simply stated that
he had decided that this was the best
course to pursue.
CAUSED SURPRISE.
The resignation caused considerable
surprise when il became known among
the members OF the church that the rec
tor had decided TO leave. Few OF them
were aware of his purpose to resign, and
many regrets were expressed at the prop
ability OF his leaving.
Mr. T.. H. Baskerville. an officer Of tho
church. was called upon yesterday eve
ming and asked about Mr. Semmes reslg-
nation He declined politely, but posi-
lively to discuss the matter and stated
that he was not In any way autnoii~eu
20 make any statement on the subject
lie declined TO say whether or not the
rector had resigned. and stated that IL
such d resignation had been presenter
TO the church he knew nothing about u.
Efforts 10 induce him 20 either cohhTm
or deny the report that Mr. semmes
would leave ST. Andrews were OF no
avail.
There was no way 10 reach Mr.
Semmes by telegraph last night. as ne
was visiting friends I'm the county some
distance from Greenwood, AlDemar.o
county, where the nearest telegraph sta
ton is located. lie is expected to return
home to-day.
Mr.. semmes will go 10 Portsmouth
Tomorrow 70 preach sunday AZ Trlnily
Episcopal church in that city and MS
brothor-in-law, Rev. Mr.. Funsten. VINO
has given up that church 10 accept tne
position Of bishop I'm one OF the TAR west
ern States, will preach at ST. Andrews On
Sunday.
CAME HERE IN 1897.
Rev. Mr.. Semmes came to Richmond
from Warsaw, Va, TO be rector Oh -.
Andrews less than two years ago iis
preached his first sermon here on June D.
1891. lie came here 20 succeed the la's
lamented Rev. DR. Pike Powers, VINO dlea
in the spring OF 1891.
Mr.. Semmes is a native OF the city OF
Alexandria, where he obtained MS euu-
cation While rather young he entered
the railway service, connecting hlmseli
with the Midland and Danville rallroau'
After remaining I'm that profession Tor III
teen years he decided to study for tho
at the seminary at Alexandria. His pre-
narration for the ministry however, ac-
tually dated back for about fifteen years.
since which time he had been connected
with old Christ Episcopal church. IN Alex
andria Of which he had been lay-readfr
for a number of years.
Immediately after graduating from the
Seminary he accepted n call AZ Warsaw,
Richmond county. where he remained Tor
seven or eight years.
AN IMPORTANT FIELD.
The membership OF ST. Andrews has
grown rapidly during the past three
years and embraces many OF Richmonds
Leading people The church Is situated at
Taurel and Beverly streets and Is the
only Fpiscopal church south Of Main
street. The scope OF its work Is large.
Within a comparatively recent date an
excellent library and large and com.
mOliOug klnuefedfteu nave p''H ""'NH
10 the church and are conducted IN ths
interests Of the parish. considerable
sum OF money has been spent IN improV.
ing the church property, and the held OF
work is regarded as an important one
Largely through the energy ana gen
erosity OF Miss Grace Arents we're the
kindergarten and library established ana
other improvements made. She Is one or
the most liberal contributors 20 the
church organization. and has been
prominent figure in the good work OF the
parish.
WILL BE ACCEPTED.
II Is understood that the vestry OF the
church met last night and considered the
res 'gnatiOn OF Mr. Semmes, but II could
not be learned whether or not action was
taken IN the matter. II was ascer,ained
from what is thought 70 be reliable
source that tho resignation viii be ac-
cepted.
SO far as known, Mr.. Semmes has not
vet made any plans for the future. he
has not decided as yet To take any other
charge
II is reported. however. that he viii be
called 10 Trinity church In Portsmouth.