Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-10-26
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL
DISSOLUTION OF THE PASTORAL RE-
LATiON AT THE FIRST CHURCH.
Resignation by Delegates From
Churches in Cl,ittenden County,
st. Adams aud Rutland.

The council of the Congregational
churches that was called to consider the
resignation of Rev DE- Edward Halves,
pastor of the First church of this city,
convened Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock
in the chapel of the church. The council
was composed of 10 pastors and delegates
and a large number of Pensioners were
present to learn the result of the council
The members of the council from the re-
spective churches were as follows: College
street church, Rev. +. NJ Snyder, George
Fl. Perkins; Chaelotte, Rev. Hervey Gu
lick and H.. w Dayton; H~inesburgh, Rev
T. j. Harris and NJ. D.. Partch; Richmond,
Ecv. w. j. Watt; Undcrhill, T.. S. Whit
comb, jr.; Westford, Rev. G.. II. Baker;
Essex, Rev. l.. b. Tenney; Essex Junction,
Rev. Evan Thomas and D.. H.. Macomber;
Milton, Rev. e. f.. Herrick, Colchester,
Rev. c. j. Hastings and j.. w. Fay. WI
nooski, Rev. s D.. Angel and $. l.. Plat
ka; st. Adams, Rev. j. r. Danforth; Rut-
land, Rev. De-. G.. w. Phillips and j. L.
HOLSTER.
The council was called to order and the
letter missiVe read by Rev. George w.
phillips, ID. D., of Rutland, VINO was elect
cd moderator. Rev. Evan Thomas of iis-
sex Junction was elected scribe. Prayer
was offered by Rev. DR.. Phillips. The re-
ports of the church meetings, at which
the resignation of Rev. DR.. HAYES was
discussed, We're read, and the records of
the First Calvinistic Congregational So
ciety, which approved the action of the
church III accepting the resignation, were
also read. At the conclusion OF these re-
poets a few remaks were made by ". j.
Van Patten. who referred to the high
character, intellectual ability and the sue
ceSSful pastorate of DR.. Halves in the
church. Ex-Gov. L. A. Woodbury. and G..
p. Smith followed. speaking along the
same line, emphasizing strongly the pas
tOf'S Stl1rIN character and honest pOpNip-
lions. The CounC then voted to hold a
private session to discuss the dissolution
of the pastoral relation. Following are
preamble and resolutions adopted by
them.
Whereas, the Rev. Edward Hawcs, D..
D., has presented his resignation and mas
declined to withdraw the same at the re-
quest of the church. and whereas the
church and society have accepted it:
therefore be it resolved that in view Of
the resignation of DR.. Halves and the ac-
ton of the church and society touching
the same, and Of Or. Halves personal
statement when interrogated, the council.
however, reluctantly, has to ratify the ac-
ton of the parties and declare the dissO-
luton of the pastoral relation.
In reaching this result the council is
not unmindful of the position which the
parties seeking our advice have and still
hold in our UNCONVENTIONAL forces in the
49, ' AAAFfN ~ wv hEttl5C va
the years Dr.. Halves has come to hc, with
but two or three exceptions, the CeniUr
among us in pastoral service: and that We
are debtors all to his strong and intelligent
influence among the churches of the vi
cinaCe and the broader fellowship of our
churches. We recognize in him a thought
full scholar, a ripe theologian, a sturdy
preacher of Righteousness, and "A courage
Gus advocate of the best things in society,
in business. End in the State.
We appreciate the strain upon the heart
strings incident to the breaking Of the Ties
which. for nearly Is years have made our
brother and his family valued factors in
the circle of their acquaintance and in the
life of the entire community.
We congratulate this people upon thel,
. enjoyment in the years gone Of the fine
fruita ge Of this hcrored and useful life in
the ministry of Christ; and in common
, with the people of this church and com
munity We sincerely regret its termination
j, though deeply conscious that its results
will remain as a lasting source of power
in this old and influential church.
We commend our brother 70 the unflil-
| ing support and guidance of the master
we serve, with a prayer that an open do1t
and no doubtful voice may lead the way
TO othe~ fields where years of happy and
successful work await him.
To the church we commend the prayer.
: fui spirit, the unity of action. and the
: open mind soon to discover the Leadership
} by which they may as in the past
meet the requirements of their prominent
| position and sustain the traditions of theil
conspicuous history.
The council closed with prayer by Rev
{ y. NJ. snyder and the benediction by the
Rev. DR.. Phillips.