Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-11
ENDORSED BY PRESBYTERY
severing o. Pastoral Relation Between DR..
Bitlinger and Westminster Church.
Resolutions Adopted Expressive of
the Esteem and Confidence of Ifs
Brother Ministers.

The presbytery of Washington city held
its fall meeting at Ballston Presbyterian
Church, Rev w. J. Young, pastor. on Oc-
tober 10. 1899. The meeting opened with
sermon by Rev. George s. Duncan, Phi
D., on Isaiah GO, followed by the election
of DR.. A. s. Fiske as moderator for the
ensuing term. Most Of the business was
of a routine character, with one eonspicu-
Gus exception, which was the matter Of
acquiescing in the request of Rev. B. F.
Bittinger, d. D.. for the dissolution of his
pastoral relation with the Westminster
Church.
Amid the most impressive silence Dr.
Bitttnger addressed his brethren, stating
the reasons impelling him to the action
noted. No waning of powers, either mental
or physical influenced him in the least,
ne said. but pastorate of thirty-six years,
his age of Seventy-five years and the build
ing of his church and chapel seemed to
MN to make this a most fitting time for
his retirement from the active pastoral
work
The doctor had scarcely been seated be-
fore number We're on their feet to speak
words of esteem and sadness and high
appreciation of DR.. Bittinger as man. min
lister, citizen and friend. DR.. Sunderland,
the Oldest member of the Presbyterian
Church of this city, was first recognized,
DR.. Bittinger better. In a voice choked
with emotion he paid glowing tribute to
his friends work and character. AS a
fitting finale to his words he offered some
resolutions and upon these resolutions 9TH
ers of the brethren spoke, especially DR..
Teunis S. Hamln and Mr. John w. Foster
the latter OF whom pointed happy moral
of DR.. Bittinger's long and effective serv-
ice. demonstrating the inherent value of
true pastor to the community.
No two men, said Mr. Foster. have done
more for this community than have Drs.
Bittnger and Sunderland. He felt he could
not let the occasion pass, he said, without
his need of merited praise.
The Resolutions.
After other addresses Of similar tenor
the resolutions offered by DR.. Sunderland
were adopted. They are in effect as fol-
lows:
in dissoving this pastoral relation be-
tween the Rev DIR. B. F. Bittinger and the
Westminster Presbyterian Church Of this
city Ga title of historic form, we desire to
give thanks to God, to Christ, the great
head of the church, for the life and labors
of our beloved brother. not only In the
local church of which he has SO long had
the charge, but in this presbytery and In
our higher courts, and that through all the
various epochs of our church history we
have found him ever the same fearless adj
vocate Of our volity and our faith We as
sure him that his name and memory will
long be cherished in the fondest regard by
all who have ever known him.
Our brother, DR. Bittinger, has likewise
been pillar of strength in support of all
reformatory movements looking to the
cause Of the public morals and the eleva-
ton and purity of society in all its orders
and conditions, and of this fact we hereby
record our ardent and sincere apprecia ton.
LAS DIR. Bittinger is now in years beyond
the allotted term of life, it Is our earnest
prayer that a gracious Providence may
tiy1,r.. 70 h hca Of
and strength for years to come, and that
we may see his familiar face among us
and share his wise counsels and his most
fraternal company in the wondrous dawn
Of the new century which is upon the
world.
1--WE also recognize the position of the
Westminster Presbyterian Church. OF its
officers and members in this capital OF the
nation, and the important change now to
be made in the administration of their
church affairs. We hear with JOY of their
unity and harmony and of their noble az
lection for their retiring minister. and that
we earnestly pray that worthy successor
may be early sent to them to take up the
work which the venerated hands have Just
laid down.
AS a mark Of most profound regard the
presbytery adopted the resolutions by
rising vote.
Tribute From Westminster Church.
Mr. A C. Yount, one of the elders Of the
Westminster Church. presented a tribute
from the members of DR.. Bittinger's con-
gregation, and said that it was with sin
cere sadness and regret that they received
the announcement of the purpose of their
pastor to resign. He said:
"Although we may no longer sustain the
relation CT pastor and people. we shall not
cease to cherish for him the greatest af-
lection, and shall follow him in his retire
ment with our prayers that he may con-
tinue to enjoy the blessings of Almighty
God"
In addition to the resolution approving
the resignation of the pastor, the West
minister Church offered DR.. Bittinger the
use of the manse so long as he should
choose to occupy 1t.
Among those who spoke were: Rev. Teu-
mis- S. Hamlin of the Church Of the Cove
nant, Rev. w. G. Alexander of West Street
Church of West Washington, Rev. c. B.
Ramsdell. Rev, D. w. Skelenger Of Sixth
Church, Rev. Edward Warren Of Faith
Chanel ReN Dr. Genrge N I.uccocS Mario.