The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-11-05

or those whose light could not be hid
under a bushel.
For nearly twelve years Mr.. Rich re-
manned with lis, discharging faithfully
and efficiently his sacred functions. At
the end OF that time he resigned his
charge and returned to Maryland, where
for a time he took a needed rest. He
was afterwards called to several parish
es and now fills the high and responsible
position of Dean of the Cathedral of the
Diocese of Easton, where he still labors
with the zeal ability, and success which
characterized his work while here
Soon after our Parish was formed.
having no place of worship, we purchas-
I'd the lot which we now own, ard
soon began the erection of the church
building in which we have since wor-
shipped. 4 heavy debt was thus incur
red, which looked alarming to so small
Il body. but we had not underestimated
the difficulties and burdens which were
ahead of us when we started, and the
thought of turning back now was never
for a moment entertained. We were de-
termined to deserve success, and if fail
ure came it should I've for no lack of
effort on our part.
1t gives me great pleasure to state
that the debt is now paid and with a
surplus in our treasury, we have re-
solved to incur another and much larger
debt. in the erection of a new church
which shall be an ornament to the city
and fit temple for our Holy Religion
The main object which has brought
us together on this occasion is ito lay
the corner stone Of this church and thus
begin our new work. 1t is encouraging
to know that we enjoy the full aprro-
bation Of the ladies Of the congregation,
who have promised IFS their aid, and
have demonstrated by what they have
done what they can and will do here
after.
Time is not allowed to speak in detail
of the work of each or our Rectors.
There is, however, one thing in the
work of Mr.. Rich I'm our parish and
city, which should always be mentioned
to his credit. TO him more than any
other individual was due the founding
of st. Johns Hospital, which has So re-
Gently been Incorporated with the Rex
Hospital If he had done nothing else
this work alone would entitle him to be
gratefully remembered by this city, and
would form a most lasting monument of
his work while here.
After the departure of Mr.. Rich we
were for while ''at sea-" looking for
some one to take up the good work so
amspiciously begun. Fortunately our
choice fell upon the Rev. Robert
Strange, who accepted our call, and
came to rs in the month Of November,
1885. Mr.. Strange was a North Caro-
linian by birth anu descent, his family
for generations having been citizens OF
this State BY education, feeling. asso-
citation, and early memories, he was in
full accord with our people. and most
cheerfully took up the good work which
he found ready for his hands. He gave
himself wholly to the work to which he
had devoted his life and brought to the
discharge of his sacred duties all the
energy and strength of his nature. We
loved him and he loved us. and we work
ed together most tremendously in the
promotion of the great cause. Under
his administration our church continued
to grow and thrive. and we fondly cher
ished the hope that our Rector was with
us for years to come. This, like SO
many other hopes and aspirations, was
soon to be disappointed Unfortunate
differences had arisen in a parish in the
Diocese of East Carolina which threat
ened the peace and harmony and use
fulness Of the church in a large city.
Many efforts TO heal these differences
having proved unavailing and the situa-
ton becoming more and more alarming
with time, a call was given to Mr..
Strange. He was appealed to by the
entire congregation, many of them hay
ing been the old friends of his father
and grandfather, to accept the call, and
was assured that he could do more than
any other clergyman in this State to
heal these difference. Refusal after
such an appeal was impossible, and at
ter much hesitation and regret, and in
fiuenced alone by sense of duty, he ac
cepted the call and was thus taken
from us. While the opinion seemed to
be entertained by some that he was not
bound to accept, my opinion was the
other way. As much as | regretted his
leaving, ! never doubted the rectitude
of his decision, or the motive which
actuated it, and still think he was right.
Thus was severed our connection with
our second Rector, who left us with
the kindest feelings on both sides, which
are still cherished by us and we doubt
not also by him.
| hope / may here be pardoned
short DEPRESSION to state that under his
administration in his new Parish the re-
suit hoped for has been Accomplished
the breaches have been healed differ
ences settled or removed and the Parish
Is now doing its great work with its
pristine zeal and success. The Rector
has grown with its growth, and is now
one of the leading lights of his Diocese
For him we may look forward for long
years of usefulness and honor before
the summons comes which will bid him
as a good and faithful servant to enter
into the joys OF his Lord.
Thus again left without a rector in our
growing parish, prompt action was neces-
sary. Our flock had grown too large
to be left without a shepherd. Looking
over the field for selection our attention
was attracted by the Rev. William
Meade Clark, then rector of the Chapel
of the Gross at Chapel HILL We tender
ed him call, which he accepted, and in
a short time with Mr.. Clark at its head,
our work was again going forward with
ont ripple on its bright and placid
current. The growth Of our parish had
been such that we no longer occupied an
inferior position in the diocese. And with
this growth came the natural increase of
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