The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-12-13
Will The Resignation be Accepted:


The congregation at the Presbyte-
rian church in this town was startled
last Sunay morning by the tender OF
resignation of Rev. James Mcdowell
as pastor.
Mr.. Mcdowell has served the Man
ming PRESBYTERIAN church forty-tWo
wears. and when the congregation
recovered from their surprise at the
announcement Of his resignation,
many eyes became moistened; and
why not? Has not this teacher OF
divine lessons been faithful and true
to his flock? Has he not been with
them through adversely and pros
peritv? Did he not take into his
arms the major portion Of his flock
and baptize them when they We're
infants: DO You remember the day
when YOU took the marriage vow,
and that it was he who made you
man and wife, and prayed that GOD
would bless your union? DO you re-
member that dark, stormy night,
when the elements without were
raging, at a summons from you he
braved the raging elements anc
came to the bedside of the SICK ana
softened the pillow with his plety,yes,
and with his benevolence? was not
this same servant Of God at the bed
side of dying mother, father, sister
and brother, to remove the rocks, the
thorns and thistles from the path on
the Journey out of this world: DO
YOU remember how this laborer IN
the vineyard of God, when affection
spread over you like a pail, held up
the lamp of hope and pointed out to
YOUR distressed soul the way you
should go? Do you remember all
this? Yes, friends, How many of
YOU today have your Bibles marked
at the text, and hold sacred the place
from which this noble man preached
the funeral sermon Of your loved ones!
When such reflections passed through
the mind, it is no wonder the Well
springs of the heart bursted loose to
find through the eyes place OF eS-
cape.
Rev. James Mcdowell has stood to
his post through sunshine and storm,
and unfalteringly remained steadfast
and true.
When the country called her sons
TO her defence Mr.. McDowell's name
was placed upon the honored roll,
and through that fierce contest he
was at the front. AS a soldier he
endeared himself to his comrades,
many of whom were of different
religious denomination, faith and
creed. Notwithstanding the differ
ence in belief, all recognized in him a
pure, Christian spirit-a man of God,
whose faith was shown by his works.
Then as a citizen, Manning has in
him a man who is sincerely beloved;
South Carolina a patriot and the
world at large a noble type Of pious
manhood.
The news of Rev. James Mellow
ellis action in rendering his reslgna-
nation as pastor of the Manning
PRESBYTERIAN church was received
outside of his church with sadness
and many were the expressions OF a
hope that "he will be induced to
reconsider and withdraw his letter;
Others express the opinion that the
congregation will not accept.
OF course this is q matter for that
congregation alone to consider, but
| there are some who do not belong 10
the congregation that feel interested
and are bound by sacred ties. There
are some who have not done their
duty towards the pastor and the
church, and their dereliction was not
realized until confronted with the
present situation; of this number
many hope that Mr.. Mcdowell will
not sever his pastoral connection
with the church and they promise
to be more faithful in thei. duties
towards him and the church in the
| future.
In the homes throughout the town
last Sunday the resignation was dis
cussed with sadness and i'll many
instances with tears. We doubt If
ever before the people realized how
strong their pastor was entrenched
in their hearts.
Assuming to speak for the citizens
of this town, we sincerely hope that
the Presbyterian congregation will
use every endeavor to induce Mr.:
Mcdowell to continue his pastoral
relations.