The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-20

The resignation Of the Rev. Charles A.
Stakely as pastor OF the First Baptist
Church, was received last night at bust
nees meeting Of the congregation. 1t was
an adjourned meeting from July Il j. t.
hear the report OF = committee appointed
by the church to confer with their pastor
and cuuyey to him a resolution asking him
to reconsider his decision to leave the
charge.
The meeting was opened last night by
brief religious exercises led by Capt. R. d.
Graham. deason Of the church. At the
close Of these exercises Albert Speiden was
called to the chair and the meeting de-
clared open for the consideration OF BUSH
ness.
After the reception Of new member dis
missed by letter from the church of Nor
ristown. Pa. e. H. Jackson. as chairman
of the special committee of five appointed
to confer with the pastor, reported. He
stated that the committee arranged for a
conference with Mr. Stakely and called
upon him in a body at his home. They
conveyed the resolution of the church. and
expressed to him the feeling Of the church
toward him as their pastor. Mr.. Jackson
said Mr.. Stakely exhibited and expressed
to them sincere gratitude for the conf
dence the church uHspRsed in him and said
that he seemed tosbe deeply touched At
the meeting with ithe committee. The
other members Of the committee were e.
T. Eckers, c. p Crudy, Capt. R. d.
Graham, and Albeit spieden. Mr.. jackson
said that the pastor informed them he
would convey his final decision to them in
writing. His letteFI gas read as follows:
I appreciate profoundly the many kind things
that were said aboutb my work and myself and
Mrs. Stakely in the church meeting on Thursday
pointing you as a Rcnhhiifttee to confer with me
concerning reconsideration OF my resignation.
This cApressimi on tke confidence and affec-
ton of my brethren and sisters is stimulating and
encouraging to my soul. and will ever constitute
large part Of the pleasure of my life. 1t is dim
cult and painful to resist the expressed desire OF
the church that remain in Washing. on, but feel
that l must stand by my judgment expressed in
my letter of resignation. With heart full OF
love for you personally and every member OF the
dear old church, l am very respectfully yours
The resignation was then accepted by a
unanimous vote Of those present 1t is to
take effect October /.
Capt. r. d. Graham then arose and sa.;,
that the church was confronted by on
emergency which mHst-be met, and pre-
sented this resolution:
Resolved, That the deacons are hereby instruct
ed and requested to take into immediate consid-
Grafton the vacancy to occur in our pastorate on
October next, and submit their recommenda-
tons Ct action TO be taken thereon to special
meetirr Of the church, to be called by them
vh0 ~ are re1dy y FepAt
This was adopted and the meeting ad-
journed.
The deacons of the church. upon whom
devolves the duty of finding pastor to
succeed Mr.. Stakely, are Otis T. Mason,
John ". Clarke, Edgar Spieden. G. w.
McLaurine. G. C. Simson, and W. A. VIII
ber.
1t is stated that Mr.. Stakely has reached
the conclusion that his work Is done as
pastor of the First Baptist Church. He
has expressed the belief that he can ac-
complish more elsewhere and that some
,ne else can do better here. The accept
ance Of the call to Birmingham. Ala, was
If his own volition and without any fric-
ion or trouble in his Washington pas
.orate.