The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-01-16
CHAPTER XXIII.


Philip read he letter through without
HITTING his eyes from the paper or max
tng any comment. 1t was as follows:
Rev. Philip Strong, Calvary Church.
Milton;
As clerk Of the church | am instructed
To inform you at the action Of the church
al a regularly called meeting last Mon
day night. At that meeting IL was voted
by majority present that you be asked
10 resign the pastorate OF Calvary
church for the following reasons:
First-There IL a very widespread dis
content on the part of The church mem
bcrship en- account OF the use OF the
church for Sunday evening discussions OF
social, political and economic questions
and the introduction into the pulpit of
persons, whose character and standing
are known 10 be hostile TO the church
and it's teaching.
Second-The business men OF the
church. almost without exception are
agreed and so expressed themselves al
the meeting that the sermon OF Sunday
before last was exceedingly dangerous
in it's tone and liable TO lead 10 the
graVest results I'm acts or lawlessness
and anarchy on the part OF people who
are already innamed To deeds OF violence
against property and wealth. such
preaching. in the opinion OF the majority
OF pew owners and supporters Of cal
vary church, cannot be allowed or the
church will inevitably lose its standing
Ia society.
Th!rd-It is the fixed determination Of a
majority OF the oldest and most infiuen-
tial members OF Calvary church 20 with
draw from the organization all support
under the present condition OF affairs
The trustees announced that the pledges
for church support had already fallen Off
very largely, and last Sunday less than
half the Irregular amount was received
This was ascribed TO the sermon Of the
FIRST of the month.
Fourth-The vacation OF the parsonage
and the removal OF the minister into the
region OF the tenement district have Gre
ated an intense feeling on the part OF
number OF families who have for years
been firm supporters and friends or the
church. They feel that the action was al
together uncalled for, and they think 4
has been the means OF disrupting the
church and throwing matters into confu-
sion. besides placing the church I'm an un-
favorable light with the other churches
and the community AZ large
Fifth--It was the opinion of n majority
OF the members present that. while much
or the spirit exhibited by yourself was
highly commendable, yet I'm view Of all
the facts II would ba expedient for the
pastoral relation 10 be severed. The con-
tnuance of that relation seemed to prom
ise cnly added disturbance and increased
antagonism I'm the church. IL was the
we'll nigh unanimous verdict that your
plans and methods might succeed to your
better satisfaction with n constituency
made up OF nonchurch people and that
possibly your own inclinations would
lead you to take the step which the
church has thought wisest and best for
all concerned.
II is my painful duty as the clerk Of
rff htHc ittlr
action OF the church and the specific rea-
sons for that action. A council will be
called 10 review our proceedings and ad-
wise with reference 10 the same. In be-
half Of the church. -. Clerk.
Philip finished the letter and lifted his
eyes again. And again he looked ont
through the window across the sheds 20