The Oskaloosa herald., 1903-10-22
Pastor of Christian Church Tenders
His Resignation.

cepted on Sunday morning the ten
dered resignation of its leader, Rev
erend ]. p. Mcknight.
The resignation comes as surprise
and shock to the entire church and
to the city of Oskaloosa as well. The
step was made necessary by the fail
ing health of Mrs. Mcknight and the
recommendations OF physicians that
she be taken to another climate. The
lady has been failing for some time
past and was taken to Texas some
months ago for beneficial change.
Within the past few weeks Mrs. Nc
Knights condition has become such
as to alarm the physicians and the hus-
band and he will take the wife south
as soon as arrangements can be made
to get away
when the lady's condition was an
nounced as serious Mr.. Mcknight con-
ferred with the board of the church,
stating that he would be compelled to
resign the pastorate under the cir
cumstances. The matter was careful
ly considered by the board and it was
suggested that Mr.. Mcknight be Of
fered leave of absence from his pas
toral work to accompany his wife.
The pastor thought for the best inter-
ests of the church that the resigna-
ton should be absolute and without
reservation. The matter was there
fore presented to the church body Sun
day after morning worship and SER
vice. 1t came like thunderbolt from
clear sky. The congregation was
helpless and there was nothing to do
but to accept the resignation in the
same spirit that it had been offered;
and it was so moved, seconded and
voted ...
Rev Mcknight had conducted the
service of the morning in his accus-
tened way and had preached SER
mon CT much excellence, one deliver.
ed with unusual spirit and convincing
force and to the extent that there
were responses to the invitation given
at the close of the sermon.
Mcknight said the congregation
would be detained a few moments
longer than usual on account of some
matters which Mr.. G. NJ Porter would
bring before the church. This gentle
man arose and made explanation OF
the situation and the circumstances
surrounding it and then read the let
ter Of resignation. A large congrega-
ton was present at the service and
the weight Of the action fell upon a
large number of the members Of the
church organization. The letter was
received with surprise oy the people
and regrets were general and Of the
most sincere character. The vote to
accept the resignation was in reluct-
ant voice; many, did not vote.
Rev. Mcknight had retired from
the room as Mr.. Porter came before
the congregation and was not present
during any part of the proceedings.
1t was an unusual scene and one that
visibly affected the members. Tears
came to the eyes of many and emo
ton was stirring the heart of almost
every member of the congregation.
The contract entered into between
the church and Mr. Mcknight required
that the pastor, at resignation, shall
give the church notice of sixty days,
but under the conditions which sur
round this case and on account of the
urgency for immediate relief this sec
ton of the contract is waived by COM
mon consent and the resignation be-
comes effective on November 1. Rev.
Mcknight will make preparations to
leave the city with his family as soon
as the necessary preparations can be
completed.
Mr.. Mcknight has been one of the
most popular pastors in Oskaloosa.
He was beloved by the membership
Of the church and was generally liked
by the people of the city. He drew
largely to his church from all people
Of the town and made the stone chap
ell popular place for worship and re-
ligious gathering. He has been emf
nently successful in his work with the
church here and has gained for him
self reputation that is far-reaching.
Mr.. Mcknight has been pastor Of
the Christian church of Oskaloosa
since March, 1900, following A. E.
Corey, preaching his inaugural SER
mon the first Sunday of that month.
His relations with the people mere
since that date have been of the most
pleasane character and his place in re-
ligious, social and public life of the
city has been such as to bring the
man in close touch with many people.
Rev. Mcknight has expressed him
self as deeply regretting the move.
He feels that his work in the pastor
ate is just beginning and that there
is much for him to do. He sees that
the seed sown in labors is promising
abundant yield and he would be in
the field at the harvest. The Oska-
loosa home of the family has been the
happiest and most pleasant that they
have ever known and all regret that
the change in residence is called for.
The evening service at the church
n 4