The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-06-03
Reverend
A. S. HAWKES.
RESIGNS

The people OF the Edgewood Congrega-
uonal church are discussing the resigna-
ton OF Rev. Albert 4. Hawkes., who has
been very active In building up the church
and making II one Of tho most fiourshins
In this section. The resignation was In the
form OF a letter asking that the society
do not consider his name for reelection
10 the pastorate for the coming church
year, 70 reads as follows;
To the Members OF the Edgewood Con-
gregational Church and Society;
As pastor OF this church l desire to
have this Communication read before you
at this time.
-Four years ago II was my privilege by
the grace Of God 10 become your pastor.
A. that time the church was at It's low
est ebb. Owing to previous difficulties
services had been suspended for some
time, and there was little sympathy with
the new movement on the part OF the
community or the sister churches.
While recognizing quite fully TIE pecu-
liar difficulties OF the field. | felt there
was vet an opportunity for Christian work
unsurpassed in many respects believed
that with the blessing OF God and a hearty
enthusiasm on the part OF the member
ship which remained loyal 10 the church,
a work could be done which few churches
have accomplished.
With this in mind and a desire TO ad-
call at your hands. I have lahored earn
estly and zealously for these ends: I
have put my time and talents at your dis
posa. I have preached as we'll and as
earnestly as I could under the burdens
that were imposed upon me.
I have called IN nearly every home In
the community. and in every way have
striven 10 advance the interests OF this
church, With great delight We saw this
new and comuodtous house OF God erect
ed 10 meet our growing needs. Young peo-
pie came TO us In substantial numbers 70
increase our Sunday school and cooper
ate in organizing Christian Endeavor
society
Tho membership OF the church has also
grown. not by any sudden addition, hut In
a steady. healthful way. In September,
1900, there were ~ members, since then 80
have been added. 2 have been dismissed,
and have passed away, making a total
or n, with a present membership OF 66.
the largest the church has ever had.
A large sum OF money has been raised
In nlr own midst and expended I'm the
last four years. A generous amount was
also contributed by the churches in the
city upon solieitetio 20 aid in the con
the State Home Missionary society 10
help us over diffioilt places In our run
ming expenses.
at a high rate OF interest was transfer
red TO the Congregational Church Build
ing society upon very advantag geous
terms. In all these movements I have
heartily co-operated, and some. especial
ly the latter were at my own suggestion.
In spite OF this very favorable growth.
however. / have long felt that In an at
tempt 10 grow and finance the church en-
terprise we have lost sight of the spirit
ual side Of our work. Increasingly es-
pecially during the past year, II has been
borne In upon me that ! was not succeed
tNe In h-fVR iTrr 10 rf ~ie
essentials OF all permanent church work.
] feel that I have failed to bring about
a sympathetic unity among the member
ship, and have been unable TO awaken
that spontaneous spiritual life so abso-
lutely necessary 10 carry on the Lords
work successfully. Without these vital
requisites finances drag, and all church
work becomes labor. These inevitable
facts have weighed upon my heact for
many months.
have sought in earnest prayer, and
in the advice OF others, for some means
10 bring about a change in the existing
conditions have for some time felt
that through the ministration OF another,
as pastor of this church. II might oe led
on e that revival Of spiritual lie for
This feeling has become conviction.
and now send you this communication.
and sffectona~ly request yop not fo
allow my name TO come befors YOU for
reelection TO the pastorate of this
church
In taking this step fully recognize
your unfailing courtesy In the four years
that have passed. I thank you one and
all for the kindly sympathy that has been
shown TO me by every member of the
church. without exception. and earnestly
pray that the Great Shepherd Of the hock
will guide you In the selection OF one who
shall properly lead you into that larger
usefulness which He has for you.
Wishing you grace, mercy and peace.
] remain.
Anectionateiy yours.
ALBERT SCOTT HAWKES..
Rev. Mr.. HaWkes has been the Chap
lain of the Rhode Island Division OF Sons
OF Veterans for several years and Is also
Chaplain Of Gen, A. T., Burnside Camp.
s. v.