St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1905-04-19
Two Pastors Resign.
The Pastors of the First baptist and
North Congregational Churches Pre-.
sent their Resignations.

The Pastors of the First baptist and
North Congregational Churches Pre-
sent their Resignations.
At the morning service at the First
Baptist church on Sunday, April 8, Rev.
c. R. B. Dodge read the following letter
of resignation:
To the first Baptist church Of st. Johns
bury, Vt.
Dear Brothers and Sisters In this
world, With tribulationl, we have
changed. The NJ aster whom we serve
says to one servant 60 and he goeth. and
to another come and he comeIh, and to
another do this and he doeth it.
Two years ago last October began
labor among you at, what seemed to me.
the Masters direction. Now the call
seems to come from that same Master to
lay that work down and undertake an
her,-dissimilar altogether in char
acter-elsewhere. The thought OF sever
ing the ties that bind me to this church,
and to the members of it and OF its con-
gregation generally, each OF whom have
become personally interested in and
deeply attached to, naturally gives much
OF sadness The Scriptures declare that
"a three-foid chord is not quickly
broken" And very nearly three years OF
acquaintance and service with you have
wrought very strong chord OF attach
ment. In going out from you | shall
continue. | assure you, to bear you with
me, and shall ever be interested in your
welfare in your associated capacity as
church, and likewise as individuals.
May LIST, is the date which has been
fixed upon tor me to assume my duties
as financial agent of Vermont Academy,
and | will therefore name April 3Oth, as
the time for the release OF my engage
ment with you.
Very sincerely yours,
in the Masters Service,
C.R. B. DODGE.
st. Johnsbury. April Z 1905.
Mr.. Dodge has been pastor OF the
church about two and halt years, dur
ing which time the church and it's work
have signally prospered and a vestry
built by the pastors efforts. Mr. Dodge
will keep his home here and will be with
his family as much as bis duties will
permit
The First Baptist church have bus
mess meeting this evening to take action
on the resignation.
At the close OF last Sunday mornings
service at the North church Rev. E. M.
Chapman presented this letter of resigna-
ton:
NY dear Friends:-The time is ap-
preaching when feel that | must sur
render the charge which more than FIVE
years ago you asked me to assume.
have been very happy in my work with
you; and bear glad testimony to de-
gree of loyalty and co operation on your
part which has made my service singu-
larry free from anxiety. To say that the
prospect of parting from you brings me
sorrow is to say little. do not expect
ever to serve a more congenial church or
to find more loyal friends in any congre-
CATION.
The health of my family is the one con-
sideration which has led to my decision;
though since that decision has been
OlhCl WhiSh navy
no connection with my relation to this
or any other church have emphasized the
wisdom and necessity oft.
hereby resign the pastorate of the
church-the resignation to take effect on
or before September 3, 1905.
You will bear me witness that have
asked few PERSONAL favors of you during
our residence together. | venture now
to ask two. First, that you will regard
this resignation as irrevocable, and that
you will accept it speedily and unani-
mously. Second that you will with cor
respondent speed and unanimity choose
my successor and accord TO him the same
loyalty which you have shown me. May
God bless you all.
Ever faithfully yours,
EDWARD M. CHAPMAN.
Mr.. Chapman's resignation came as a
sad surprise to his people as he had been
doing splendid work and was greatly
beloved. meeting of the church will be
held on the evening of April &c to take
action on his letter. 1t is understood
that he will take long rest before TAX
ing another pastorate and he will make
his home at Saybrook, Conn.
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