Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-18

AsSV. Ia. -. "A. AVG AA0As
avoid becoming 80 is by taking a period of
complete rest from professional labor.
Joined with the above is the fact that
while the burden under which Mrs New
mans health has suffered the last few
years has been lifted, the present condition
Of her strength makes 1t absolutely essen
tial that both of US be free for time from
q pastorate.
therefore resign into your hands the Of
flee OF pastor with which you honored me
more than twenty years ago. this resigna-
ton to take effect as soon after February
e. 1903, as my successor can begin his la
circumstances shall my pastorate continue
beyond May 81, 1906. The following reasons
lead me to set this limit
First-The earlier date will complete a
full term of twenty-one years in the pas
torate of this church.
Second-I wish to help to bridge over the
gap between my pastorate and that of my
successor. This will give the church,
through its proper committee, time to eX-
anime thoroughly the suggestions made
from different quarters concerning minis
ters The committee can probably visit
during the fall and winter several fields If
thought desirable, and be ready by Feb
ruary Is. 1906 to make some profitable re-
port.
Third desire to secure to the church
pastoral supervision during the early
months of the winter, when emergency
work is greatest in the parish.
I thank you for Mrs. Newman and my
self for all the kindness and consideration
you have shown US during life among
you, and assure you that we pray God to
send you some one to lead you into great
advance of useful service. The nature OF
the case makes the res gnation imperative.
and, therefore, final, and l wish 1t to be
accepted as such simply.
Action Expected.
After reading the letter DIR. Gates gave
IT to the senior deacon Of the church, Ell
phonzo Youngs, who will present 1t at
the regular prayer meeting Thursday even
ing 1t is probable some action will be
taken at that time.
DIR. Newman will return to the city Oc-
tober / and will occupy his pulpit on that
day. 1t Is understood that after the ac-
ceptance Of his resignation he will con-
tinue to live here, where he will do literary
work. Washington has been his home near
| ly a quarter of a century and he has many
| friends, both inside and outside Of his
congregation.
While DIR. Newman states that Ill health
| Is the sole cause of his action II is known
| that for some time there has been some
| friction In the church work, particularly on
| the part of the younger members of the
| congregation, who claimed the pastor was
| too deep in his sermons for the younger
mind and that he was not as cordial to
them personally as he might be. There
| has been comment also upon the pastor 8
association with a mining company. which
| Is operating in the state of Washington.
| The company is composed almost exclusive
ly Of members Of the First Congregational
| Church, Mr.. Youngs, the senior deacon, be-
| ing its president, while DIR. Newman Is
secretary. Henry NJ. Kingsley, also a MEM
| Der of the church. is vice president. and
George E. Walker. another member. is
treasurer. Mr.. Youngs denied. however,
| that DR.. Newman's resignation had any
| thing at all to do with his connection with
the mining company.
| What Mr.. Younps Saws
To Star reporter today Mr. Youngs stat
ed positively that DIR. Newman's resigna-
ton had not been Influenced In any man
ner by the comment concerning the min
| ing company. nor the alleged disaffection
| on the part of the congregation. DIR New
man." said Mr. Y6ungs has been
| worried great deal because of his
| wife's Ill health, and because of that his
own health has been impaired. Four years
ago, when she became quite i'll, he tells me-
! he wrote his resignation. He carried IL in
I his pocket for year, and then filed it
| away, where he still has il. There Is no
| disaffection IN the church, and his resigna-
| ton will mean great loss to it, as he was
| one of the foremost Congregational minis
| ters in the country. 1t was not long ago
| that he declined the presidency OF an edu-
| cational institution in Atlanta"
| There Is nothing In the talk of criticism
| on the part OF the congregation" said Mr..
Bischoff, the organist. II have known Dr.
| Newman ever since he came to the church,
| and I know that during the past four or
five years he has become exceptionally
| popular with all classes In the church OF
course, there are very few in every con-
gregation who will cavil at the pastor no
| matter how good or brilliant he may be.
but do not believe there are many such
in our church"