Evening star., 1905-09-15
ASK PASTOR TO REMAIN.
Unanimous Action Of Assembly's
PRESBYTERIAN Church.

The congregational meeting OF the As
sembly Presbyterian Church called for the
purpose Of acting upon the resignation Of
the pastor, was fully attended last night
1t was held at the church, corner 5th and
l streets northwest.
From the continued absence OF many min
listers OF the denomination on vacation some
difficulty had been found I'm securing the
presence of a clergyman properly qualified
to moderate the meeting, but at the last
moment the services OF Rev. J. Russell Yer
brycke were obtained. He came promptly
at considerable personal Inconvenience and
from great distance to fill the position
After the usual devotional exercises the
pastors paper was read, wishing the church
TO join him In asking the presbytery to dis
solve the pastors relations that being the
only authority SO empowered. The paper
having been received, discussion ensued,
frequently interrupted by handclapping and
exclamations Of approval presenting a
scene OF animation In sharp contrast to the
old-fashioned quiet that usually marks the
churchs proceedings.
A suggestion that some one understood
DR.. Wilson would insist" on an acquies-
cence in his request on account OF an al
legged deficit in the treasury was quickly
disposed Of: One speaker insisted that with
all his love for the pastor, the latter had
no right to present an unconditional re-
quest, and, for one. he would accept no
such statement save from the pastors own
lips. Mr.. l.. Cabeli williamson Of long
service in both boards of the church, gave
very clear and succinct account OF the
causes leading up to the pastors reslgna-
ton. They began with rumors industri-
ously circulated of an impending deficit In
the treasury, he said. Repeatedly. when
tenders to make good were heard the actual
amount dwindled to a trlfiing sum and the
alleged deficiency scare was made to do
duty for the ensuing term again.
The pastor was worried by these rumors,
it was stated, and DR.. Wilson being natur-
ally a sensitive man, was unwilling, accord
ing to Mr.. Williamson, to be a burden on
the people he had long served and loved
and took the only step open to him by ten
dering his resignation. Who II was that
circulated these rumors Mr.. Williamson did
not state.
During the expressions of fealty and un-
voice found utterance. One gentleman
stepped forward and stated that he was not.
and would not. for some time at least, be
regular attendant at the Assembly's Church,
but he asked the privilege Of subscribing
500 to the pastors salary. II need be he
would start In on the second hundred.
The motion to insist on a withdrawal OF
the resignation was passed by rising vote.
every member present voting in the affirma-
tive amid profound feeling OF relief that
they could rally around their pastor with
renewed activity and pleasure.
The proposition to merge the Assembly
Church with the First Presbyterian Church,
on Az street heretofore discussed. was re-
iected and notice was given that the project
was declined with thanks. finally ard ire
yocably as the Assembly Church member
ship proposed to rally round their pastor
and continue worship under his leadership.