The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1905-04-18

chair when Mr.. Garside made state
ment Of the object of their visit. He
described Toronto as a rapidly grow
ing town Of several hundred thousand
inhabitants the Walmer road Church
organized fifteen years ago has a mem
bership of $50, with Sunday School
of 500 enrolled scholars. The building
seats 1,500 and the congregations ay-
erage 800 at the morning and 1900
at the evening services. The city is
an educational centre and a number
of college professors and many stu
dents attend the services of the
church. The church has been looking
for a pastor for several months. Mr..
Horsman being recommended to them
was heard by delegation and asked to
go to Toronto and look over the field
which he did two weeks ago. He was
the unanimous choice of pulpit com
mitee Of thirty-fye members, and on
the recommendation of the committee
the Church would extend to him a
unanimous call if the Morristown
Church would consent to his removal.
The following communication from
the pastor was read
April 14th, 1905.
To THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST BAP-
TIsT CHURCH, MoRRIsTowN:
BELOVED BRETHEN:
When, about a year ago, accepted
your kind invitation to become your
pastor, did so, as you know, only
after very careful consideration, and
with the fullest expectation of remain
ing among you for several years to
come.
I have entertained no other thought
than this during the past months, in
my laborS here. Twice within the
year have been asked to give conSid-
GRAFTON to other fields, which offered
much advantage to me personally
But without a moments hesitation,
have refused. There has come to me
within the last three weeks, however,
an invitation from Toronto, which
seems to me unique both in the oppor-
tunity afforded for Christian work,
and in the circumstances under which
it has been presented for my consider
tion. l have not sought it, nor do ]
feel equal to the responsibility or
worthy of the honor involved in this
paStorate. Yet dare not turn aside
from it as / have done from those pre-
ceding. | desire nothing but Gods
will in the matter whether it be to go
or stay.
At the invitation Of the Walmer
Road Church / visited Toronto and
saw for myself the open door with the
possibilities beyond. Tt appealed to
me as an opportunity such as reappearS
but seldom in lifetime / would
willingly and gladly embrace it, with
Gods help, If found the way clear.
But feel under deep obligation to
you as a church. From the drst youl
have treated me and my family with |
unsurpassed generosity and kindness.
/ have come to love you all. / must
first do right by you, at any cost III /
you feel as a church that | would be /
dealing unfairly or unlxindly with you
ia leaving for this other field after so
brief pastorate, / will stay If, on
the contrary, you regard this thing as /
OF the Lord and can bid me GOdSpeed. I
/ will 70. do not ask that you de- /
eide my duty for me, which Of course
you cannot do, but / ask that you
have conveyed TO me frank express
sion Of the light in which you would (
regard my acceptance Of this charge
in Toronto. Ny decision must be de-
termined largely by your answer.
Meanwhile believe me that none /
could more fully appreciate the won
derful thoughtfulness and goodwill (
which you have manifested during
these past months than do my wife /
and l.
Yours in Christian love,
OLIVER O. H0RsAIAN
After some remarks, in which the
kIndest feelings were expressed toward
Mr.. Horsman, the following resolu-
tions were adopted
WIEnE al, we have this day learned
that # n q Wal.npr Road RaHffsti 4