The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-13

sembled four years ago at Frederick,
Maryland. With the acceptance on the
part Of the general conference of the
resignation, Bishop Castle terminates
28 years of active duties in that posi-
ton, having been elected to the office
from Indiana, and Al years as a minis
ter
In reading his resignation Bishop
Castle said: 1T is with profound graft
tude to God that I accept the privilege
of addressing another personal word to
you as a conference ere you cast the
ballot for the representatives and lead
ers of the church for another quadrenni-
um. Four years ago you allowed me
ciated. I thought then I would not be
in another general conference. The
shadowing form that walked near me
four years ago has now changed to
walk still nearer.
Looking up the records recently of
some important events-tO me- find
that it will soon be so years since 1
was converted and joined the United
Brethren church. It is now nearly 40
years since l was granted my first
license by the quarterly conference.
The coming September it Will be At
years since [ united with the St
Joseph annual conference which rela-
tionship I am still permitted to retain.
/
has never been what might be called
eventful. My first annual conference
license was signed by Bishop Lewis
Davis and my Ordinat ton by Bishop
MarkwOod. My first circuit was in
northern Indiana. consisting of % ap-
pcintments which I filed every four
weeks, receiving a salary of $4,000.
The year 1 set up housekeeping 1 re-
cetved $4,000. You see I began un-
der the old regime when circuits were
circuits and salary was quarterage.
The times were not exacting. The peo-
pie were plain; living very simple
/ lives. They were generally satisfied
with the preacher sent to them.
Preaching then with us was very
largely in school houses and private
dwellings. But things have changed.
In charity and candOr it must be
said changed for the better. Today
/ we have the church house, the manse,
/ the college, and the seminary These
mean much to the ministry and the
| church. The average minister of 80
and 40 years ago would not do for this
| day. New ways and new thoughts
chara cterize the times. New work
t and new methods obtain, and there
must be new brains and new hands to
think these thoughts and do the work.
We must accept the verdict of years:
/ To be true to my convictions and
/ sense of propriety I must again renew
my request of four years ago, that 1 be
/ left without official responsibility and
/ that some younger. more vigorous ana
efficient man be elected in my stead.
I am facing what comes to all persons
in official position sooner or later, that
of retiring from active life. 7 think
I ought not for the church's good, to
! longer bear the responsibilities of an
effective bishop.
Ready for DR.. OsIer.
Being quite well on towards the 20
/ year line I think I am prepared for
Prof. O2ler's treatment for old men, an
official chloroforming. In taking leave
4 Of the high office I want to express my
/ high appreciation of my associates in
/ Office, and my gratitude to the church
4 for its forbearance, kindness and sup
port through all these years of my Off
/ cial career can say in this review ]
! have loved my brethren and my work
1 fervently. I leave the field of effort
| feeling glad and thankful for what il
/ has been to me
! Bishop Matthews in appropriate words
/ gave a brief review of the great work
which the retiring bishop had done fcr
the church and his instrumentality IN
upbuIding it on sure foundations
The audience was visibIy affected
/ handkerchiefs were taken out and tears
wiped furtively away. After the sing
/ ing Of a song and the offering up OF
/ prayer the conference proceeded with
/ its regular routine work. The report OF
| the general Sabbath school board was
read and adopted. The committee on
credentials offered a brief report The