The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-04-23
REV. LEAv1TT H.. HALLoCK, DID.
Who Has Resigned as Pastor of Plym-
outh Congregational Church.

Is;sxxss aE ExxN
Rev. DR.. Leavitt H. Hallock, pastor
Of Plymouth church for seven and a
half years, read his resignation to the
congregation yesterday after the morn
ing sermon. In order that he may take
part in several important future events
lie will remain as pastor until the
close of his ninth year, Nov. 1, 1907.
The letter of resignation stated that,
tho in excellent health and vigor and
deeply in love with the work of the
church, the pastor could not close his
eyes to the probability that the work
might be better promoted by other
hands.
DR.. Hallock suggested that a pas
toral committee be appointed to name
his successor.
Why He Resigns.
The full text of DR.. Hallock $ letter
of resignation is as follows: 49,
To Plymouth Church and Congrega tion-My
Dear Brethren: When 1 became your pastor
could not in the nature of the case, expect to
continue indefinitely in this delightful relation.
For many months Mrs. Hallock and / have
frequently spoken of the fact that the time was
approaching when we should surrender to our
successor the important work intrusted to our
care. and We have often consulted as to the
means of bringing about such change without
injury to any, and with best results to our
church in the transition:
Tho in excellent health and vigor, and deeply
in love with the work Of this church. we call
not close our eyes to the probability that at no
very distant, day the Kingdom Of God here may
be better promoted by other hands than ours
1t is right that YOU know what is in our minds
while the church is strong, united and prosper
Gus. with a fine outlook and a great oppor-
tunity and that you should have ample time for
| adjusting all delicate and complex matters IN
volved. --..
In considering the proper moment for such
change, 1 assure you we would not willingly
stay here day longer than the best inter-
ests Of the masters work require. This has been
our spirit from the start. On the 9th of No.
vember, 1898, said from this platform: "When
YOU find your 1t will be my duty to sur
| render this pulpit as cheerfully as 1 en-
ter it,
There are, however, certain coming events in
which You a church and I your pastor are
interested, which it may be we'll to recount,
viz:
The state association is to meet with us next
October.
The opening of the Pillsbury Settlement House
must follow soon after.
In April next celebrate the fftieth ami
versary of the organization of Plymouth church,
and the preparations for so signal event
as semicentennal should be begun at
Presumably this might be more readily accom-
plished by one familiar with the history, and it
would be to interesting task whose con-
pastor upon the closing of your half century of
useful life.
Finally. as authorized by your vote, I have
invited the American board to hold its annual
| meeting with us in October, 1907; and there
may be certain fitness, there would GER
| tainly be great pleasure, in acting with you
host on that occasion if still your pastor.
| But the personal element in all this is moth
| ing compared with the interests of this church.
which are our chief concern.
| 1t has, therefore. occurred to me to speak
frankly. mentioning these events and suggesting
that if agreeable to you pastoral relation
terminate after the meeting of the board-say
at the close of nine years together, Nov. j.
| 1907. For it seems to us better not to
continue longer than that: and If a still earlier
| day seems to you desirable, L beg you to say
So fer we are ready to 60 at once if that is for
! the best.
At all events. while we remain, as from the
| first day until now, it will be purpose to do
our very best for all the people, thus worthily
| to round ont passionate which you have rem
dered delightful by kindly cooperation. And
will YOU. one man. help to make those clos
ing months the strongest: happiest and most
fruitful period of ministry together?
| If YOU agree with that this Is
| WISE you will choose pastoral committee to
find my successor, and the ample time suggest
ed will enable you to execute your plans de-
liberately and without peril to any important
interests.
Until that contamination let US work together
in love and part-when the time comes-as true
and tried friends. each esteeming it his noblest
privilege to serve our Lord Christ.
This expression is cordially shared by Mrs.
Hallock. my faithful helper always without
whose wise and invaluable aid this pastora tie
| would have been impossible. S.