The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-08
REV. De OWES WILL
PROBABLY REMAIN
Members of Parish Urge Him
to Reconsider
MEETING HELD LAST NIGHT
Resolutions Ask Rector Not to Ac-
cept Call From Baton Rouge.
Final Decision VIII Be An
nounced Sunday.

A meeting of the members OF st. An
drew's parish was held last night at that
church for the purpose of demonstrating
with the Rev. Raimundo de OWES against
accepting q call that has been extended
him from parish in Baton Rouge. The
results of the meeting were the adoption
of set of resolutions expressing the re-
greet of the parish members that their be-
loved rector should consider the accept
ance Of the call and assuring him Of
their undivided love. respect and es-
teem;" and probable change of plans
by the Rev. de OWES, who. 1t is gen.
orally expected, will not remove from his
present parish
Mr.. de Ovies held conference with the
members of the vestry directly after the
meeting, at which the advisability of re-
moving from his present charge was dis
cussed. The final decision of the rector
will be announced at the regular morn
ing service at ST. Andrews Sunday.
Last nights meeting was presided over
by Col Joseph H. Fowles. senior war
den, and E. z. Crow was chosen secre-
tary. In the discussion held during the
course of the meeting 1t developed that
the parish members in no wise meant to
lose the Rev. de OWES as their rector
without a struggle. That Mr.. de OWES
holds the sincere love and regard of
those for whom he has so faithfully Ia
bored was clearly shown by the touch
ing tributes paid him and by the unani-
nous expression of the desire that he
should not choose some other city as the
field of his work Every reason was
brought to bear why the rector should
be urged not to accept the call, and prac-
tically no dissenting votes were had
when the resolutions were submitted
The resolutions were adopted by a ris-
ing vote, and committee was at once
appointed to tender them to the rector
and request his presence at the meeting.
Rev. de OWES Heard.
When the Rev. de OWES entered the
church applause was unrestrained. In a
few words the rector expressed his deep
appreciation of the resolutions adopted
and stated that, as the desire seemed 80
unanimous that he should remain, he saw
but one course open to him. He stated
that he would confer with the members
of the vestry and announce his final de-
cision Sunday. He declared that If the
resolutions expressed tho real sentiment
of his congregation he felt that he had
been mistaken.
.If had not thought that such feel
ing did not prevail" he said. land that
we could work with perfect harmony
and understanding, I would never have
considered the advisability of abondon-
ing this parish as my field of work. I
am perfectly aware of my shortcomings
as a man and a preacher, and you must
remember the preacher can never rise
fully above the man. I have been told
that had lost my influence in st. An
drew's parish, and that there was a
general undercurrent of dissatisfaction.
have been told that the past year has
been failure and that there was feel
ing in the vestry that my usefulness was
at an end. hasten to remind you that
what has been accomplished has not been
my work. 1t has been congregational
work. What has been accomplished by
this congregation during the time I have
spent as rector of st. Andrews I have
jotted down from my records.
'At the beginning of my incumbency
the number of communicates was Ga; the
present number is 205. At the time the
parish property consisted OF one lot and
one building, valued at 5000; at present
we have four lots and three buildings,
at a value of SO, $50. In addition, the
parish has paid in salaries $1,000, and for
other purposes $3.50. The total of actual
expenditures has been $23,400 For such
no credit; for, as have said. the work
has been a congregational work"
Resolutions Adopted.
The following are the resolutions adopt
ed unanimously at the meeting and pre-
scented to Rev. De OWES:
whereas, we have learned with deep
regret that our rector, Raimundo de
OWES, is seriously considering the ad-
visibility of removing from this parish,
with his family. and accepting q call to
the parish in Baton Rouge. La.
Now, therefore be It resolved: I. That
we deeply deplore the loss Of his
services to this parish because no has
been instrumental in increasing the men,
bership of this church from a very few
individuals to quite a large and flourish
ing congregation.
70. That he has the undivided love, re-
spect and esteem of this parish.
20. That we strenuousIy insist that he
remain in charge of this parish.
a. That the men. members of this
parish, piodge our undivided support and
assistance in tho work in st. Andrews
parish as laid out by our rector. and to
do all in our power to bring about ana
perpetuate a harmonious feeling and
unanimity of purpose within the parish.
And to this end we feel that we can
unhesitatingly bespeak for the women Of
the congregation their prompt and faith
full acceptance of these resolutions and
their hearty and loyal cooperation in