The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-14
Affectionate Farewell.

Augusta, Ga, June 13.-(Special )--Dr. J. T. Plunket, pastor of the First Pres byterian church, announced to his con gregation at the morning service today that he had decided to accept the cali to the South Highlands church of Bir- mingham
 The service was the usual morning service but to those who knew that Dr. Plunket would make his final decision a note of sadness was detected The hymns were of a minor key, the sermon was on the Sorrows of Life," and Dr. Plunkets talk after the sermon was long ex- pression of regret and sorrow at part ing
 After the sermon Dr. Plunket began his announcement. He stated that he real ized that everyone was impatient to know his decision and that he would first apol- ogize for keeping them in suspense for the length of time he had.
 ''rhe matter in hand needed time for thought said he, T did not feel that 1 could decide the matter hastily. have decided to leave you. I feel that it is altogether for your good and partly for mine As much as 1t pains me; as much as I would like to continue here with you as in one large, happy family, I feel that you need another. And for that reason I have decided to leave you.
 T appreciate your love and everything you have done for me. I do not think could have been happier elsewhere than with all of you"
 pr. Plunket went on to tell of the 19 1,o the times of sorrow, tribulation and af- fiction that he had shared with them; and then he turned to the joys that he had also shared with them. At many points through the church here and again sob was audible, and more than once pr. Plunket was forced to wipe the gath erng moisture from his eyes.
 Wherever I go or wherever I be I will cherish the love you have borne me and the love I in return have borne you There are many in this congregation who will tell you that when I first took charge of the church I announced that did not believe in long pastorships, and that I thought three or five years was plenty long enough. But in spite of that have been with you, nearly 20 years Your love. your hospitality have made me stay on here in the face of the statement I made. I cannot help it. nor do regret it. My stay here has been a long, happy sojourn and the regret that I feel at leaving cannot be expressed now"
 With other appealing and touching re- marks pr. Plunket closed his talk, and after the singing of the closing hymn dismissed his cohgregation with his ben ediction.
 After the service many of his con- gregation pushed to the front to voice their sorrow and regret. Some could only.-hold his hand, but their looks told much more than any amount of conven- tional phrases could. Dr. Plunket was much moved. He thanked his people for their solicltude and kindness He told them that he would not leave immediate ly. "I will be here several weeks yet" he said, "but when compared with my 1s years here it seems a very short time'
 Everyone seems much distressed at his decision, but he is implacable, and has firmly made up his mind that for the good of the people whom he loves so well he must accept the call. A meeting of the congregation will be held next Sunday morning at which committee will be appointed to call presbytery to act upon his resignation and to receive the call from the church in Birmingham.