The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-25
DR.. Warren Forced by
Eye Trouble to Leave
Second Baptist.
TAKES EFFECT
NEXT SUNDAY
Brief Announcement Made to
Congregation, After Which
Members Call Meeting for
Wednesday Night to Act
on Resignation-Fur-
Tough Suggested.

IN an euort TO save his cScslSht by
prolonged rest, Rev. Louis Bacon War
rem yesterday morning presented his
resignation as pastor OF the SECOND
Baptist Church. to take effect from next
Sunday. Though 1t was known that ho
was in bad health and under treat
ment. his resignation came as a great
surprise to the congregation. a gem
eral meeting of the membership of the
church has been called to take action
on the resignation on Wednesday night
at o'clock
Mr.. Warren's announcement followed
the regular morning service yesterday.
The Christmas sermon was delivered
by Rev. X. j. Wiilingham. Il. D., at the
close of which Mr.. Warren, who had
conducted the service. announced
church meeting to be held Immediately
after the service.
Practically all of the men OF the CON
SreSauon were gathered in the lecture
room in the basement. when MIR. War
rem very briefly stated that he mad had
serious trouble with his eyes for some
time. and that after consulting rinl-
nent specialists he had been ADVISED TO
take year OF complete rest, suspend
ing all study and work of every KIND,
ana by this means the oculists express
nope that his eyesight win be fully re-
stored. Having concluded to act on
this advice and take the treatment ao-
vised. MIR. Warren said he would ask
the church to accept his resignation at
once. SO that he might get away at
the earliest possible date. Without
waiting for further debate on the mat
ter. MIR. Warren pronounced the bene-
diction and declared the meeting ad-
yuurned.
May Give Him Eurlough.
The men, .,szaf ss;he Second :, Baptist
Church were not satisfied with this
summary disposition Of the resignation,
however. After MIR. Warren had re-
tired to his study the meeting was
again called to order. and Or. George
Il. Steel. senior deacon. was asked 10
take the chair. = general discussion
followed, in which number of active
leaders in the church expressed tho
view that the church should give Mr.
Warren leave OF absence for a year
and engage a pulpit supply in tho iute-
rim. After further debate a regular
meeting OF the congregation was by
formal motion called Tor Wednesday
night TO act on the resignation OF the
pastor.
Friends of Mr.. Warren stated after
he meeting that he had fully made up
his mind TO retire, and that We're tho
congregation TO make him an offer OF
n years furluugh he would probably
not accept, as he desired to free himself
from all worry and work, in order the
more fully 10 comply with the direc-
tons Of the specialists who are treat
Ing his eyes.
Mr.. Warren came to the Second Bap-
list Church on February l. 1911, from
Owcnsboro. Ky. to succeed Rev. w. K.
L. Smith, d. D., who had for many
years been the pastor of the church,
and under whose ministry a handsome
new building was erected at Adams and
Franklin Streets.
Well Known as Orator.
Mr.. Warren has made quite a repu-
tation as pulpit orator. attracting
large crowds to his services and occa-
sionlnE some comment throughout the
city by his direct manner and fearless
way of stating his views on social as
well as religious topics. Since coming
TO Richmond he has made his home al
the Young Mems Christian Association
building.
Taken entirely by surprise. officers
of the Second Baptist Church said last
night that as Vet no consideration had
been given to the selection either of n
temporary pulpit supply or of a sac
ccssor in the event that Mr.. Warrcn's
resignation is accepted. In any event.
1t is anticipated that some temporary
arrangement Will be mado for pulpit
supply until the congregation can de-
tcrmine OH further steps. The church
is large prosperous and liberal one,
we'll equipped and giving largely to
public causes. 1t maintains n large
Sunday school and other activities. ard
has always made music an especially
attractive feature of Its Sunday SER
vices.