The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-10-26
REV. THOMAS. C. DARsT
ACCEPTS B|sHOPR|C
Will Assume Charge of Diocese OF
East Carolina In a
January.
ANNOUNCES HIS DECIsIo
Congregation of st. James Episco-
pnl Church Had Hoped to Retain
His Seryices-Young Rector Has
Had Brilliant Career.

Immediately after the close of his
sermon yesterday morning. Rev.FT honi MS
areetorsofjS ST.. James Episcopal
Church. informed his congrega tionStfat
tn e clear call OF duty had compelled
him to accept his election as Bishop
OF the Diocese OF East Carolina.
Mr.. Darst was formally notified OF
his election by the council Of that
diocese by a committee that waited
upon him on October 13, and he had
agreed to announce his decision, II
possible, on October 20, but the pre-
parntions for the conservation of Rev.
William Cabell Brown, D. D.. as Bishop
Coadjutor OF Virginia, had occupied
so much time. and thought that he was
unable to reach a final conclusion
until Saturday, when he sent the fol-
lowing telegram to Rev. C. A. Ashby,
of Elizabeth City, ". c.; Rev B. F.
Huske. OF. Newbern. n. c., and John G.
Bragaw. Jr., of Washington,.N.C N. c.. who
had constituted the notification COM
mittee:
Having given the call of your coun-
ell most earnest and prayertul con-
slderation, and having made an honest
effort to learn the will of God con-
cerning 1t, ! have been led to believe
that 1t is my duty and blessed privi-
lege to accept my election as Bishop
of East Carolina. subject to canonical
requirements. ,, .t.
(Signed) THOMAS C. DARST."
CONGREGATION HAD HOPED
TO RETAIN HIS SERVICES
While the members OF the congrega-
ton had hoped that Mr.. Darst's concep-
tion OF his duty would accord with their
own earnest desires, so that he might
continue in charge OF st. James. they
realized the potent spiritual influence
that was guiding him during his con-
sideration. and felt confident that he
would decide according to Its dictates.
They were also aware of the appeals
made to Mr.. Darst by the bishops OF
this diocese, and of those in adjacent
States. as we'll as by eyery clergyman
of the diocese to which he had been
called. all of which urged him to. ac-
cept the election.
Consequently, though profoundly
moved. they were not surprised by the
announcement, for which they were
partly prepared by Knowledge of
the advice, even appeals, of men high
in the church; to whose words they
felt that their rector must listen; partly
by further knowledge OF certain con-
ditions which made his acceptance OF
the cpiscopacy Of that diocese n mat
ter OF much Importance. and, finally,
by the sermon which he had Just con
cluded. = ~,
SERMON IS on CONSIDERATION
TO SERVICE OF 'rffE LORD
From the text. rAnd who then is
willing to consecrate his service this
day unto the Lord?" Il Chron xxx. 81
Mr.. Darst. preached simple, yet In
tensely convincing, sermon upon the
duty of Christian men to subordinate
their own desires. their own incltna-
tions. their own comforts to the will OF
God. as revealed to them. "How can n
man who processes to follow the teach
ing OF Christ" he said, think of Him.
hanging there, bru;sed, broken and
bleeding, upon tho cross. and then con-
slider his own petty convenience In Civ
Ing service to Him."
After celebrating clearly this thought
Of self-subordination, the rector. con-
tinuing, stressed the word To-day" in
the text. ut must not be I will to-
morrow or will next year." he en,-
phasized, but 1 will now" And he
closed with an earnest prayer that all
men might tconsecrate themselves this
day unto the Lord.
MAKES ANNOUNCEMENT
TO HIS CONGREGATION
Then, after the "Amen!" he paused
and, without leaving the pulpit. said
MY brethren, have to say to you
that which tears MY very heartstrings.
For days and days.. i have striven TO
see that the path of my duty leads me
to remain here withsyou. whom have
learned to love. have prayed from
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