Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1915-07-01

ersburg June II, as described in The
Church News, official organ Of the
diocese. Biz hop Grayatt announced
that message had been sent by Bishor
Peterkin, and the council arose and re.
manned standing while it was read.
Says The Church News:
Then followed an incident thatnon
present will ever forget-a sincere
tribute Of whole-hearted affection ia
the beloved leader Of the diocese. The
effect Of the strong but touching words
from the hand and heart of one to
whom they are so truly devoted brought
manifestations of love and sorrow that
could not be controlled, as strong men
listened in tears and silence to the COM
munication which was read with the
greatest difficulty by the chancellor Of
the Diocese. "
Bishop Peterkin, who is at the sea.
shore. trying to recuperate his health,
extended cordial greeting to the
council and expressed regret that he
could not take part in the social funct-
ions or. religious exercises. He had
made no visitations for more than
twelve months. he said. and there was
nothing of that kind to report. Con-
tinuing the bishop wrote:
Il have ayailed myself to the kind
and thoughtful request of the standing
committee to consider myself relieved
from work for years time The result
has been that, after fully diagnosing
the case under skillful physicians here
and elsewhere, have with great regret
reached the conclus ion that / have
reached the limit of the work that the
good Lord has assigned me, and l have
therefore placed the resignation Of my
jurisdiction in the hands of the presid-
ing bishop. He informs me that ex-
cept under special pressure it will
take until April 16 h to consummate
my purpose. This will allow ample
time to arrange and adjust all diocesan
matters. In the meantime the Coad-
jutor can administer the Diocese
Bishop Peterkin's communication re-
ferred to his thirty-seven years of SER
vice, and he invok ed. the Lords bles-
sing upon the Council A special c. M
mittee appointed toreply to the bishops
message reported on June IS as fol-
lows:
Your Committee to Hhcm was re-
ferred the greeting of our beloved
B shop Peterkin to this Council, that
some reply in some degree appropriate
might be. prepared and submitted for
approval, fe-lthe absolute insufficiency
of any words which they can present
to give expression TO the emotions
which fill all our neas is.
When we recall the MANY years
during which this hand has guided he
work of the church in our midst ard
his wisdom has given direction to all
her operations wien we think of the
tender sympathy which has never fail
ed and of the wise counsel and generous
help which have been ever ready to our
need when we remember the toll that
knew no WEAKNESS which through the
years he has borne--shall we say with
cheerfulness? No, the word is far too
weak-with joy for US and for the sake
of the Master whom he served-whe n
we realize the competence with which
he gave himself--the answering 10, al
~ of his devotion 10 that service
#codnting all things but loss for the ex-
cellency Of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus, our Lord, our hearts are full
and words are but poor channels for
the outflow of that which fills them.
We seem to see again the brave form
which moved ever in the forefront of
all our struggles. We hear the CHEEKY
voice which called us always to go for
ward. We read the hopeful heart and
buoyant spirit which has lived and
loved and labored among us for a gen
GRAFTON past and which has never fear
"a failure in any undertaking for God s
glory. And, as we look and listen ard
and read, we stand once again in his
presence with heads uncovered ard
with loving hearts, and we give thanks
to God that He has given him to US
and spared him to US hitherto, and we
pray that through His providential care
he may be with US for very many DAYS
to come.
We do not ask of him that he shall
work on our behalf any more. Our
aope is that he will rest among us as
long as God in his providence may
spare him to US all.
His name is to US tower of strength.
and it is the desire of all his people, that
he will permit US to keep it at the head
of all our work. We wish to call him
still our Bishop without any limiting
term-not to say resigned or retired,
but simply the Bishop of West Vir-
glnia. !"
Resolutions accompanying the above,
earnestly requesting Bishop Peterkin
to withdraw bis resignation. were un-
animously adopted by the Council.
The Rumsey Monument Con-
tract Let.