Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1915-07-20
Bishop PeteTkin.

George w. Peterkin is held throughout
the Protestant Episcopal diocese of
West Virginia is attested by the action
of the Council, at its meeting in Park
ersburg June II. as described in The
Church News, official organ of the
diocese. Bishop Grayatt announced
that a message had been sent by Bishop
Peterkin, and the council arose and re-
manned standing while it was read.
Says The Church News:
Then followed an incident that none
present will ever forget-a sincere
tribute of whole hearted affection to
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 a years time. The result
has been that, after fully diagnosing
the case under skillful physicians here
and elsewhere, have with great regret
reached the conclusion that / have
reached the limit of the work that the
good Lord has assigned me, and 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 10th to consummate
my purpose. This will allow ample
time to arrange and adjust all diocesan
matters. In the meantime the Coad.
tutor can administer the Diocese. Z"
Bishop Peterkin's communication re-
ferred to his thirty-seven years of SER
wee, and he invoked the Lords bles-
sing upon the Council. A special COM
mlttee appointed to reply to the bishops
reported on June 13 as fol.
ows:
our Committee to whom was re-
ferred the greeting of our beloved
Bishop Peterkin to this Council, that
some reply in some degree appropriate
might be prepared and submitted for
approval, feel the absolute insufficiency
Of any words which they can present
70 give expression to the emotions
which fill all our hearts.
when we recall the MANY wears
turing which this hand has guided the
work of the church in our midst and
lis wisdom has given direction to all
Ter operations when we think of the
.ender sympathy which has never fail
I'd and of the wise counsel and generous
lelp which have been ever ready to our
leed-when we remember the toll that
NEW no WEAKNESS which through the
vears he has borne-shall we say with
'heerfulness? No. the word is far too
veak-with JOY for US and for the sake
If the Master whom he served when
We realize the completeness with which
he gave himself-th answering loyal
" of his devotion to that service
counting all things but loss for the ex-
'ellency 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 as always to 90 for
ward. We read the hopeful heart and
buoyant spirit which has lived and
loved and labored among US for a gem
Grafton past and which has never fear
ed failure in any undertaking for Gods
glory. And. as we look and listen and
and read, we stand once again in his
presence with heads uncovered and
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 providentiaI care
ne may be with US for very many days
to come.
I'VE do not ask of him that he shall
work on our behalf any more. Our
hope is that he viii rest among us as
long as God in his providence may
spare him TO US all.
his name Is to usa tower ofstrength,
and it is the desire of all his people that
he will permit us to keep it at the head
# all our work. We wish to call him
till our Bishop without any limiting
rm-not to say resigned or retired,
'ut simply the Bishop of West Vir-
mia. /"
Resolutions accompanying the above,
arnestly requesting Bishop Peterkip |
0 withdraw his resignation, were un-
nimously adopted by the Council.