Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-01-06
~ - sN. RaEM
Rev. DR.. W. F. Watson, Former Pas
tor of First Baptist Church, Will,
~. Go to Harrisonburg

The resignation of the Rev. W. T.
Watson, D. D., pastor .+ot the ny
Baptlst Church, was; accepted las'
night by the congregation to take ell
feet as of yesterday, and DIR. Watson
will leave next week for Harrison
burg, Va, where he will become the
pastor of the First Baptist Church III
that city. He will preach his first SER
mon there on the morning. of January
10th.
1t has been expected that DR.. Wa'-
SON would not leave here until a1tef
january 23rd, but on account OF con-
ditions which arose after his resle
nation had been presented to TAKE
effect on that date, it was changed
to take place Immediately.
At last nights meeting of the con-
sregation Carroll Pierce presided anu
resolution accepting DR.. Watson
resignation and expressing the re-
greet of the congregation at his &C.
parture was introduced by James H.
Mansfield. The resolution was as 1ol-
lows:
"Whereas our, beloved pastor, DE-
w. f. Watson, feels called upon to re-
turn to the Church the Responsiveness
involved in the passionate OF the same:
and to sever the ties which have
bound us together as pastor and mem n!
bers, and has so expressed hlmsel1 III
a formal resignation to become el-t
rective January 5, 1916; and
whereas: Dr.. Watson has oeeh
pastor of this Church for seven ana
one half years, serving and promoting
the best interests Of same as a trus
and faithful pastor, and through ms;
ministry. the membership of thc
Church has been largely increased and
MANY souls strengthened and built up.
Our Sunday School and various or
CARNATIONS connected with the Churcl'
have prospcrcd under his SUPERVISION.
and we feel most kccnly the depar-
.ture of our brother whose labors have
hccn most abundant and efficient, anu
has placed our Church on higher
plane of efficiency. There be Ii
"RcsoIvcd: !. That VIC, the member
of the First Baptist Church Of Ale%-
andria. hereby express to DR.. William
Franklin Watson our thanks, hearty
love and appreciation of his laborS
as our pastor, leading and guiding us
and working among us advancing the
interests of Christ and His Kingdom
and planting fri nly in our Church ana
Ithc community she Gospel and tho
doctrines which we all love and cher
ish. And we herewith express our
regret at the dissolution of the pas
torial relations. And our prayers an!
best wishes for his future success
will follow him wherever the Lore!
may call him.
2. That we commend him to the ten
der mercy and loving care Of our
Father God, and pray that in his new
field, God may constitute his ever last
ing portion and his glory furnish
the inspiration for great and efficient
service.
5. That copy of these resolution
be spread upon the minutes of thi.;
Church, and copy be furnished our
retiring pastor, Rev. w. f. Watson,
D. d."
The board of deacons with Carroll
Pierce were appointed a committee
to receive applications for the vacan-
cy in the pulpit and to recommend a
pastor to the congregation.
Last nights meeting was the an
nual meeting of the church and the
officers were elected: Mel
vim P Pitts, clerk; Floyd G. Saunders,
financial secretary; Ralph Remington.
assistant financial secretary; Samuc!
W. Pitts, treasurer. Mrs. Walter Boil
ION, organist; James I. Preston,
choristcr. The reports of the officers
and societies were read showing that
The church had raised approximately
$4,000 during the past year.