Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1916-06-17

4
pastor of the First Baptist church,
rendered his resignation, effective
September l. The announcement
came as a distinct shock to the con-
gregation, as it was not generally
known that he had contemplated leav-
ing.
Joseph Seibert, chairman of the
board of deacons, stated that a few
days ago the pastor had called the
deacons together, and told them OF
his intention. He said they discussed
the matter with him at some length,
and urged him to reconsider and re-
main with the church, but the Rev
Smith believed he had been called by
the Lord to new field.
Mr.. Seibert further stated that
since the Rev. Smith came to the
church the membership has grown
from 334 to 452, the finances from
ST. 500 to $4,000, the Sunday school
had increased in attendance go per
cent, and the missions from 500 to
$500.
The matter was laid before the
congregation and action was deferred
until "Wednesday evening, June IS.
The following committee was ap-
pointed to wait upon the pastor, and
ask that he reconsider and retain
the pastorate: Lewis II. Thompson,
Mack Foster, G. B. Wiltshire, J. Frank
Seibert, Allen r. Emmert, Miss May
Faulkner and Mrs. ID. II. Stuckey.
In Offering his resignation, the Rev.
Smith said:
''To the First Baptist Church,
"Martinsburg, w Va.
! Dear Brethren and Sisters:-
/ For more than three years we have
labored together as pastor and peo-
pie. The Lord has richly blessed as
in our efforts to advance His king
dom. Harmony and love have pre-
A vailed There has never been a note
of discord among us. You have been
true and responsive to every worthy
appeal. Many have rendered sacri-
fetal service for the cause of Christ
during my ministry among you.
have never served a more loyal peo-
/ pie. Your love and expressions of
appreciation have gladdened my
heart, and helped me to bear the
heavy burdens that enter into the life
of every true pastor
words are inadequate to express
my appreciation and love for this
1 church. | shall always number these
years of service with you among the
lappiest of my life. Considering the
sweet Christian fellowship that exists
between Us as pastor and people, it
pains me beyond expression to make
the following announcements:
For more than a month l have
been troubled in spirit. 1t has been
the most trying experience of my life,
| have given the matter the most care
full and prayerful consideration.
have considered the interest of all
concerned and the welfare of Christs
kingdom at large. | have most earn
estly sought Divine guidance in the
matter, and being impelled by a sense
of duty, and guided, as l trust, by the
. IIn1 nit Inv fNA,
nation as pastor of this church to
take effect September the list, 1916
GAS l shall go to my new field of
labor l feel assured that your pray
ers will go with me.
MAY the blessings of heaven be
upon you, and may the Lord send you
a pastor of His own choice who will
lead you into mightier achievements,
and larger and better things for His
glory is my most earnest prayer.
"Your fond pastor,
&c. c. SMITH"
Discussing his resignation this
morning the Rev. Smith said the call
lad come unsolicited from the Bap-
list church at Salem, Va. At first
he did not onsider it, but later let
ters from prominent ministers and
laymen in Virginia and from parts of
North Carolina began to arrive; that
when he attended the Southern Bap-
fist convention at Asheyille, N. c.,
large number of persons had approach
ed him on the matter, and after sur
yeying the field in general he felt
constrained to accept, and in so do
ing believed he was obeying the
Lords will
Salem is situated about z miles
from Roanoke on sthe n. & w. and
Virginian railroads.&c. is a thriving
little city of about 10000. The church
has membership of about 500. Last