The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-21
METHODIST MINISTER
GOES TO OTHER CHURCH
Rev. Richard Wilkinson, ID. D., OF
Petersburg, Docs Not Explain
Where He win Go.
TELLS CONGREGATION OF
HIS CHANGED VIEW
viii Not Give Details of His Next
Place of Abode or the Church He
VIII Serve Until March ).

Especial to The Richmond Virginian.)
Petersburg, Va. Feb 20.-The
Washington Street Methodist Episco-
pal Church was taxed to it's capacity
at the II o'clock service this morning
by a congregation composed largely
of the membership OF the church, who
were anxious TO learn what the an
nouncement of the pastor. Rev Rich
ard wilkinson, ID. D., would be with
reference to the severance of his con-
nection with the Methods: ministry
and to learn what his future plans
were. At the close of thn regular SER
vice DR.. Wilkinson announced In n
few words that he bad determined
after mature consideration 10 unite
with a church of another communion.
but that he would not announce
earlier than March what denomina-
ton he would unite with or anything
relative to his future plans.
DR. Wilkinson referred in touch-
ing manner to the close and pleasant
relationship that existed between him
az pastor and the board of stewards.
other officers and members in the
Washington Street Church and eX-
pressed deep regret in severing his
connection with the church.
DR. wilkinson was transferred from
the Kentucky to the Virginia Metho-
dist Conference in November, 1914
succeeding Rev. Samuel +. Scnter as
pastor OF the Washington Street
Church Since becoming member of
the Virginia Conference ne has made
many friends throughout the state.
especially in Petersburg. where he has
labured faithfully in the Christian
cause. Before coming TO the Virginia
Conference. he held charges at Louis
Vile and At New orleans. He is one
of the most able members OF the Nir-
gtninia Conference, and one that the
Methodist Church will give up with
deep regrets. The noted divine more
than once during the course of his
remarks was moved to tears lie
spoke in part as follows:
Matter Done Quietly.
II am very sure that you appreciate
the significance of this hour to which
my family and have come, Some
of you are surprised at what you saw
in the paper. and very rightly SO.
especially because 1t seemed 10 have
all transpired so quietly and yet. when
you reflect for a moment or two you
will readily see that il could not have
been otherwise. Judgments OF that
character have to be wrought out in
the quiet. Sometimes there are argu-
ments that have to be weighed under
the eye of none other than the Search
err OF all Heaven. and put through the
cruc!ble / trust that no one present
will have TO have the battle that has
been in my own heart not since this
conference. nor last conference, nor
the conference before that but it hH:'
been there nevertheless with a grow
ing conviction. But all of this, as il
eliminates today. has arisen since
conference. and IL had TO be attended
to accordingly And, as II has all been
done on the quiet it Is not necessary
for me to make any extended state
ment now. | have already made that
TO the board OF stewards. nineteen OF
whom were present last Friday night
They were present at a meeting that
will not forget as long as live. The
others could not be present-some NJ
the choicest among them. was very
much grieved that not all of the
twenty-fou could not be there. some
were not in the city, and then some
could not make ii because OF other
matters. But We talked II over in that
meeting, and their word TO me. snl
their assurances to me on last Friday
night, OF real sympathy as they came
! 20 apLrehend what was on my mind
and heart will go with me as long as
| live to serve the Christian ministry.
"Oh, have had a noble set of men
as a board OF counsel. / weigh my
words. No other pastor will And a