Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-05-18
REV. C.. H. NC ELHINEY
RESIGNS PASTORATE OF
FEDERATED CHURCH

The announcement of the resignation
of the Rev. Charles H. mckinney,
which occurred Sunday, came as sh cs
not only to the members Of the church
with which he is affiliated but also to
the large circle of friends that Mr.. Nc
Elhiney has acquired during his pastor
ate here. Ever broad minded man, the
statement which follows, containing his
reasons for the resignation. shows that
he is eliminating himself for what he
considers the best interests of the local
church. The congregation, however, will
have something to say in regard to this
and it is sincerely hoped that Mr.. Nc
Elhiney may be urged to remain.
To the Officers. Members and Parish
oners of the Federated Church"
CFirst Baptist. CongregationaD.
Dear Felow-workers: Having come
to the time when personally there is
the feeling and conviction that this
splendid effort in Christian cooperation
the federation of the First Baptist and
Congregational churches Of Skowhegan
has certainly passed the experimental
stage in experience;
That it is now thoroughly organized,
fully differed and in happy and pros
porous relations in all important de-
partments OF it's work;
That one of its important ideas was
and is, the combination of the two
churches under the leadership Of one
pastor. with a young man Cor woman)
who shall be trained in the educational
and welfare work among young people,
especially. acting as the pastors assist
ant, SO releasing one pastor for a need
Ter or pastorless church elsewhere:
That the type of work which this fed
Grated church may do in this town with
such assistant, my distinguished and
much loved associate pastor. DIR. o. N.
Tracey. is fully capable of successfully
achieving, under present circumstances
You are to be highly congratulated for
| this most fortunate situation.
That as fitting and proper recogni-
ton of the Christian spirit and not small
sacrifice on the part Of DR.. Tracey and
his people in leaving their church build
! ing to make workable the federation,
the last of the present two cooperating
| pastors. to be relieved of their position.
should be he who was formerly the pas
tor of the Baptist church, at least for
the present:
That with the further and equally i'm
portant fact, az. the oldest and largest
salaried of the two pastors. in these
days of increasing costs and serious
demand for greater frugality, / feel 1t
! incumbent upon me to do what l can
to relieve a financial situation that is
growingly burdensome to me personally,
If not to the united parish.
Only clearly defined duty toward the
future success Of this splendidly demon
| strated principle of cooperation in local
church life and work could enable me
to overcome the deep reluctance Of sew
ering the present enjoyable pastoral re-
lation at this time. But we are for
the church and cofnmunity--not other
| wise. Hence I desire and do hereby
present my resignation as pastor of the
! Island Avenue Congregational church,
also associate pastor Of the Federated
First Baptist and Congregational
churches Of Skowhegan, the same to
take effect not later than August first,
| next
One year of praying. living and work.
ing together will have passed into .
significant II not notable religious his
| tory of this town, and Of these parishes,
ere this resignation becomes effective
surely sufficient period to guarantee a
| long-continued or permanent relation
ship. Certainly there could not be q
religious effort bearing truer marks Of
Divine leadership in Its inception. plans
and practical workings. nor Of a more
nearly unanimous unselfshness, cooper
alton and thorough enjoyment on the
part of the pastors with each other or
of each pastor with the members and
Pensioners Of the other. and all togeth-