Going to Stay. – It will be seen by the following official proceedings of the meeting of the members and congregation of the Presbyterian Church of the village, held in the Lecture Room, on Monday afternoon last, that the pastoral relations of Dr. Murdoch with the church are to be continued; the resolution requesting him to remain, having been passed by a vote of eighty-four to sixteen: -
Elmira, Feb. 9, 1857
Rev. D. Murdoch
Dear Sir,
The following is a copy of resolutions passed at a meeting of the First Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Elmira, by a vote of eighty-four to sixteen:
Resolved, That inasmuch as this meeting has been called to express an opinion whether or no the existing relations between the Church and their present Pastor, the Rev. D. Murdoch, be continued; that we deem it a fit and proper occasion to manifest our approbation of the course our Pastor has pursued during the period the Church has been under his charge; and that we are pleased to have an opportunity of tendering him our sincere thanks for the past, and our best wishes and kindest feelings of friendship for his future welfare and happiness; and that we earnestly desire his continuance in the position he now occupies, and has heretofore most eminently and successfully discharged.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this meeting be requested to send a copy to the Rev. David Murdoch.
With very great respect, yours truly,
E. L. Hart, President
W. P. Konkle, Secretary
The effect of that action was to settle the question for the present, though of course it was but intensifying the opposition.
It would be a long chapter in this history were I to narrate the great revival, which commenced with us in December, 1857, and continued with us until it rose to its height, in May, 1858, when sixty-one rose at one time, in the body of the church, confessing their faith openly. Some of the oldest of the congregation were baptized along with the young; and, as a warning to all pastors, let me say here, never trust and hope that the persons you introduce into the church will stand by you in an extremity. The old and the young of such may be the very first to smite you under the fifth rib.
