Pastor Resigns with Nervous Condition

Illinois, 1914

At the meeting of the members of the College avenue Baptist church, called at the close of the morning service, the resignation of Rev. G. S. Beckwith of Alton, was read. The resignation reads as follows:

"To the Upper Alton Baptist church: Friends — The message which I send you this morning fills we with grief for it separates me from a delightful people, and closes to me a great opportunity. When I accepted your call last November, I did so against the advice and in the face of the emphatic warning of my physician, who insisted that my nervous condition was impaired by overwork and demanded a complete rest. But the situation here made an irresistible appeal to me, by its wonderful possibilities and its rare opportunity for service, and I disregarded the expert's judgment and promised to undertake the pastorate of your church. After reaching Alton, the collapse came, and I find myself physically unable to undertake the work. In justice to you who have reposed such confidence in me, and to clear the way for you to call another pastor able to serve you as you so richly deserve to be served, I hereby tender you my resignation to take effect immediately.

"The church and the community have made a tremendous appeal to me and does so still, and I had hoped to make this pastorate the pastorate of my life, but that is now impossible.

"Trusting that God may guide you in the selection of one who will lead you wisely to His glory, I remain

Yours sincerely,
G. S. BECKWITH."

Action on the resignation was deferred until a decisive opinion shall be received from the expert whose advice Dr. Beckwith will seek immediately upon his arrival at Schnectady.

—Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, Feb. 13, 1914.