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RESIGNATION OF PASTOR MARTIN W. BUCK, MAY 11, 1919

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This document is typed. Spelling is exactly as found in the original. Appreciation is extended to Glencoe Baptist Church for granting permission to use this document.

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First Baptist Church

Martin W. Buck, Pastor

Burlington, N. C.

To the Members of the Glencoe Baptist Church:

Dearly beloved of the household of faith. January 1st, 1913, in the providence of God I began my work with you as your under-Shepherd. The more than six years have sped all to rapidly and we have now come to the place where our ways must seperate. But before severing the tender tie which has bound us together as Pastor and people for these short and eventful years I would pause to briefly glance over our endeavor together.

How different is our parting from our first meeting? Then you were a small, discouraged, homeless, company of men and women. To-day, you have more than double the memberhip of that day, you worship in a most attractive little meetinghouse which has cost you nearly three thousand dollars and you have practically met every dollar of obligation outstanding against you. The year before my work with you began you had raised for all purposes the sum of $25.00, and seemed to think that you had done pretty well, while for years back you have raised over $500.00 annually, and this last year over sixty dollars of it for Missions and benevolences.

Your devotion and generosity during the years have been a source of profound gratification and inspiration. Every new appeal has been met with cheerfulness and liberality, and it is this spirit that has made the results referred to possible. I have praised God for you often, and I have felt justified in speaking of your endeavors and achievements, by way of encouragements, to others, who seemed to be lagging in the work of our common Master.

It is not possible for me to pause to speak of each individual member, for all have done nobly, although some became "weary in their well-doing." Both men and women prayed and worked and gave, repeatedly and generously making the results that are so substantial possible. Nor would we forget those who have "ceased from their labors" and "entered into rest." Especially our beloved sister Mrs. W. J. Hall, who wrought so cherrfully and who was so helpful in many ways. Then our Sisiter Mrs. G. L. Fonville left us. And what a loss? It was Sister Fonville's zeal that entheused us all, and had much to do, doubtless, with Brother Fonville's gift of half of our present Church lot, a gift that gave us great encouragement at the time and made other things possible, to say nothing of the generous cash donation. Brother Dan Hall, after his conversion, also took great delight in all that pertained to the new edifice. Friends outside of our membership might be mentioned, were they not so numerous. Their word of cheer and their cash gifts helped on the good work, and their deeds are cherished with feelings of gratitude. But perhaps greatest of all was the fine sympathy and generous helpfulness of Mr. Robert L. Holt. It is perhaps safe to say that had he withheld his sympathetic helpfulness it is doubtful if you would have been able to erect the building that you did.

I must speak a word of appreciation for the uniform kindness and christian consideration with which you have at all times treated me as your pastor and leader. It has been a joy to serve with you and for you. You have been so loyal in your support and so faithful in your cooperation. Blessings on you each and all. And now the time has come to sever these tender ties, hard as is the task and sad as is the duty.

I therefore hereby tender my resignation as your pastor, the same to take effect with this date. I commend you to God and His gracious guidance in the coming years, praying that the achievements of the past may prove to be but soil preperation for even larger and better things in the days to come. God's gracious benedictions on you one and all, and on the one chosen to take up the work where I lay it down. I bespeak for him the same true-yoke-fellowship in worship and work that you have accorded to me. It is with some satisfaciton that I relinquish the work knowing that I have had much to do in making possible the new arrangements for carrying on the work of the church and to some extent in the selection of my successor.

Again I thank you for every consideration and kindness, once more I assure you of my appreciation and love, and once again I command you to the God of all Grace, as I lay down the responsibilities and priviliges belonging to one who has served you for these six years and nearly five months.

Sincerely yours "In His Name"

(signed) Martin W. Buck

Burlington, N. C.,

May 11, 1919

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