| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 5 |
Page 10 |
On September 2, 1883, the pastoral relation was dissolved in order that Dr. Miller might devote himself to his editorial work. A month later Rev. William M. Paden became pastor. Dr. Miller assisted him in every way in his power, and the church grew rapidly.
In January, 1886, the hunger of the congregation for Dr. Miller’s continued service led to the request that he become associated with Dr. Paden. His own hunger for the pastorate and intimate contact with the people led him to assume once more a burden that he had once decided was too great for him. For more than eleven years the new relation continued. Dr. Paden and Dr. Miller worked together in delightful harmony. For ten years Dr. Paden was a member of Dr. Miller’s household.
In October, 1897, Dr. Paden accepted a call to Salt Lake City, Utah, and both pastors resigned. At this time the membership of the church was 1,164, and there were 1,475 members in the Sunday school. Dr. Miller acted as moderator of the session and supply of the church until June, 1898, when the new pastor was on the field. Then the church property was worth $125,000.
Concerning his resignation of the pastorate Dr. Miller wrote to a friend:
“In one sense it is a pleasure to me to lay this burden down. My duty has seemed very clear in the mater. My editorial and literary works have been growing continually during recent years, and now fill my hands so full that I cannot in justice to myself undertake any extended work outside.”
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