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W. C. Butler
Richmond Nov 15th 1861
Rev Mr Butler
Dear Sir
The Vestry of St John's church have received and
carefully considered your note dated October 8th occupying the
position that we are to each other, it is a source of regret that we
should be compelled to dissent from any views or position taken
by our Pastor, but availing ourselves of your invitation to
speak freely on these subjects and feeling deeply our responsibility
as Curators of the interest of the congregation, we cannot hesitate
with candour and freedom to do so. We shall do so with
less reluctance as both have the same end in view,
and differ only as to the best mode of promoting the
welfare of the Church and the true interest of those
committed to your charge.

Our house of worship not being in close proximity
to the thickly settled portions of our city does
not enjoy the same advantages for accession to its
members than those more fortunately located do.

Having to depend upon the material within
our reach, it behoves us not only to be sedulous
and diligent in attracting it to our beloved old
edifice, but alas to conform to the customs and
usages of those whose interest and sympathy we