Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1935-11-04 letter to Rev. C. C. HoffmanEntry/Object ID
1990.1.202Context
550 Columbian Ave,
Columbus, Ohio, November 4, 1935
Rev. C.C.Hoffman
Great Falls, Montana
Dear brother Hoffman:
Yours of October 30th came to hand as a very pleasant surprise. We had often spoken of you. Glad to hear from you. We are very happy in our work here. I helped to establish the mission when I was supt. nine years ago. On Oct. 20 we observed the eighth anniversary of the dedication of our church which will be our parsonage when we build a new church. Presume they would have a building (church) ere this but for the depression. We have 111 members and S.S. runs from 85 to 110 in attendance. I superintend eleven other charges in the Collumbus district. Richard is in Ohio State University. James is in Union Theological Seminary N.Y. He took about 2 1/2 yrs at Bonebrake but is specialising [sic] in church music at Union and will finish his theological work there. He is in his second year conducting choir in Mt Vernon Pres. Church. Dan came home from Europe in August and has located in New York. Paul is in New York also but in line with his work is spending seven weeks in Dayton in the community drive. He will go back to N.Y. Mrs Harris is busy as a bee all the time and is enjoying better health than when you were in Dayton.
Now I have been talking about myself as usual. Please forgive me. We were quite grieved to learn of your situation there. I cannot understand it except as I think of some things that have occurred in my own work. I note what you say about the attitude of your own church. It is a long lane that has no turn. When I reflect upon some conditions that obtain and note how some leaders like to have their way I wonder that the Lord uses the church as effectively as he does.
Any one who knew anything of the situation at all knew that the board of trustees took action that they dispense with all field men on account of the financial stringency. You left the Seminary with the good will and respect of trustees, management, executive committee, faculty and student body. There is not question about that surely. The executive committee considered strongly having both you and Mrs Hoffman remain at the Seminary because we felt that you would be of great value to the institution. The committee suggested a salary for the services of both of you but you felt that it was less than you could accept. Yes I recall that you were very frank to offer to step out of the work if I thought it best and that I asked you to continue. I recall too that you counseled with bishop Clippinger and that the bishop was anxious to have you remain with the Seminary.
No one surely could as more faithful or loyal service than you rendered in your service to the Seminary and your work was successful as could be expected under the circumstances. There was not taint on your motives and character. I shall be very willing to write to any individual who may question any of the above.
I hope you may secure proper employment. Let me know if I can be of any service to you. We spent ten months very happily in Florida and if could have had work there would have remained but did not even mention it to our church leaders. We worshipped most of the time with the Southern Presbyterian Church. I taught S.S. class seven months and preached seven or eight times. We were not near our churches except as we visited them at long distance. Kindly let me know how things come out. Mrs Harris joins me in wishing you both the choicest blessings of life.
Sincerely, J.H.Harris.
