“Resolved—­That the Presbytery, while yielding to Dr. Talmage’s earnest petition for the dissolution of the relationship existing between the Brooklyn Tabernacle and himself, expresses its deep regret at the necessity for such action, and wishes Dr. Talmage abundant success in any field in which in the providence of God he may be called to labour.  Presbytery also expresses its profound sympathy with the members of the Tabernacle Church in the loss of their honoured and loving pastor, and cordially commends them to go forward in all the work of the church.”

In October, 1895, I accepted the call of the First Presbyterian Church in Washington.  My work was to be an association with the Rev. Dr. Byron W. Sunderland, the President’s pastor.  It was Dr. Sunderland’s desire that I should do this, and although there had been some intention in Dr. Sunderland’s mind to resign his pastorate on account of ill-health I advocated a joint pastorate.  There were invitations from all parts of the world for me to preach at this time.  I had calls from churches in Melbourne, Australia; Toronto, Canada; San Francisco, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Chicago, Illinois; New York City; Brooklyn, N.Y.  London had pledged me a larger edifice than Spurgeon’s Tabernacle.  All these cities, in fact, promised to build big churches for me if I would go there to preach.

The call which came to me from Washington was as follows: 

    “Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage—­

“The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, of Washington, D.C., being on sufficient grounds well satisfied of the ministerial qualifications of you, the Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage, and having good hopes from our knowledge of your past eminent labours that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly, unanimously, harmoniously and heartily, not one voice dissenting, call and desire you to undertake the office of co-pastor in said congregation, promising you in the discharge of your duty all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord.  And that you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, considering your well and wide-known ability and generosity, we do not assume to specify any definite sum of money for your recompense, but we do hereby promise, pledge and oblige ourselves, to pay to you such sums of money and at such times as shall be mutually satisfactory during the time of your being and remaining in the relation to said church to which we do hereby call you.”

On September 23, 1895, accompanying this call, I received the following dispatch from Dr. Sunderland: 

    “T.D.W.  Talmage, 1, South Oxford Street.

    “Meeting unanimous and enthusiastic.  Call extended, rising vote, all
    on their feet in a flash.  Call mailed special delivery.

    “B.  Sunderland.”

On September 26, 1895, I accepted the call in the following letter: