Alexandria Gazette

The Rev. Dr. Fay of Charlestown.—We mentioned some days since, that this clergyman had been dismissed from his people and the ministry on account of certain misdemeanors. The Boston papers now give a full account of the matter. It appears that for some months past numerous reports, relative to improper intercourse between the Rev. gentleman and certain female members of his church, had got into circulation. These reports at length became so widely spread, and were so well supported, that it was deemed necessary to call an ecclesiastical council to investigate the whole affair. The council met at Dr. Fay's own house, and commenced the examination, when a member was called out, and returned with the information from Dr. Fay that he was willing to submit the case without making any defence. Another communication was soon after received from him, admitting that, in one case, he had sought illicit intercourse with a young woman residing in his family. The council were, however, satisfied that criminal intercourse did not actually take place. For some time after the receipt of this communication, the business of the Council was wholly suspended by overwhelming grief. As soon as it was possible for the members to attend with suitable composure, it was voted to meet again on Friday morning the 16th inst., when after deliberation, they adopted the following as their result:—

In the judgment of this Council, there is imperative reason for dissolving the pastoral and ministerial relation of Rev. Warren Fay to the First church and Society in Charlestown: and it is hereby dissolved.
The Council deem it their duty to state, that, agreeably to their first resolve, they proceeded to inquire in the most thorough manner into the reports unfavorable to the character of Rev. Warren Fay. This inquiry resulted, with regard to all the reports excepting one, in the conclusion that no sufficient evidence of criminal conduct was adduced: though it appeared that, in several instances, he was justly chargeable with great indiscretion. In regard to one report, his own confession fully proves a degree of criminality which makes it proper that he should be excluded from the Sacred Office. With the most painful emotions, the Council, therefore, feel constrained to withdraw their fellowship from him as a Minister of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Boston Recorder, after publishing the proceedings of the Council, adds the following note, addressed to the editor:—

MR. WILLIS:—Such was the enfeebled state of my mind, and so overwhelmed was I, when the result of Council was communicated, that I could say nothing.
I wish to have appended to result of Council, the following:—I acknowledge my folly and sin before God, and lament with the deepest sorrow, that I have thus dishonored him, and given occasion of reproach. I acknowledge, that his chastisement is righteous: and I would weep in bitterness over all that has been sinful in his sight, and look for pardon only through that atoning blood which cleanseth from all sin. I mourn with anguish, of heart over the injury done to the ministry and the cause of religion. I desire to exercise that unfeigned repentance, which is unto salvation, and hope by the grace of God its fruits may hereafter be seen, in a manner which may do something to wipe away the reproaches which have fallen upon the cause of the Redeemer.
I ask the forgiveness of my fellow men: humbly ask the forgiveness of Almighty God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ: and I ask the prayers of those who love Zion. I am sorely pained that I have grieved the friends of the Saviour—but as the Lord can forgive the penitent, so can they: and so I trust they will; as they hope for divine forgiveness.
WARREN FAY

Dr. Fay has for a considerable number of years, been the pastor of a large and highly respectable congregation in Charlestown, and few clergymen in Massachusetts stood higher, or enjoyed the confidence of his brothers in the ministry to a greater degree, than he did. So great was the confidence reposed in him by the members of his church, that very few of them would listen to the doubts expressed in relation to his conduct. The surprise and sorrow occasioned by his own confession can hardly be imagined.—N. Y. Express.