The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1867-06-04

SEVENTH STREET CHURCH DIFFICULTY
Many Of our readers are familiar with the rumon
Of the unfortunate difficulty which has recently
occurred within the communion Of tho 0. 8.
Presbyterian church on Seventh street, 1sland. J
Agreeably TO adjournment, the Presbytery
held meeting In that church last evening, and
was largely attended, while nearly every other
pew was occupied BY ladies and gentlemen Of the
congregation and others interested In the pro.
oeediugs.
Rev. Mr.. McCampbsll, pastor Of the Alexan.
dria church, was chosen moderator, and Rev.
John Chester, secretary.
The meeting was opened with impressive devo.
tional exercises
From a committee appointed at a previous
meeting Rev. DR.. Baird presented report In
effect that the best interests Of religion and of
the church will be subservod by an amicable and
thorough Investigation Of all the facts and ques-
lions involved In the two reports from the board
OF trustees-not, however, to be conducted as an
impeachment Of character or personal issue.
After considerable debate, conducted In q
moderate and Christian spirit on the part Of
several members, the report was not adopted.
The venerable DR.. TGstin then proposed as n
basis OF action on the part Of this body that
George Page, Esq, (whose residence is In the
neighborhood) should be invited TO take a seat In
tho Presbytery and make such q statement Of ali
the facts as he may deem best. -"
member present then proceeded TO Mr..
psgss dwelling to invite and accompany him
| thither ~ ~. =
Rev. DR.. Taylor, Of Georgetown, then sub.
mitted the following resolution, which wM readily
| adopted:
Whereas grave charges, involving the NOR.
standing Of Mesrrs. J. b !. Heron and o, b
Church, elders In the Seventh street church
have been Published, preferred by Mr.. 7. +
Fowler In paper called "A minority report 0
II rd aE TFna aap II IL
whereas Mr.. 7. T. Fowler has expressed hi
willingness TO appear and present these charge
before tho Presbytery; therefore
Resoirsd, That We now proceed 10 hear III
charges which he may make, and the witnesse
and testimony which may be produced on eithe
side.n ..
The Chair then read the several rules on sucl
subjects from the discipli Of the Church.
| Mr. Fowler read paper disavowing any per
sonal luminosity, envy or other unchristian feel
ing and proceeded TO justify his action rs due Il
the Church Of Christ and community generally.
Mr.. Page here entered the church and took
seat near the altar
Mr. Fowler then preferred q variety Of charge,
and speciacations, supported by quotations from
the Scriptures.
Tho prsliminaries for such examinations wer,
then read, explained and observed by the Mod
| orator.
Rev. DR.. Taylor was appointed to act for the
defencei and Rev. DR.. Baird to assist tho pros
eeution.
The photographic reports for the press, aftei
being revised by the witnesses, are to be copsid
erod official, In which the reporters cheerfullJ
aequieIoed.
The arst charge was conduct highly unbecom
ing as Christians and elders In the church o.
Christ, improper management Of property con
hded to their care, abuse of confidence, &c.
The first witness called was the Rev. Mr.
Campbell, pastor Of the church, who read clca
and deliberate statement of the transactio will
Mr.. Page from their commencement until tn
important trust was conided to Mr.. Heron, uut
after the introduction Of Mr.. Church, anothe
elder Of the church, to Mr.. Page In conneetio
Herewith. ..
Tho reading Of this paper was listened to wi,
profound attention, and 1t was exceedingly gra
flying to all who witnessed the excellent orde
respect, and Christian feeling which characte
, lied the entire body and spectators throughou
5 The body will doubtless adjourn from day
? day until the case is concluded.