The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-01-11
FIRST EDITIO N
THE UNFAITHFUL SHEPHERD.
The ElopIng CIergyman--He Has wife and
Chiidrcn-How the Affair Was Managed.

Chiidrcn-H0w the Affair Was Managed.
The clerical elopement In New York, alluded
10 in THE TELEGRAPH yesterday, has created
much talk, having proved rich morsel for the
gossips. Every effort has been made to hush
up the facts in the case to prevent scandal 70 the
church and congregation.
al the. altar of which the reverend gentleman
rninistered, is a Methodist Episcopal enc, and Is
situated in West Seventh street. The congrega-
ton is a very fashionable one, composed OF
wealthy and prominent citizens.
THE CLERGYMAN.
The pastor is named Cook. He has been but
a short time connected with the church, having
been stationed there last spring by the Annual
Conference. He is a man OF pleasing ADDRESS,
good looking, and not more than thirty years OF
age. He is also fine speaker, and has good
pnlpit itpresence." He was q general favorite
with his flock, very few Of whom, even under
the circumstances, credit his alleged elopement.
THE LADY IN THE CASE.
The young lady who, as alleged, has gone off
with the Rev. Mr.. Cook, is young and nnmar.
ried. She belongs to one OF the first families OF
New York. though her name for the present is
not made public. She is very pretty IN face and
figure. She had been Sunday school teacner
for short time, and was also devoted attend
ant upon the church, being punctual at not only
the Sunday services, but also at the class and
prayer meetings.
THE INTIMACY
I between the clergyman and the fair lamb of his
fock had been noticed by many, and some of
the illusions thereto we're not very fatter1ng.
The comments reached the ears OF the lady her
self, but she treated them with the utmost dis
dain, pronouncing them groundless slanders
Even her mother demonstrated with her at her
carelessness in afording opportunity for the cir
culation of such reports.
THE ELoPEMENT.
Things continued in this way for some weeks,
until the rumors became common talk. This
appears to have brought matters to crisis.
Thursday evening the clergyman complained of
being unwell, and informed his family that he
would repair to his study and there seek repose.
He also had sermon to prepare for Sunday, and
he desired to be left uninterrupted.
1t is supposed that during this time he was
engaged in packing trunk, which has mystic
riously disappeared along with the owner. This
I trunk was called for and quietly taken away
without exciting any remarks He was with his
\ family all day on Friday. Early In the evening
he put on his hat and overcoat, and telling his
wife that he would soon return, took his depar-
ture as she believed to pay visit to one OF his
congregation. The hours passed wearily by and
1 he came not. Fearing some accident had be-
fallen him, the wife became almost distracted,
and sent messengers in every direction, but
could discover no traces of his whereabouts.
Nothing has since been seen or heard OF him.
While the above events were transpiring, a
lady closely yelled was seen to enter q carriage
on Seventh street. The vehicle drove block or
so, when a gentleman entered, and the driver
whipped up his horses and the carriage, with Its
occupants, was soon out OF sight.
By Sunday morning the fact of the elopement
became knewn to the members of the church.
When the hour for divine service arrived, the
pastor was non est. An excuse was made for
his absence, and stranger took his place.
The family of the erring man are, as may well
be imagined in great distress. He leaves a
wife and two beautiful children. His domestic
relations had been always of the happiest
nature. .r. E..
OFF FOR EUROPE.
1t is believed the parties have gone to Europe,
having taken passage in Saturdays steamer.
This Is a mere matter of conjecture, however,
and nothing definite is known on this point.
The lady has some acquaintance in the West,
hut it is not likely she has gone there.
MYSTERY.
j The whole affair is surrounded with the
deepest mystery. To avoid bringing scandal on
the church, those who are known to be familiar
with the facts deny all knowledge concerning
them. Many are disposed to believe that no such
thing as an elopement has taken place, but that
the disappearanceo of the preacher and thel ladys q
mere coincidence which win be satisfactorily ex-
.lo