The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1870-08-31

=. E-LE-E 49,
representing the societses, having been
called, some one remarked that there
were several clergymen present who
had no charge of any church, and
consequently were not members of
the Constellation. among whom were
Rev. G, b. Day, Rev. b. i. Boards
ley, Rev. MI Davenport and Rev.
MIR. Jones, of Bridgeport, and moved
that they be permitted to sit as mem
bers OF the Constellation, masmuch as
they were members of the Association
Deacon Lacey opposed the motion,
but 1T was carried. The papers to be
acted upon were then called for. the
resignation of Mr.. Richards as a pas
tor of the First Congregational Church
of Bridgeport, together with the vote
of both the Church and Society &C
ccpting his resignation, and recon-
mending that an endorsement, or the
usual commentator of full fellowship
be granted him, were then read.
The Moderator here inquired wheth
er there were any other papers to be
presented from the Church or Society
on the subject. A member in reply
stated that there was a paper signed
by some $50 to 200 persons, setting
forth that they pledged themselves to
stand by Rev. Mr.. Richards in the
matter, but it was not admitted.
Rev, Mr.. Beardsley then ross and
stated that he had some dispositions
tE:at had been made touching the
conduct of Rev. Mr.. Richards, but
the Moderator decided that it was
not then the proper time for the pre-
sentation of the dispositions referred
to ; that the question before the Con-
ISOLATION was the dismissal of Rev. Mr.
Richards. A warm debate ensued,
and ON motion, the room was cleared
of all but members of the Consolation
which won't into secret session for
some time. On reopening the doors
to the public, Mr.. Lyman of Boston,
relative of Mr.. Richards, made an
eloquent appeal in behalf of MI.
Richards, in which he set forth his
standing in community for over thir-
ty years for integrity, probity, purity
of character, SC, and also his lack
of moral courage, efeminate manners
loss of an eye from an accident, and
its effects upon his mental condition.
He then quoted the opinion expressed
by several physicians on that point,
and said that it was feared that some
lunatic asylum would soon have to re-
ceive him. Mr.. lyman closed by ex
pressing his own belief that Mr. Rich
ards had not been guilty of any i'm
proper conduct toward any lady but
but, If he had he could only account
it on the ground of insanity on
the part of Mr.. Richards, and there
fore asked that he be dismissed with
letters of commendation.
The dispositions made by some of
he ladies to whom Mr.. Richards is
to have conducted himself
with great improperly, had been pre-
submitted to q number of the
composing the Consolation
md they were doubtless read in the
he secret session inasmuch as their
deliberations resulted in the adoption
If the following resolutions, viz:
"First-That the pastoral relations
between Rev: George Rich
lrds and the first Congregational
Church and society of Bridgeport
,e dissolved.
"Second-That while we come to
his resolution, We tender to Brother
Richards our prayerful sympathy and
arrest hope of his recovery ; and
we deem it expedient, from
he nature of the case, to defer the
Isual letter of commentator, we do
lot design thereby implicate to his
ha1acter.
"fThird-That we tender to the
hurch thus berefto of its pastor our
sympathy and assurance Of
in its present and future pros
A resolution of coincidence for the
amily of Mr., Richards was subse
uently adopted by the Consolation.
1t was stated that Mr. Richards is
among his relatives in Massaehu-
in a very precarious state of
ealth. A very large proportion of
congregation are much attached
D him, and it was stated that the So
Iety intend to engage him to occupy
pulpit again for another year if
lie condition of his mind and health
i'll permit him to officiate as pastor.
-