The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-04-21
MUSCULAR METHODISTS.
Disgraceful Christian Riot In Long Island
Preacher Kelsey Arrested-The Fight
Against the Conference.

Disgraceful Christian Riot In Long Island
Preacher Kelsey Arrested-The Fight
Against the Conference.
Four months ago the people of Long Island
were shocked at the turbulent proceedings of
the Methodists of Rockville Centre L. l., in
attempting to eject Rev. Mr.. Kelsey from the
parsonage after they had driven him from the
church. The circumstances of the case, as given
at that time, do not need to be recapitulated.
month ago the trustees called the people to-
gether and they resolved not to receive any
minister from the conference. The conference,
however, appointed Rev. Messrs. Corner and
alternately in the old church. The people knew
that the new ministers would contrive to get
POSSESSION OF THE PARSONAGE,
and determined TO prevent it. Mr.. Kelsey con-
cluded 10 leave the house on Tuesday, and Mr.
Corner was to move in. Hearing this, about
fifty men kept guard about the parsonage dur
ing Monday night and were relieved by as many
on Tuesday morning. At 10 o'clock truck
drove up TO the parsonage, and soon after a
piano was brought out from the house. This
seemed to be the signal for a descent, aud
several men tried to force their way into the
house, but failed. Frederick Simonson, one of
the leaders, had an alteration with Mr.. Kelsey,
and the latter told him that If hs attempted to
cross his threshold without authority he would
PUT HOLE IN HIM."
Simonson instantly went to Hampstead and
procured an order of arrest for Mr.. Kelsey, aud
Ia another hour he was arraigHed In court.
After patient hearing of the case the Justice
discharged Mr.. Kelsey, who returned to the par
sonage, to find 1t surrounded by party of men
all uttering vengeance against him, and one of
them said If he came out again he would lay
him low for the last time. A half clad, partially
drunken man guarded the gate aud refused to
allow Mr.. butcher to enter. strong-minded
woman, who was determined to see Mrs. Kelsey
knocked several men down and finally reached
the object OF her visit. The party fingered
about the house during the day and towards
evening began making threats of every kind
AS Mr.. Kelseys life seemed in danger the JUS
| tice detailed some constables to protect him. aud
| Issued warrants for the arrest of fftY members
of the church, including the trustees-praying
and exhorting bands-on
A CHARGE OF RIOT.
Yesterday Sheriff Henry and his deputies
were busy making arrests Some found bail
and were released, while others were not so
| fortunate and were placed in jail. This has had
a ealutary effect but 1t will be bat temporary
! However, Mr.. Kelsey will have time to get
safely out of the dark, ,unchristian valley before
they can resume operations. Although members
of the church, they swear menacingly and will
now make war upon Mr.. Corner. They will
not allow any one connected with the confer
ence to enter the old church, and deserving
parties have been buried without funeral rites la
consequence. They are determined to have
possession of the parsonage or to lay IL In ashes
Mr.. Corner at present holds the keys, and some
of his furniture is in the house. He will not
vacate the parsonage until compelled by law
The old church has been transformed into a
lodging house and restaurant, the rioters sleep
ing and eating there, having their meals
brought to them.-N Y. Herald, yesterday