The New York herald., 1873-03-04
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TROUBLE.
The Dissolution OF Pastoral Relations
Asked For-The New York Presbytery
Investigating the Cause.


Investigating the Cause.
The New York Presbytery met Yesterday In the
the church corner or University place and Tenth
street. The most notable item OF business which
came before the body was an application made by
Rev. W. W. Newell, Jr., i0r dissolution OF his pas
toral relation to the Foty-second street Presby-
terian church. The facts In the case not
clearly made known, but enough was stated to
show that the church would esteem 1t great favor
if Mr. Newell would resign, and he also considers ii
in similar light. Ills style aud method OF preach.
ing are not agreeable to majority O. his people, and
the membership, 1t is said is running down. Mr.
Newell, however, said that he expected 10 take
into the church between twenty ana thirty per-
sons at their next communion mad not trouble ex-
isted but II he should be sent back again, as the
Presbytery seemed inclined to direct, he believed
that not more than ten or q dozen persons would
join.
ANOTHER CAUSE OF DIssENsIoN.
But, besides the preaching, 1t appears that the
church are divided in sentiment In regard to pur-
chasing the church property where they now wor-
in this matter and thereby gwen oifence TO the
opposite party. Hence the difiicuties have in
creased until nothing else will now serve, ap-
parently, but separation. Last Wednesday
evening session OF the church held, when
the pastor asked the people to unite with him in a
request to the Presbytery for a dissolution OF the
pastoral relation which he has held for couple OF
years, and, according toa resolution adopted by
the session, with acceptance and some measure
reports. The church appointed couple OF
commissioners to attend the meeting OF the Pres
bytery yesterday and to unite with the pastor
In his request. This was done in form, but the
proceeding was not considered strictly presbyte-
rial and DIR. Hall opposed granting the request
upon anonymous communications. He considered
the relation OF pastor and people too sacred to be
thus severed at the request ol persons whom they
Newell is amenable to the Presbytery, and II he
done wrong he must be tried by his peers, and
after trial, II the Presbytery see just cause they
can dissolve the relationship. But
NO CHARGE OF HERESY OR INCAPACITY
or anything else is made against him. save in a
vague and indefinite way, apd yet the PreSbytery
are asked to release him from his pastoral charge.
Mr.. NEWELL remarked that the parties who were
opposed to him. as well as the Commissioners, were
present and could be heard, and could also hear
| what was said pro and CON-
DR.. HALL remarked that they had not been heard
yet though the Presbytery were asked to grant the
request for dissolution OF relationship. In other
words, without knowing the merits OF the case
they are asked to wink hard and not see anything
He wanted the difficulty investigated, and for that
reason suggested that committee be appointed
next week IN the Forty-secOnd street church to
hear the report OF the committee.
Drs. PaX0n, Murray Booth Burchard, Adams
McCandlish, Robinson and others took part in the
bytery meet IN the Forty-second street church and
call on the congregation to state their differences
and let the Presbytery after hearing both sides,
render their decision in open court.
AN INVESTIGATION ORDERED.
Mr. NEWELL objected to this proceeding and sew
era substantial reasons against 1t having been
given by himself and others, the suggestion was
not adopted. committee, consisting OF Rev.
Drs. Murray, Hastings and Hatfield and Elders j.
Stewart and W. L. Booth, was appointed to visit
the church and investigate thoroughly oil the lacts
in this case and to report the same to the Pres
bytery two weeks hence. Adjourned.