The Portland daily press., 1874-07-15
A Former Brunswick Pastor in TrOu BILE.

For some days past, Indianapolis has been
agitating itself over reports concerning the
character of the Rev. Lloyd Copeland, who has
been acting pastor of Unity church in that city
for some weeks. 1t seems that few weeks
since, the pulpit of Unity church became va.
cant. The trustees received letter from the
Rev. Mr.. Copeland, mailed from Cincinnati,
requesting permission to Temporarily occupy
the pulpit, with a view to a settlement as regu-
lar pastor. On inquiry for credentials, the
trustees were told that these would be forward
ed from Boston soon as letter could reach
that city. So Mr.. Copeland's offer was accept
ed. The congregation were highly pleased
with him, and he was unanimously elected as
their pastor.
But the CREDENTIALS didn't oa1aa to hand, and
Mr.. Copeland's stories regarding them were
looked upon as contradictory. The congrega-
ton became dissatisfied, and at church meet
ing specially called, a majority voted in favor
of accepting his resignation at once. Of course
he resigned. The res of the story is told by
the Indianapolis News. The reason gwen in
that paper for Mr. Copeland's resignation of
his pastorate at Brunswick we believe to be en-
tirely untrue. He was settled over the Mason
street church at Brunswick for some time and
though accused by those who disliked him of
saying and doing some silly things, was never
suspected of immortality nor of too great famil-
iarity with any ladies of his flock, young or old.
1t was told of him that the Sunday after
his marriage he preached rather 'sgush-
ing sermon, taking as his text the line
of Keats, "a thing of beauty is joy forever"
This was the most serious charge ever pre-
ferred against him that we are aware of. In
deed he was, if we are not misinformed, much
loved and highly respected by many of his con-
gregation.
The following is the conclusion Of the story
as given in the News:
AT this church meeting, among the number
friendly to the pastor, was Mrs. M. HI. Mckay,
q lady well known for her Jealous church labor
and widely loved and respected for her genial
graces aud Christian character; Mrs Mckay.
having faith that Mr.. Copeland's credentials
would be forthcoming, recommended that he
be retained. The discussion of this meeting
was reported to Mr.. Copeland, and on Thurs
day afternoon he visited the residence and in
the presence of Mrs. Mckay discussed the
action of the church. and very warmly thanked
the lady for her words in his behalf. Both the
husband and the wife felt friendly toward the
retiring minister, but while the conversation
continued Mr. Copeland worked himself into
paroxysm of grief, among other silly things
tearing his handkerchief to pieces, and alto
getber behaving in an incomprehensible man
ner, indicating an unbalanced mind and at
tracing attention from persons upon the street
Finally, at the suggestion of Mr. Mickey, his
wife informed Mr. Copel md that what she bad
done was solely for the welfare of the church,
and not for him a man, and now that
he had severed his connection as pastor
it were better to withdraw and end this
dsagreeabe scene. This was said to him
gently, but fimly, but it changes the ''gentle
pastor to raging demon, in which he cursed
Mrs. Mckay shamefully and damned every one
interested in his retirement. The lady was
filled with horror, and her husband Temperate
ly absent from the room, hearing his language
lushed in, and Indignantly, but very naturally
knocked him down, after first trying to eject
him from the parlor. Mr.. COPELAND offered re-
SiStance, and finally drew revolver and fired
one shot, the ball passing through Mr. McKay's
coat, but doing no bodily harm and he then
rushed out of the house, slammiDg the door be.
hind him, and ran across the street, where he
was seen to put up the revolver and walk away,
his face bearing marks of severe punishment
After consultation with friends of the church
it was judged best not to prosecute, and ac-
cordingy the ex-pastor of Unity was allowed
to leave the city Friday evening.
Mr. COPELAND was accepted as pastor upon
the belief that he was duly accredited minister
in good standing, whose credentials would be as
unexceptionable as his personal appearance.
But after such an exhibition it was expected
that he had lied, and that sooner or later reports
OF his true character would reach this city
They came, and from them it appears that
when ne came to Cincinnati he represented to
Rev. Mr.. Wicker that his wife was lying i'll in
Covington, and he represented to Mr.. " his
desire to preach for him, a request which was
granted twice. From Cincinnati Copeland
came here, and represented himself widower
of eight months standing.- He also reported
himself graduate of Harvard, then of Yale,
and also pastor in small Massachusetts town.
but neither Yale, Harvard MOI this small town
knew of anyssuch person as Lloyd Copeland
He also gave exhilirating accounts of a tour of
the continent; the party Harvard graduates,
aud every one sufficiently high connected to Sc
cure presentation to every court in Europe, and
it was whispered that he was a veritabIe mem
Der OF the Dodge Clnb, whose travels were
dished up in Harper's some years ago A CEN
tlhman of this city, who, he says, knew him in
thh State of Maine six years ago, states that
Copeland was attempting to palm himself off
as Unitarian minister, but was compelled to
leave the little town of Brunswick on account
of too great familiarity with the young ladies
of his church. AT this writing it is impossible
to trace all the separate tales which are float
ing about concerning the man.