New-York tribune., 1874-10-10
The JERSEY CITY CHURCH scandal.

THE REV. MP. GLEEDENNTNG PLACED on TRIAL BE-
FORE THE PREsBYTERY-rHE NDICTMENT-A
PLEA OF NOT GUILTY.
Punctually at 10 o'clock yesterday morning
the Presbytery OF Jersey City assembled in the parors
of the Third Presbyterian Church in Third near Jer
seyave Jersey City, hear the report OF the Judiciary
Committee in reference TO the charges preferred
against the Rev John s. Gendenning The Committee
on Ordinations and Installations requested permission
TO substitute the name of the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan
in place of the DR.. Vim. Aiams as preacher at the
ordination OF j. o. Hale, which was granted The Rev.
c. h. Imbrie, D. D.. Chairman OF the Judiciary Com
mttee submitted report recommending to the Presby
The Committee therefore recommend to the Presby-
tery TO undertake the investigation OF the above
charges and specifications aud to prosecute them " an
Issue according to the rules laid down Ia our bJok
The report closed with several TO the
Presbytery as to the method Of conducting the
As the Rev. Mr. Imbrie sat down the Moderator asked
the pleasure OF the Presbtery. The Rev James C. Ed
wards said that he did not wish to the Commit
mttee, for he thought they had performed very un
pleasant duty in a very exemplary manner, but he
thought that when they had sworn the witnesses they
had arrogated to themselves powers entirely beyond
their Jurisdiction and in so far to be blamed
This opinion was the occasion OF a somewhat ami
mated debate the Moderator finally decided that
the Committee justified In their action and that
there was no Just grounds for their arragnment The
report adopted unanimously, and the Committee
directed 10 prepare copy Tor the use or the Rev.
John g. Glendenning, and accordingly retired for that
purpose Mr.. Howell. elder in Mr. Gendennng's
church. asked the Presbyery to him from voting
on account his relations to the accused The motion
carried.
W. L. Moore said "The Presbytery is aware that
have been much with Mr. GendenLlng during the con-
tinuance Of this charge in the public press Nv efforts
Glendenning and likewise TO the discovery OF evidence
against HIM. DO not regret nor do think shall ever
regret what have done. Under similar circumstances
would do the same tning again Inc cnarge was made
July when the members OF the Presbytery were either
away or preparing 10 go away. found him alone,
without sympathy, without help. offered him both
and he accepted do not now request an excuse from
voting for feel myself competent to hear all that
be offered. and to reach righteous conc uson. Ny
simple point s Does the PresDytery think should
should vote nope they will frankly answer, and
will receive 1t as kindly as II is given"
Glendenning himself addressed the Presbytery. HIS
voice remuous at the outset but as he continued
the tones grew stronger. He said ask favOrs OF
this body. claim justice, and only Justice stand
before member OF this Presbytery, innocent until
proved guilty by the opposite side. From the mo
ment Of the publicity OF TINS case have been pre-
Judged by great majority OF those who form the out
side world. have never opened my mouth IN my own
defense relying upon the Judgment Of those who
friends and adyisers-gentemen whose Judgment con-
sidered superior ownwh0 advised 10 be patient
and wait until proper time to speak-untl definite
presented by recognized body should be made
The report OF the Committee Will 10 the public to-
morrow ,and still further prejudice and embitter the
public mind, and yet If the Presbytery deem IL mad
nissabe must still submit, and walt until future
opportunity ~ say word In INV own defense"
1t decided by the Moderator that the statement
should be read Mr. Dodd then asked for
until Wednesday at 1880 p. m, when they would be
The principal witnesses named in the indictment,
the report OF the Committee may he termed are j. g.
Miller Mrs. Ethellnda Miller, Mrs. Clara H. Randall.
Adrfdge, Mrs Lizzie G. Reeve Mrs Caroline ID. Wilson,
and Mrs Sarah L. Graves.