Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-10
New Scandal Eruption.

New Scandai Eruption,
On Thursday evening last, after an adj
jouncd business meeting Of Plymouth
church, the names Of Deacon West and Mrs.
Moulton were " dropped from the roll of
members. The reason assigned in each
case, by the now famous " examining com
mittee," was prolonged absence from the SER
vices and ordinances Of the church, Deacon
West was not present, aud an official brother,
who had waited on him in behalf Of the com
mittee, reported that the deacon was quite
willing to be dropped he had "no DISPOSE
ton to resume intimate relations with the
church." Mrs. Moulton was in attendance
accompanied by General Pryor. Before the
vote on her case was taken, the General rose.
Instantly the room became still as death. lie
ment TO which Mrs Mouton had signed her
name Her first notice or hint Of the con-
templatod action had been received the pre-
yious evening. Having had no opportunity
to appear before the committee she now ap-
peared before the church. She was not an
absentee in any proper sense Of the word,
nor was the rule of the church meant to
cover such a case rs hers. The statement
continues;
." My absence Is an enforced one, and is caused
by the crime Of adultery committed by Henry
Ward Boecher, pastor Of this church, with one Of
his pari-hioncrs which know to be a fact through
Mr. Boecher'- confessions to me, and through the
confessions Of Mrs. rlton, aud through conclusive
evidence of the crime from other sources | ap-
pear before this church in loyal obedience TO the
summons which have received, and / hereby de
clare my disposition and desire to discharge all
the duties devolving on me as a member, that are
consistent with my knowledge Of the adultery Of
the pastor and his false swearing with regard to II "
Lawyer Sherman was on his feet in mo.
ment, excitedly demanding that Mrs. Moul-
ton should be questioned about this "insin-
uation !" she has no right, said the brother,
" TO injure ms with her insinuation." Gen.
Pryor briefly replied that there was no in
situation " in the statement, but tolerably
distinct charge Mrs. Moulton had been
summoned to appear and give her reasons
for absenting herself from the services and
sacraments Of the church, aud had obeyed
the summons The discreeter brethren
chokcd of Brother Sherman with point of
order, the motion to drop was put and car
ried, Mrs. Moulton aud Gen. Pryor with
drew, and the incident was closed.
The day before the New York and Brook
Ign association of Congregational ministers
after four hours debate, and against the de
termined resistance Of Mr. Beecher's friends
had appointed a committee TO investigate
and report whether Mr. Beecher was fl
person TO be q member of the association
The instructions Of the committee are said tc
be To examine as well the rejected as the
admitted evidence on the trial to obtain all
the new evidence procurable; in a word, to
make thorough work of it, sparing no pain.
to get at the bottom facts.
The history Of the motion 10 investigate
Mr. Beecher is rather curious. 1t was orig
iually made year ago this month. At the
earnest entreaty of Mr.. Beechers next friends
in the association, it was laid on the table
Last April, these friends made an unsuccess.
full attempt to get the record that such a
motion had been brought forward expunged
from the associations journal. This is said
TO have led to a somewhat heated discussion,
and to have left strong feeling of indigna-
ton in the minds of many members. Per
haps we should explain that the association
includes all the Congregational ministers in
good standing in the two cities. 1t has no
jurisdiction, and pretends to none, over the
churches.
If this investigation is seriously pressed,
it will doubtless result in the formal with
drawal of Plymouth church and its pastor
from the association, and the assertion of
entire and absolute independence of all other
ecclesiastical bodies. This would prove the
speediest and perhaps wisest means Of bring
ing the offensive controversy to final end.