The New York herald., 1876-10-14
A CLERICAL SCANDAL.


"INDIscRETIoH"-AH EXCITING scKNz IN A
CHURCH AND AN AMUSING CHASE ON THE
srExET-rHE CONSEQUENCES or DEoPPINo A
SIT OF FALSE TEETH.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct Is, 1879
In portion OF this city called Kcnsington, at the
corner Of Richmond and sehackmaxon ssreota is tho
Twelfth Baptist church, Rev. MI Bott pastor There
has been trouble brswing-d Ia BeecherTiltonfor the
pastor with tho euphonious name for long while
past And the muttorngs OF the storm have been
growing louder and louder. Indeed, some months ago
there was an outbreak in the shape OF charges and
dsciplinng, a com mittos OF investigation and other
theological whitewashing This resulted in cessation
OF hosthtss but the plans OF ministers and church
committees subject to failure those OF worldly
people, and tho truce ended In sensational and
amusing manner last evening.
pxrAILs
Tho Rev. Bott is young man OF fascinating address,
and favortc with the ladies' Jealousy on tho part
OF the men may navo inspired the charges. and they
may bc untrue; bot certain It Is that charges have
frequently been made in print alleging that the Rev.
Bolt has been guilty Of 'indscrctsons," but church
councils and committees have never declared
against him. Last evening he went to his
church as usual, TO attend . business meeting
oil the brethren aud sisters of tho congregation, and
took his accustomed scat In tho char. Tho utmost
serenity characterized tho proceedings OF the meet
ing, and tho prayers and hymns were given with more
than usual fervor. Finally closing hymn was sung
by the attendants They fairly gushed with earnest
pathos and religious feeling Suddenly, amid this
scene OF solemnity, during the hush which followed
the song of praise, member arose. and, In loud,
clear voice. which arrested the attention OF every one,
he said:
"a nave an article Ia my haud-an article containing
charges against the pastor OF this church, There
buzz Of Comment and hush OF expectancy throughout
the church.
.'rhese cnargcs," tho speaker continued, more
phaticaly than ever, fare true, in my belief IT, when
you have heard them you do you have done before,
throw obstacles in the way Of an investigation WILL
Of my own accord and my own responsibility, give
the article TO the puoc through all the newspapers TO-
morrow morning"
Al this point Bott rose and exclaimed. excitedIy,
''Wil no one move to adjourn"
But continued the romorseless accuser, '.if you
will honestly ldok into this matter Will give you all
the aid can and abide by your verdict"
The Whispers and comments OF the congregation
had by this become loud and confused, and what
had = low moments before been scene OF peace and
soemnty WAS now IN an uproar.
A EXCITEMENT
Cries OF ''Sit DOWN." 'Put him outl'' "Shamel"
''Oh, you wicked mani" &c, came from many throats
the ladies' seeming TO be particularly excited Some so
lar forgot themselves up and call the speaker
shocking bad names, which would not look
well IN print rho men, as rule. seemed
eh9GS ana same @0t from the
sisters Meantime, dozen so OF them had taken
The door at once, the aceuser mounted bench, and
here he stood and hold the fort most mantuIy, making
his voice heard above all tho din, and calmly proceed
Ing with his remarks amid shril feminine CRIES OF
You shall vii hear me denounce this man." he
said.
A HAPPY THOUGHT
occurred to of the ladies who had with one nc.
taken with The pastor Sho started The dox
olosy
Praise God from whom all blessings aow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
"oh, that's oil right" said the relentless denun-
ciator ~ can't wait; tnats only tour lines longn
He bdcd his time accordingly, anu when the singing
done read, amid many Interruptions paper
citing, In detai charges against tho morality OF the
pastor.
Meantime the object OF their objurgation. tho Rev.
Bott not having succeeded in getting any 10
ADJOURNMENT concluded to himself adjourn. He
got down from tho pulpit and ran hastily through hn
excited locI out Of the door into the street
But as he darted from the church he met by nm
elderly man who had been lying IN wait for him, and
who said TO have beon the outraged iather, who
sought opportunity OF revenge upon the alleged
destroyer OF his happiness. This man gave chase 10
tho flying Bott, joined by young lady, who Is de-
stranger, and who had followed the pastor
from the church. The fair
gave up the chase. but tho parent followed
the fugitive down Richmond street toward Fnnkiord
by the heavy cloak which he mufhed. and be-
xides, he did not have what racing men call 'good
bottom, or what oarsmcn call stay His wind
giving out, yet he might have caught his lect-
STOPPING to pick up thcae necessary but unorna-
mental Articles lie lost the What became OF him
aud Bot serward is not known.
sUnsEQUENT PROCEEDINGS.
But the subsequent proceedings III the church were
more violent than ever Three times was the paper
snachcd IRON the hands OF the and and
many times did he produce another copy from his
coat pocket Finally the reading was finished. tenn
porary chairman was appointed by tho gentlemen
present and . resolution passed to make nvesti-
CATION