Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-02-17
Plymouth Church Council.
VERY INTERESTING SCENE.
MIR. Reecher and Prof. Smylhe
the Chief Actors.

New York, February Is. An interesting scene
occurred during the intermisson of the council
to-day, in which Prof. Smythe Of Andover, Mass,
and Mr. Beecher were the principal actors. Mr..
Beecher stood at the foot OF the pulpit, engaged
in conversation and surrounded by a number of
members OF the council, when he was addressed
by Prof. Smythe, who inquired whether letter
was now in the hands of the clerk of Plymouth
church Prof. Smythe then stated that he wished
TO correct the impression sought to be conveyed by
the communication Of Prof. PHELPS, that the let
ter of The latter misrepreseDted TIC action of the
Andover church, and that its action was identical
with what has been published respecting 1t. lie
contended that by the Of Prof. Phelps and
that of Plymouth church the whole matter prop
erly should be brought before the council, aud
that the letter FROM The Andover church be read
before the whole body of delegates.
Mr.. Beecher expressed his willingness to have
this done, provided the letter of Prof. Phe phs
also made public.
To this Prot. Smythe made serious objections.
The Andover church had requested mutual
council, they to name half tue delegates and
Plymouth church to name the other half. They
had been very careful to keep the whole matter
secret and would not consent now to go before the
public under any misrepresentation.
Mr. Beecher put several questions to Prof
Smythe as to the size oil the meeting, at hich the
letter proposed for submission to Plymouth church
adopted, and was its representative, char
acier>, etc.
Prot. Smythe repelled the insnuaton that the
Andover church was small affair. The meeting
had been entirely regular. 1t was not a fact that
no more than six or seven members were present
at that meeting, and that there were no roniuent
names among them. He declined giving any de-
tails relative to who took part in that ting,
what was done. Mr.. Beecher had the letter of
the church, that spoke for itself.
Mr.. Beecher held that the action of the An
dover church was nres ular; that the letter was
not before Plymouth church officially. in that it
was dill ected simply to the clerk of the church
and not to the church itself He had intense in
terest in the matter, and courtesy least required
Smylhe, now the subject had been brought up,
should make plain statement of the case before
these brethren. 1t was strange circumstance
that Prot. Smy the and his associates should have
come from Andover as bearers of this letter, and
had not deemed it sufficient moment to call upon
the pastor of the church addressed or to show the
slightest courtesy.
The exchange of sentiment was rapid and earn
est, the result being that the Professor threw
himself on his reserved rights and den anded that
MIR. Beecher read the letter.
Mr.. Beecher replied that the letter was in the
hands of MIR. Tilney, therefore be could not com
ply, and once more appealed to Prof Smythe to
state his case to the brethren.
For response Prof. Smythe turned upon his heel
with the remark "You have the letter Mr..
Beecher, that will speak for ITSELF" AMI with this
the interview ended.