The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-29
MINISTER ROSS VOTED OUT.
EXCITEMENT IN THE AFRICAN METHO-
DIST CONFERENCE
Charges OF immortality and General woridii-
Mess Against Pastor-No Colonization for
HIacks-ShnII the CIergy Use Tobaccot

Charge. OF Iumorai,,y and General woridii-
se.. Against "a Pastor-No Colonization for
Biacks-shaii the Clergy Use Tobaccof
The Conference OF the African Methodist
Episcopal Church WIS scene OF excitement
yesterday. The Rev. William Ii. Ross OF Hun
tingtOn, Long Island. had boon accused Of
dishonest. immoral. and unministcrnl con-
duct" The charge had been referred to n COM
mittec. and the committee. without formally in
vitng the accused pastor to meet them in pri-
vatc session. had taken testimony, agreed upon
verdict of guilty. and decided that he should
be- expelled from the ministry. The committee
reported their finding to the Conference, and
motion was made to adopt the report.
The specifications Of the charges against tho
Row Mr.. Ross were stated to be in substance
that he had visited dsreputablo places. consort-
ed with immoral persons. beeu Incorporate.
and applied to his own use money belonging TO
the church.
Tho Rev. Mr.. Ross. with tears rolling down
his checks. arose. and with trembling voice
protested against the adoption OF the report of
the committee. H. said that he had not been
allowed an opportunity to defend himself. The
committee had not served upon him written
notice Of the time and place Of the meeting to
investigate the charges that had been made by
malicious persons who had wickedly plotted to
ruin his reputation as a servant of God.
The presiding Bishop said: Brother Ross
the re-trial of your case in open Conference is
out OF order. Tho question now Is upon the
motion 10 adopt the report of the committee
The Rev. Mr.. Ross exclaimed: " For Gods
sake. give me chance"
There were explanations Of both approval
ana dsapproval of the Bishops ruling. and the
feelings of the assemblagc were wrought up to
The l,cv. Mr.. Ross. large .Gpey-formcd
man. stood erect and reiterated his protests
against what he termed the Job thnt had been
put up on him 10y his enemies. He was cs-
pecially severe upon the action Of the Rev. Mr.,
Thomas. a member Of the committee who had
been very Jealous in the prosecution.
The Presiding Bshop-lou have your remc-
dy. Brother Ross. in an appeal to the next Cen
eral Conference.
The REV. Mr. Ross-I tell you I want to he
heard here and now. am prepared To- make a
defence. | can snow that have not been guilty
of unministcrial conduct. Am 10 be choked
down without hearing2 For Gods sake. do
The Presiding Bishop-wcll. YOU should have
appeared before the committee.
The Rev. Mr. Ross-l have told you that the
committee did not notify me TO appear before
| them.
A member OF the committee here said that the
accused pastor was aware OF the time and place
! OF the meeting OF the committee. and might
have attended but was wilfuly absent. being
ashamed To- show himself
Address ng the Rev Mr.. Thomas tho accused
| pastor said. in substance; " You yourself are
| guilty Of immoral intentions. Did you not rs X
| me- To- Join with YOU in immortality
The Rev Mr.. Thomas was about To- reply, hut
| the Presiding Bishop ruled tho cross-ilrlng 10
be out of order.
Question: question:" was shouted 10y the
A vote was taken. and the report was adopted.
The Rev Mr.. Ross put on his hat and walked
10 a reporter Tor THE sun the Rev Mr. Ross
| exhibited vouchers for the expenditure uf near
| ly all the money that be hat handled. and
| large balance On his salary He had nothing to
| say in regard To me charges oi lmmoral con.