River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-08-08
AN EXTRAORDINARY PREACHER.
lRoston Herald.l


NoRTHBoRo, Mass, July 1S.--Durin1 the
past few days scandalous statemontst have
been circulated quite generally in Northboro
and several of the surrounding towrss re-
fecting on the character of Rev. K. A. God
dard, the resident pastor of the Baptist
church here, who has been preaching here
some over year, the statements III question
charging him directly with an indeceIt ex-
posure of his person before several Rldies,
both married and single, and also with
throwing kisses at young Indies when csl the
street, all these acts occurring III tho day
time. Hearing these stories, Hefdt9 rep
resentative fastened TO Northboro this ss3lorn-
ing for the purpose of investigating TIE at
fair and as result gained the following
particulars: Located on the Hudson road,
about half a mile from Northboro Centre. is
a small house, owned by the family where
Mr. Goddard has been in the habit of going
for the purpose OF retirement, recregtion,
and study for some time past, the location in
question being on public highway ard in
full view of the passers by, and at point
where many female operatives of the wpolen
mills have occasion to travel. Here dpring
the present summer Mr.. Goddard has Sbeen
seen many times enjoying his Leisure, sboth
in the house and about the yard. For some
few weeks past some half-dozen woman,
either young or old, have reported to their
families that as they were passing the faDuse,
at different hours of the day, man, Whom
they supposed to be Mr.. Goddard, had stood
at one Of the windows, in view of the street,
and deliberately exposed his person.
At other times, il is alleged, lie has been
seen in the yard of this place waving his
handkerchief, throwing kisses, exclaiming
shy by" and manifesting other amorous
traits of character when young ladies were
passing. To the ears of the people of North
boro especially all of these statements and
more of the same sort have been cominf. the
past week, but, being aimed at religious
teacher who was generally esteemed aInong
them, being favorite with the young peo-
pie, and of pleasing address, they were Jnore
than could be possibly be believed, those
who knew Mr. Goddard best hardly dcring
to breathe of the aus picion aroused, and. 10
a great degree, entertained. Some of the
injured parties even suggested legal proaecu-
ton. but the evidence of positive proof was
so meagre, it happening that none of the in
suited ladies' knew him personally, this rlode
of retaliation was abandoned. An interview
with thesa persons to-day, since the confeS-
sion, proves that thoy will institute no legal
proceedings against Goddard, choosing to
let the subject drop.
After spending some two hours i'll an in
vestigation into the alleged misconduct OF
the clergyman, the Herald representative
called II Mr.. Goddard at his home, stated
his business, and that he felt in honor bound
to ask him for his side of the scandalous
story, which, to the surprise of the former.
was at once given him to the form of full,
free, and ank confession, which was rem
dered in reply to the interrogation as TO
whether there was any foundation for the
stories now being circulated about the towr,
which implicated himself in certain alleged
improper acts toward ladies'. Mr.. Goddard
appeared weighed down with deep troubhe as
he slowly commenced his half-hours CON
fession by saying that, in the main, and with
the exception of a few exaggerations, the
statements about his indecent exposure were
true as they had come to us from the lips of
previously interviewed parties. Ever since
he was nine years of age, he said, in sub
stance, passion which he could not wholly
control had taken possession of him, and
now he could not go to God with lie on his
lips; SO he had conclued to make full CON
fession OF his conduct, which of late had
brought disgrace ON the church, on his
family, and on himself. The statements
made relative to the disgraceful transactions
were, according to the testim ny from his
wn lips of too true q character. Mr.. God
dard said he knew of his imprudence, as re-
ported, and was heartily sorry for it. He
also stated that he SHOULD go before his
church and frankly tell them that, owing to
his indecent and disgraceful conduct, he was
no longer fit TO remain as th il pastor. He
had prayed TO God in the past that he might
overcome this evil propensity, but he had at
different times yielded to it. He did not re-
member of his being responsible for some
of the acts alleged, but could not state posi-
lively that he was not. These md several
other confessions OF a like nature were made
to the Herald representative, all iof which
went to prove the truth of the allegations
made against the minister. The church has
taken no action in the matter as yet Mr..
Goddard has wife and large family Of
promise residing here, and came to North
horo from Palmer.