The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-05-04
The Holmc. Troubles.

EXCITING sUyDAY.AFTERxO0S MEETING AT
THE OLD AFRICAN CHURCH-THE POLICE
CALLED N-THE MAYORS ATTEMPT TO
POUR OIL on THE TROUBLED wATERs-THE
MALcoNTESTs LOCKED OUT LAST NIGHT.
A large number Of persons--about $500
held church.meeting at the First African
Baptist church Sunday afternoon. Many OF
the number were members OF the church,
and were present because Il was understood
that Rev. James III. Holmes, the pastor,
wonld tender bis resignation.
Mr. Holmes, II will be remembered, had
certain charges made against him, aud the
matter has engaged the attention OF the dea-
cons OF the church for some time. AT one
time IL was thought that the matter had been
settled between the pastor and his flock,
but now IL seems as il the church will take
further action In regard to the alleged mis-.
conduct OF the minister.
The meeting was called to order by Mr..
n. p. Vandervall, one OF the senior deacoDs,
who moved that Deacon James Z. Allen be
requested to preside.
The motion Of Deacon Vandervall created
a lively discussion and caused a number of
the members to rise 10 their feet, because
they were OF the opinion that it was con-
trary to the rules OF the church to hold
cburch-meetiDg on Sunday. Some Of them
claimed that it had previously been decided
that church.meeting could be held only on
the first Monday night OF each month.
Consequently they made every effort u
postpone the meeting until Monday night.
During the discussion relative to the
postponement the greatest confusion and
disorder prevailed. and at times many
seemed TO be standing up and speaking at
once. There were several white persons in
the church at the time near the door, and q
number OF cOlored who were not members
OF the church were also present as spectators.
The disorder and confusion increased until
at one time it seemed that general row
would occur.
One side was in favor OF retaining Mr..
Holmes as pastor, and the other side was
anxious for him TO be excluded from the
church. Those who were for their pastor
Outnumtered the other side by several hun
dred, it is said.
In order to preserve peace and prevent a
general fight, message was sent by one OF
the deacons TO Mayor Darlington, who upon
receiving it instructed the Chief OF Police
to send detachment Of policemen to the
church.
While the disorder and confusion was at
a very high pitch the Mayor, Chief OF Po-
lice, Justices Isbel and McGhee, Sergeant
Whitlock, and six policemen arrived at the
church and entered the building. AS the
officers entered each side cried out to them.
" Put the disorderiy members out" and not
until some OF the church-members were
threatened with arrest could any sort OF Or
der be obtained.
Finally, the angry crowd was induced to
leave the building, and the meeting. the
like OF which has never been seen here be-
fore. was broken up, and the members all
went TO their respective homes talking over
the matter, some saying that the meeting
must be held Monday night in accordance
with the laws OF the church.
Last night about 800 persons assembled
at the church and remained outside several
hours waiting for the doors to be opened.
Only two deacOns wer3 there last night,
and one OF them sent 10 the sexton for the
church KEYS. The keys could not be OBJ
tanned, however, as the sexton refused 10
deliver them up. unless by order OF a ma
iority Of the deacons.
As the matter now stands, it is hardly pro-
bable that an amicabc adjustment will be
arrived at for some time to come. Some OF
the old members who went 10 the church
last night were highly indignant at the
treatment they received, and knew not what
10 tnink vi Delng refused admission into
the church.