National Republican., 1881-07-20
THE NrNErEENrH STREET CHURCH.
FuIl Explanation Of the Differences ne
tween the Pastor and Congregation.

AWNNH NV RANVE anu NAshkANeNNhAVhas
The recent action of the Nineteenth
Street Baptist Church, oolored, in notifying the
pastor, Rev. Jesse f. Boudin, that the pastoral re-
lation would be dissolved at the end of three
months, does not arise from any difficulty of per-
sonal nature. The pastor has the confidence and
esteem Of the members Of his congregation and
the relations have always been Of the most amica-
bic and pleasant character. The church is
one of the largest and most fourishing
of the Baptist denomination in this city, and
its membership comprises representative people
of the colored race. The place of worship is ele-
CANT and commodious, and the debt contracted in
Its erection is in processof liquidation Recently,
however, the church has not been getting on as
well financially. The attendance began to fall off,
and there were arrears in the pastors salary. In
looking about to ascertain the cause Of this state
of affairs II was found that an old difficulty was
again cropping out, and was not only
REPAIRING THE PASTORS USEFULNESS,
but interfering with the progress Of the church.
II seems that the present pastor was called from
Mississippi to this church between three and four
years ago. At the time his call was made out
there was some objection made to him by num-
ber Of members but in spite of this opposition he
was called. The opposition represented but a
minority OF the entire membership and was
based solely upon Mr.. Bouldin's ability as
preacher. They did not like his pulpit
so pronounced that portion Of them, TO the num-
Der ofthirty, withdrew from the church and or
ganizcd n new church, which Is known as the
Bcrean Baptist Church. number Of those op-
posed 20 Mr.. Bouldin remained, rs they did not
want TO withdraw from the church, and they
thought that q change would come nfter awhile.
While there has been during the past few years
this dissatisfied element in the church, still
THE CONGREGATION HAS BEEN HARMONIOUS
md iutprnnl affairs carried without strife.
During the past year the revenues Of the church
have fallen off, and IN the words of one Of the OFF,
| ers, The pastor has not been able TO budup and
cement the church." These causes, In conjunc-
ton with the old dissatisfaction, led the beard Of
trustees, at meeting Of the congregation held in
the early part Of the month, to propose that the
pastoral relations be dissolved. Amer discussion
this resolution was adopted by small majority.
In accordance with this action, notice was
served upon the pastor, n copy of which was
! printed In THE REPUBLICAN yesterday The official
members of the church, as well as others who have
been seen, speak OF their pastor in the highest
terms rs Christian gentleman. They say that
there is no other objection against him except his
pulpit minstratons, and their action was the only
| natural one to bring about q change which was
thought desirable for all concerned. The recent
action of the congregation is final,
But CAN NE RECONSTRUCTED
at n similar meeting of the congregation, which
will be held the latter part of this month 1t is
stated that an effort will then be made to recon.
slider the former action, and on account of tho
small majority by which the resolution wa,
adopted 1t is thought that in full meeting the
present opposition to the pastor can be overcome
| Whether 1t can be done or not, the attempt
will certainly be made, and so practically
the matter will remain undecided until the mex
meeting. The opposition is devoid of all persona
feeling, and therefore the contest is not bite
one, and the harmony OF the congregation has no
been disturbed. The members propose to act II
this matter calmly and for what they consider tn,
best interests Of the church, and abide By the re
suits, whatever they may be.