National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-04-07
THE MINISTER'S WIFE
DISCUSSED BY THE pREsByTERY.
Rev. c. B. RamsdelI on Trial for Marrying Catho-
lie Lady-Aa Interesting Case, which Has
Eot Been Settled-0ther Basi-
ness Transacted.


The Washington Presbytery continued
its session at the Street Church during yester-
day in the presence of large and interested audi
| ence, it having been stated that the case of the
Rev. c. B. Ramsdeil, pastor Of the church in which
the PreSbytery is meeting, would come up for con-
! sideration. After being called to order by the
moderatoE, the certificates of Messrs. Charles
! Noble and z II. Compton were presented and ac
| eepted, and they were assigned seats. The
moderator announced a number of committees,
the most important being those on Judiciary and
bills and overtures. The former comprises Revs. F.
NJ. Todd, Mason Noble and George o. Little,
and Elders c. D. Drake and J. II. Blackfan; end
the latter, Revs John Chester, Byron Sunderland,
and j. ). Henderson, and Elders 4. h Quaifte and
George Bohrer. The ordination of Messrs. Miller
and Herr, hcentiates, postponed until the
evening session. Herman Church, near Cabin
John Bridge, WIS selected for the fall meeting Of
the PreSbytery. The following delegates to the
General Assembly were elected: Reys. Wynkoop
and Sunderland; alternates, Revs. Van Doren and
Bu-khardt: Elders Quaife and Moore; alter
mates, Elders Frost and Coe. Mr.. ]. VI. Kicks, of
Howard University, having passed the requisite
examination, was taken under the care of the
PresbyterY. The committee on church erections
reported the building of three churches in Amelia
County, Virginia at total cost of 81 40, which
had been promptly paid
Mr. RAMsDELLs CATHOLIC WIFE.
4 petition was presented from portion of the
congregation of the North Presbyterian Church re-
qucsng the severance of the pastoral relations of
Rev. C. B. Ransdell, now in charge of the congre-
grafton. The petition stated that considerable
dissatisfaction existed in tie church, which was
traeeable 10 the marriage of the pastor with a
member of the Roman Catholic Church. That his
action had tended TO injure the church spiritual
and financially, and should he continue
in charge a number of members would
withdraw and unite with other churches. The
reading of the petition was attehtiyely regarded
by the audience, nearly tYo-tkirdS of which were
ladies' and, judging from their comments, the pas
tor was heartily sympathized with. The petition
was referred to the committee on bills and over
lures, but they soon returned 1t to the Presbytery,
with request TO be relieved from duty in the mat
ter, and that tho Presbytery sit as committee of
the whole for its consideration. This view was
concurred in by the PreSbytery, and it was decided
&c lag aside all other business and hear both par
ties on the petition
DEFENDING THE PASTOR.
The pastors side was represented by Mr. Kerr,
one OF The trustees, who spoke in the highest
terms of SIR. Ramsdell, and attributed the present
prosperity of the church TO his energy and exeeu-
tive dDIiilNs the
records of q session of the congregation held
year ago, at which the charge against the pastor
was fully discussed and indefinitely postponed by
vote of to 49, Nothing had ever been shown
affecting the pastors integrity, and the movement
against him was instigated solely by a desire for
personal spite. His wife was a charming and
aGliable lady, and, although not a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Was i'll every respect Chris
tan. In conclusion, he produced statistics,
showing that since Mr.. Ramsdell had assumed the
pulpit at the church the revenues had steadily in
creased, and lis Indebtedness at present was not
above one thousand dollars. Mr.. A. NJ. Salmon
replied for the petitioners aud, carefully review
ing the remarks of the preceding speaker, claimed
that the church had lost money since the pastors
marriage. He diSclaimed any intention OF being
personally hostile to Dr. Ramsdell, but thought it
was not proper for him to preside over a Presby
terrain congregation with q wife holding views
directly opposite to the enets of that sect He ac
knowledged the good service rendered by the pas
tor in building up the church, and i'll his statistics
made the figures foot up about the same as those
OF Mr.. Kerr of the other side.
HE SPEAKS FOR HIMSELF.
The statements of these gentlemen were attentively
regarded and, when they had finished MI Rams
dell asked leave to be heard in his own behalf
He began by saying that greGt many cruel ru-
nors had been circulated relative TO his marriage
among others that he had been married in the
Catholic Church. This he emphatically denied, |
stating that the ceremony was performed in the
Palmer House, at Chicago, Ill. by the Rev. Mr..
Patton, of Princeton College In reply to questions
by members of the PrcSbytery he stated that bis |
wife was in the habit of going to her church,
as well as to the one over which he presided. She
also went to confession" to the priest in her |
own church. DR.. Ramsdell was subjected |
to a rigid examination as to his and |
his wifes habits in connection with church Gus |
tons 10 which he replied that she pursued the |
path which she thought led heavenward, and he /
Yss doing the same. He would be grltifed 20 have |
her join his church. but if she had other opinions
le was not responsible for them. She was u good /
wife well good Christian, and was particular
bout the observance of family worship at their /
1wn Preside DR.. Rsmsdelis remarks were very 4
affecting at times and when he had concluded his
explanation the Presbytery adjourned until half /
past seven o'clock for the purpose of considering |
he extraordinary petition presented for consid- /
eratiOn.
DISCUSSING THE CASE.
At the evening session Mr.. Justice Drake offered /
resolution embracing recital of the facts and 4