Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-17
Union BefhcI,s Troubles.

WHY REV. J. W. STEVENSON WAS NOT RETURNED AS
PAsToR-REPoRTED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE
ACTION OF THE A. NJ. E. CONTEMPLATING
FOR THE BISHOP TO SETTLE yEXED QUESTIONS.
There are again signs OF want of harmony
among the cOlored MethodiSts OF Union Bethel
church, for which congregation splendid new ed-
nce Is in course OF erection, and perhaps there will
be more serious break than that which took place
In the same congregation last year. AS has here
tofore been stated in THE STAR, this congregation
Is one OF the largest colored congregations in the
District. For several years the question Of tear
Ing down the old church ami building new one
has been in contemplation both by the member
ship and by the bishops OF the A. NJ E. church.
Early In 1890 correspondence took place between
Bishop Payne, In whose district the n. j. conference
In which Rev. J. W. Stevenson. NJ. d.. then
located, and Bishop Brown. whose district en-
braces the Baltimore conference. I'm which Union
Bethel is one of the charge, and DR.. Stevenson
himself. The result was that DR.. Stevenson was
Transferred from the New Jersey conference and
appointed to Union Bethel on April 18th, $780, and
Immediately entered upon the work before him.
The reputation of DIR. Stevenson was that OF
church builder, he having succeeded In Trenton
Milford. Snow Hill and Burlington, n. j., Wilkes
barre, Bloomsburg and Yardleyvile. Pa, in erect
Ing hEe churches and paving off the debts OF all
excepting less than $1,000 on two OF them. This
reputation had much to do with his transfer.
To SOME OF THE FINANCIAL PLANS
propose by DIT. Stevenson there was opposition,
and at the last conference some objection was
made to his return This opposition not only pre-
IL
but finally resulted in the withdrawal of about $50
out Of 1,e20 members. and since then about 50
others have joined the secederS. DR.. Stevenson
was, however, returned in 1881, AMI at once re-
entered upon his work, and. as stated in THE STAR
few weeks ago, the WORK on the church has pro-
greSSed up 10 the main floor, where, in consequence
OF lack OF funds. it has been suspended for the
PRESENT. being thought best to be cautious
about mourning heavy debts. AT the last con /.
ference, held III Baltimore n few weeks ago. when
the appointments were read out DIR. SteyenSonS
name was used in connection with Cambridge
Nd, and Rev. James A. Han1y with Union Bethel
This was surprise to many OF DR.. SIS cOngrega-
Gon, who expected that he would, in view OF the
work undertaken, be allowed to remain here at
least one year longer The congregation cannot
De said to be In open rebellion because Of this
action, but there Is q general feeling OF diSap-
continent among them
PETITION TO THE BISHOP.
pet ton has been sent II Bishop Payne, signed
~ the stewards, 6 out OF the trustees and II
out of the II class leaders, asking that Dr.
stevenson be retained as yIndcatiOn of certain
alleged misrepresentation made at the confer
ence and which are said to have been the cause OF
the change. In the meantime Rev. Mr.. Handy
mas arriy ID and entered upon hi duties last Sun
Gay, preaching TO a full house. On Monday
night az the Official meeting. the board refused to
NIX his 'iary. stating that they would do nothing
until the arrival OF the bishop, who is expected
this week As stated in The STAR Yesterday Dr.
Steven5OnS place at Cambridge, Md, has been
0lled AMI he is still here.