Morris tribune., 1883-06-30
PUGILISTIC PARSONS.

Two Ministers of Hartford, CT, Have a Des-
perate Fight, Fall into IA BaptismaI Font
and Each Attempts to Drown the Other.
HARTFORD, CT, Special Telegram, June z
Rev. Dr. Parker and the Rev. Mr.. Everts in
dulged in fierce fight in the baptsmal font
of the South Baptist church Sunday after
noon. Fol q long time Congregations lism
has been striving to capture the church.
Rev. Mr. Everts is pastor Of the much coveted
prize, while Rev DR.. Parker is the leader of Con-
gregationalism. 1t seems that DR.. Parker con-
ceiYed the purpose Of baptizing score or more
of young children in the baptstry of the South
Baptist procession was formed. At the
head Of the procession was double quartz
led by hand organ which had recently
been repaired ut considerable cost Be-
sides nearly 200 children in the procession,
there were fully that number of adults, mon
and women, mostly the parents of the children.
The procession entered and took possession,
BY this time the sacristan had notified
Rev. Mr.. EVerts, who quickly sent for the dea-
cons Meanwhile Rev. DIR. Parker and his
crowd had turned on the water, which
used for Daptisms Children were be-
ing .tprepared for receiving the rite and
Rev. Dr. Parker was excitedly spurring on his
followers in what he called a battle for con-
gregationallsm Presently Rev Mr.. Everts
arrived followed by his deacons. He protested
with Rev. Parker against the outrageous
intrusion, but the reverend doctor simply re.
piled that he was determined to finish
what he had come to do. Before the
great tank had filled, the spacious edi-
flee was resoundng with Inquiries,
protestatinns and recrimnations. The invad-
ing party could not be persuaded to leave.
While tho women and elders of the two con-
gregations were
MAKING PANDEMONIUM
of the place, the two ministers carried on
bitter war of words between themselves, Dr.
Parker proceeding all the while with baphz-
with blanched faces aud forms
that shook with fright Suddenly
a struggle between the two sides broke out in
earnest An indescribable scrimmase took
place. The shrieks of the children, the wall
ings of infants and the implorings Of women
mingled with the angry cries of pastors and
officers of the contendlng congregation. Many
women tainted, and many had their
Sunday clothes almost torn Oft them.
Dr. Parker and Mr.. Evarts had
terrible struggle. They beat each other
and tore each others hair frightfully, and final
ly fell into the immense tank, firmly grasplng
each other. Each slrove to drown the other.
So busy were the other fighters that they
could not observe the accident that happened
to their pastors. Some Of the peace makers
turned their attention to the struggling pastors
1t was found impossible to tear them apart, so
they were taken out, locked in fierce
embrace, and both unconscious. They were
finally separated, though they chung to each
other with the tenaclty of drowning men,
and resuscitated After a little talking the
ministers were reconciled, and it was source
of great rejoicing to the Baptiss that Dr.
Parker had been completely immersed That
several were not killed i'll the fearful strug-
gle is miracle. Many are confined
to their bed from the effect of fright Both
clergymen are in sad condition mentally and
physically The unfortunate affair has scan
dalized the whole Christian community.