Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-06-30
FIsrIcUrFs IN CHURCH.
Revs. Rverts and Parker, of Hart
ford, Conn, Assault Each
Other,
Fall Into the BaptismaI FOunt,
and Fight Fiercely I'm
she Water.

chicago News Special.
HARTFORD, Conn, June 26.-ThC
Rev. DR.. Parker and the Rev. Mr.
Everts INDUCED in 3 fierce fight il
the baptismsl iount of the South Bap.
| list church Sunday afternoon. For 9
long time Congregationalism had beer
striving to capture the church. The
Rev. Mr.. Eyerts is pastor Of the
much coveted prize, while the Rev
DR.. Parker is the leader of Congre-
gationalism 1t seems that DR.. Par
ker conceived the purpose of bap-
tizing a score or two OF children in
the baptistry of the South Baptist.
lie was possessed Of this notion as his
solemn duty, and he accordingly be-
guiled large number OF his parish
toner's and their children into his
scheme. 1t was decided that it
should be carried into effect at three
o'clock Sunday afternoon. At the
appointed hour q procession was
formed. At the head of the process
sion was q double quartet, led BY a
hand organ, which had recently been
repaired at considerable cost. Besides
nearly 200 children in procession,
there was fully that number Of adults,
men and women, mostly parents of the
children.
Arrived at the church, the doors of
which we're unlocked, the procession
entered aAd took possession. By this
time the ssoristan had notified the
Rev. Mr.. Everts, who quickly sent
for, the deacons. Meanwhile, the
Rev. DR., Parker and his crowd had
turned on the water which was rapidly
filling the great tank used for baptism.
Children were being prepared to re.
ceive the rite, and the Rev. DR. Parker
was excitedly squirting on his follow
ers in what he called battle of Con-
gregationalism.
Presently the Rev. Mr.. Everts ar.
rived, followed by the deacons. He
protested to DR.. Parker against the
outrageous intrusion, but the rever-
end Doctor simply replied that he was
determined to finish what he had
come to do. Before the great tank
had filed, the spacious edifce was re-
sounding with inquiries, protestations
and recriminations. Ranged around
the baptistry we're the children whom
DR., Parker had now begun to baptize.
The invading party could not be
persuaded to leave. 1t became pain
lully evident that a fierce strife was to
take place. While the women and
elders of the two congregations were
making pandemonium of the place,
the two ministers carried on bitter
war Of words between themselves,
DR. Parker proceeding all the while
with baptizing the children who
stood about with blanched faces and
forms that shook with fright.
Suddenly struggle between tie
two sides broke out in earnest. An
indescribable scrimmage teok place.
The shrieks of children, the wailing
of infants and the implorinRs Of
women, mingled with the angry cries
of pastors and officers of the contend
ing congregations. Many women
tainted, and many had their Sunday
clothes almost torn off them.
DR.. Parker and Mr.. Everts had a
terrible struggle. They beat each
other and tore each others hair
frightfully, and finally fell into the
immense tank, firmly grasping each
other. Each strove to drown the
other. So busy we're the other
fighters that they could not observe
the accident that happened to their
pastors.
Policemen could not be found, but
few sober minded men of either
parish combined to restore order. By
this time the mad fight in the tank
was discovered, and some of the peace
makers turned their attention to the
struggling pastors. 1t was found i'm
possible to tear them apart, so they
were taken out locked in fierce en-
brace and both unconscious. They
were finally separated-though they
chung to each other with the tenacity
OF drowning men-and resuscitated.
After little talking, the ministers
were reconciled, and it was a source of
great rejoicing to the Baptists that
DR.. Parker had been completely i'm.
mersed.
A sad rumOr prevailed that several
of the young children were drowned
In the bapistry, but a careful search of
the premises discovered no bodies.
That several we're net killed in the
fearful struggle is miracle. MANY
are confined to their beds from the eff
iects Of fright. Both clergymen are
In a sad condition, mentally and ply
sically. The unfortunate affair has
scandalized the whole Christian com.
munity.