Morning journal and courier., 1884-01-21
A. MI E. Bethel Church.

The Members Refuse to Submit to the
 DIctatIOn of Bishop RrOwn-A State
 lnent of Grievances.
 The following statement was written by 8 member of Bethel church and represents, he states, the feelings of majority of the mem- bership of that church, official brethren in- cluded, on the subject of the church's re- cent difficulties which have attracted so much attention.
 The Sperry St. Bethel A. M. E. church. been very unjustly treated by the preachers and bishop of the African Methodist Episco- pal denomination, of which they are claimed as members. This society has experienced grievances too numerous to mention. A growing dissatisfaction has prevailed ever since the days of Rev. MT. Chambers, and af- ter their trouble with him ended. When Rev. Chambers took charge his administration was so injudicious that Bishop Brown was com pelled to remove him in August, 1883. Learn- ing that the congregation was without pas toral supervision, or a place to wor- ship in he was acquainted with the fact, which he refused, or neglected. After waiting a reasonable time the trustees and society devised plan in order to complete the basement to worship God in under their own vine and fig tree. After this was accomplished the society au- thorized the trustees to engage 8 minister. Rev. T. H. Johnson of Orange, N. J., was called finally and he resigned his charge and accepted the call. Just as everything was becoming cheerful and pleasant, we say T1 f0p fha frck T Johnson preached we raised ($26O) two huD- dred and sixty dollars. Then the trouble commenced and Rev. Mir. J. B. Stansbury came to New Haven claiming the authority to to take charge. Nothing had been heard from the bishop yet by the church. How ever, this reverend gentleman was politely in- formed that the congregation had minister for three months to fill the vacancy. To this he replied. 1T must do my duty" This has greatly perplexed the society. Not as messenger of peace, but as disturber has he come. The people are poor and have no money to throw away. Much anxiety is felt regarding their property. It is all they have as society. What will become of them if it is disturbed? Their giving in every case has been from very slender means. Instances of real sacrifices have come to our knowledge What have these people done? They are good citizens and the most of them are con- sistent Christians. Why should this man, who seems bent on their destruction, be allowed to disturb them? The society did just what Bethel church did in Philadelphia in 1787, when Bishop Asbury re- piled, i've will not serve you on such terms" and the Methodist preachers, travelling and local, refused to preach to them, but after they built house of worship for themselves, Elder c. $. demanded the keys of the house, with the books and papers belonging thereto, telling them that the house was not theirs, but belonged 10 the Methodist conference. After this one John Emery, the elder of the academy, published a circular letter in which they were disowned by the Methodists Not withstanding this, one Robert R. Roberts, pastor of St. Georges church, in sisted on preaching 10 them and taking the spiritual charge. He was told he should come to some terms with the trustees. And to this he answered: did not come to consult with Richard Allen nor the trustees, but will preach to the congregation next Sunday. He attempted in forcible manner to do so, but was ejected. He then applied to the Supreme court for writ of mandamus to know why the pulpit was denied him, being an elder. This brought on lawsuit which ended in favor of Bethel church. When may we hope to bs free from this tyranny. The love of 8 free church and the desire to see our people elevated in true senss ought to awaken deep sympathy in their behalf