Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-12-25
S0URING ON BEECHER.
Rumors That Republicans Are TO
Leave Plymouth Church.
THE PASTORS POSITION IN POLITICS
Seriously DispIeases Certain Members of His
Congregational Large Falling Off
in Pew Rentals Predicted.
EXPENSES TO BE LARGELY REDUCED.

sale Of pews in Plymouth Church will take
place on the first Tuesday in January, and
as the time approaches considerable anxiety
has been developed on the part Of the
church members on account Of a rumor
that several of the wealthy men of the con-
gregation had entered into a combination
by way Of administering singing rebuke
to Mr.. Beecher for his course in the late
presidential election. They intend to
absent themselves at the next pew
renting, and, as they suppose, permit
the revenues of the church to fall so low
that the salary Of the pastor will have to be
reduced One of them said yesterday: Il
did not like Mr.. Beecher' course in the last
Presidential contest, and | made up my
mind that for the future / had rather listen
to some other preacher; that is all there is
OF it. ! have entered into no combination.
| don't know Of any man that has, or otany
combination that has been formed, but do
know and can name at least thirty men,
heads OF families, who heretofore
Bid High Prices for Pews,
who are acting as have been acting
A gentleman very near to Mr. Beecher
said, IN relation to this rumOr: Il don't
think that there has been any combination
in thus matter. | know that there are a
few that are dissatisfied, and that have ab-
sen;ed themselves from the church service
since the canvass and will not rehire their
pews, but know others that have never
hired from the church that are going to do
so next year. One thing do
know, and | have it directly from Mr..
Beecher himself: "It it shall appear that
any considerable number Of the congrega-
ton of Plymouth Church are dis
satisfied with him from any cause and
that this is manifested by decrease in the
revenues at the coming pew renting,
His Resignation
will be in the hands of the trustees the week
after the annual renting, and notice will be
issued to such as have bid Off pews with the
understanding that Mr.. Beecher was to be
the pastor, that they need not pay the prices
which they bid.
What will be the result Of this action"
Either such of US members as Justify Mr..
Bcecher will form for him new church or
he will come to this city, where there are
churches that will receive him with open
arms. Personally know he would be glad
to lay down the work Of the ministry but
he never will do it upon compulsion. Mr..
Beechers salary is $4,000 year and
the expenses Of the two missions are
large in fact almost all of the reyen-
ues Of the church are absorbed by these
three items, so that for the church
proper for several years, thece has
scarce been any funds available. We have
cut down the expense and for repairs to
buildings and in other ways, and if the rev.
enues fall off,
MIR. Beecher's Salary Must BE Reduced"
A prominent insurance agent Of this
city, who has for many years rented one Of
the highest priced pews In the church, said
81 think that Mr.. Beecher By his course has
wrecked Plymouth church most etfectually.
l have heard of combinations Of his friends
to keep the prices Of the pews up, but |
think they will not succeed in doing this.
They are too weak financially, socially and
morally. Have you any idea of the class
of men that are leaving this church just
noWb'
The reporter said that he had not.
"Well, they are the backbone Of the in
stitution, financially speaking, and their
Withdrawal will lessen the revenues OF that
church fully so per cent Mark my words:
The rentals last year were $3l,OOO This
year they will not be over Slj, 900
al ess than the pastors salary
"Less than the pastors salary. Mr..
Beecher has chosen his friesds,
lie Must Take the Consequences"
Money tells, Mr.. Beecher said, when we
relied around him in his time Of trouble,
ard those who approve of his recent course
Will rave an opportunity to manifest their
aI,Ioval at the next pew.renting. Money
tells. thcreis no doubt about that, and we
feel confident that the result will justify US
vio have withdrawn, and place the respon'
81 iI;v OF wrecSing the church where it be,
llro,-upon the pastor