New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-02-24
DIR. NEWMAN ~ GETHSEMINE.

TIE TRUSTEES REFUSE THE CHURCH BUILDING
FOR THE COUNCIL
This is nv Gethscmane, said the Rev. Dr.
J. T. Newman to n member OF his church rs he left me
pulpit last Sunday. TO reporters the minister denies
that he worried by the trouble in BIZ congregations or
that he fears result Of tho council called 10y the
opposon party. The trustees held meeting last night
for tho purpose OF replying to the request Of the
rtee for permission to hold the council In the church
building. j. :. Cooley moved the adoption of tho
following letter as their reply
Whereas You declined the honorable offer made by
your four brother dedcOna to hold muti c"uhch 10
adjust the supposed difficulties; and
Whereas. You had previously refused Ike peacrini
offer from the brethren 10 refer oil sc differences
OF opinion TO joint meeting Oh the Board OF trustees ana
the Board OF Dcacons; and ,,, -, IT,,
Whereas. In public meeting held In the Harvard
Rooms on the 1ith INST, you decided In advance the
same questions winch you low Intend to submit to the
proposed council; AID
Wueas The council you have called will be eX-parte;
whereas In the deliberations OF this council the pew
holders will have no voice on questions wherein thoy
have vested rights; therefore
RcSoIced We are constrained by official respon-
sibility not to grant your request,
Mr. Hopkins opposed the adoption ol the letter lie
dolnurrcd 10 the phrase, "naginaty troubles"
Mr. Seynour-They imaginary your side.
NJ uopkns-It 4, StranSe Proee9GinS TO c6cu1e any
Of the members OF the cHui+a from , c.ch Ii
that thel have rSht 10 use the chrch lot hodng
meetings The request made OF you ia "a dignlhed
aud respectful manner. Legally you may have the right
close the doors Of the church against Ne but morally
YOU 60 beyond your duties as trustees In refusing us tho
use OF the Chuich
Mr. Nicoll5 said that he thought nothing couGbo
gained by council, and that its powers were merely
advisory. lie had always believed the Ranncy party
were the wrong. and was proceeding to give his
reasons when Mr. Hopkins interrupted him to object to
the term Rauuey party" lie said that Dr. Ranney had
taken the initiative merely because he was the senior
deacon hut had acted throughout in concert with
others He was the originator OF tho movement ana
those who agreed with him were not merely his
shadows" -,
The letter was adopted after Mr.. Hopkins had failed
to obtain "A second for amendment and n counter
motion Mr.. Cooley moved that an assistant clerk bo
gouDned 10 govern the church book, and furnish list
al ilc pcw holders ana pew OHncrs ana the amounts
tlrV had paid I'm pew rents and assessments since Dr.
Newman became pastor OF the church The motion was
oG,ptcd and {. a. Y. Ward appointed. Mr..
Hopkins also wanted permission to examine the clurrn
books Mr.. Seymour, the treasurer insisted that the
books should leave his hands adding II Mr.. Hopkins
wanted cXamine them hc would have to do 20 in his
presence and that IN ne would nave 10 wait
until the accountant clerk had concluded his laOOrs
The other trustees sustained Mr.. Seymour.
There were many Of the anii-NeTman party OF
church party " they wish 10 be called nj Or.
I.auncy'> house. Deacon Cummings SAID tho council
Tond nly Doc hold March II, and that tue OF
other church buildings could he obtained for that
nt