Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-10-04
AMBITIONS VICTIMS.
THE RUPTURE BETWERN DIR.
LkONSRD AND MS CHURCB.


Said to be Widening bay by Day what
Ono of tho Omcsrs Has 10 say About tho
Ma,ter-A Direct violation Of the Pledge
Dr. Leonard Gave His Church.
DR.. Leonard spoke last night at Youngs-
town and this morning is TO deliver at the
Methodist church Of that city one OF his half
political, half religious discourses, to further
advance his cause and boost him along
toward the Will o the Wisp he is so arden,ly
following in the political marshes.
In the meantime there is rupture which
is growing wider each day in the reverend
gentlemans own church, and 1t is assuming
such proportions as to warrant the presump-
ton that it will, in very short time,
engulf what may be left of the doctor after
election. All is by no means lovely among
his own, and should Mr.. Leonard return even
now and apply his most winning aud win
some methods be could not renew the bonds
OF love which his own "bull-headedness' Ito
quote one OF the church comnttee) has torn
apart. The facts as alleged by prominent
officers Of his church are in substance that:
|. DR.. Leonard has msliciously, willtully
| aud cruelty violated his most solemn and sa-
cred duties toward his own congregation.
2. He has been absent from his accustomed
place at prayer meeting and in the pulpit
without even consulting the committee.
}. While he voluntarily agreed that il
be went into the campaign he would
not make more than q half dozen
speeches, he has, 10 utter disregard Of this
pledge, been continuously making stump
speeches and public addresses.
4. While he stated that he would not steu
down out OF the pulpit to accept any Office in
the gift of the people" he has deliberately lef,
his pulpit and his dictatorship of the prayer
meeting TO advance his personal interests in
running the Republican party.
3. He has himself sacrificed every tie
which biuds together pastor and his people
and can never return to his pulpit and ., each
the true gospel OF Christ, and Him crucifed,
and expect his people to have absolute conf
dence in his integrity of purpose.
| The above is terrible ar
ragnment of pastor by the chief
ones OF his own church leaders. but such
are the facts as detsiled to the GLoBr-REPuB-
Lie by as prominenta member as is connected
with the official board of DR.. Leonsrd's
church, and the gentleman stands ready to
verify every charge. He further states tina,
the doctor seems to bsve utterly lost all inter.
est IN his church, aud is so wholely wrapped
up in bis political work that the Central
church is practically psstoress, and the peo-
pie have been so abused that the msjority
care little whether DR.. Leonard returns or
not.
Further inquiry among the church men,
bers proves that the above expression
fairly illustrates the general sentiment OF the
congregation. One member of the board
went still further and said, 1--WE don't want
him again. Anv other church that does is
| welcome to him"
1t is therefore evident that the Rev. Dr.
Leonard, after election, will find bis political
work done. his church work demoralzed and
An incorporating coolness between him.
sell and those who should be his warmes,
friends and supporters.