New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-09-03
ADVENTURES OF Il BAPTIST MINISTER
HE is COMPELLED FOR VARIOUS REASONS TO GIVE
UP PREACHING IN TWO CITIES.
IBT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRfRtxur


UP PREACHING IN TWO CITIES.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuxAI
PIrIsBURG, Sept. 2.--JOhn Adams, u respected cit
izen Of the south side prominent Odd Fellow and a
member Of the Union Baptist Church. two years ago
discovered intimacy between his daughter Alice
teacher la the pabc schools and his pastor the Rev
William Hildreth u. d., married man. The latter
was elected from the Adams house, and he had Mr.
Adams expelled from church on the charge Of non
payment of dues. The Odd Fellow Lodge OF which
Adams was member then began an investigation,
during which the real Of Adanss dis nssal from
church became apparent The church authorities were
duly informed, and Hildreth compelled TO resign
He left the city and about the same time the Adams
girl disappeared. The scandal had almost been for.
gotten hen about week ago was learned that the
Baptist Ministerial Association of Cleveland bad sent
letters TO this city addressed 10 Baptist cerg ask
ing for Hdreth's record. From the Rev. George f.
Stokes of the Superior Street Baptist Church in Ceye
land, Hildreths career in that city learned Last
spring the Rev. DIR. Stephens Baptist minister of
Cleveland read in the papers Of the evangelical work
being conducted IN neighbOTing towns by Hildreth
and he engaged for two weeks and protracted
meeting at Mr. Stephens church. On the second
night, young woman who was introduced rs Miss
WilmOst q cousin accompanied Hildretli to church
The next time the young, woman was introd need "a
Miss Adams, a cousin. Hildreth received 800 for
his two weeks r,yival work.
He was next engage by the First Baptist Church
and held successful revival meetings there He then
went to the Rev. Mr. Stokess cl urcb The latter
states that fdreth always evnded questions about bis
home. and seemed anxious that of his religious
acquaintance should visit him. One day this summer
while riding through Scovilleave In an open street
car. Mr.. Stokes saw Ildreth seated In little candy
store Stokes then supposed that Hidreths poor sur
roundings had prompted him not TO diyuge his home
few days later Mr.. Stokes met Scoye ave butcher
who told him that after preaching Sunday mornings
Hldreth sold candy, tobacco, and even scan ialons
pictorial sheets in the afternoon. For the Sunday fol
lowing this discovery Hdretb had been announced 10
preach in the First Street Baptist Church he also had
call to 20 to East Saginaw, Mich, the following week
for missionary work. The Rev. Mr.. Maxom pastor of
the First Street Church, warned by Mr. Stokes
and In turn the deacons were instructed 10 eject
Hldreth in case he attempted to preach. Through
some Misunderstanding the order not obeyed and
fIildretb preached boh morning and evening The
next day Hildretb was confronted with the charge
against him. He offered TO prove that the woman with
whom he lived his sister, but left Cleveland for
East Saginaw before his promise had been fulfilled He
was followed by the woman
Hildreth still refused explanation and trial vas
begun in the First Baptist Church In the latter part OF
July. The leading Baptist ministers of Cleveland
were present Hildreth In q speech lasting one bour
and half failed TO prove his innocence. As a result
eight charges against him signed by nine ministers
drawn up, and aferward promulgated in circular
form. Hidreth Is in Detroit In company with
Miss Adams He had been appointed pastor OF an East
Saginaw church. but the charges were forwardec 10 the
deacons who quietly demanded resignation.