Richmond planet., 1885-02-21
OUR NEW YORK LETTER.
From the Great MetrOpOlis-The
Church TrOuble-PersOnals, Press
Club.

New York, Feb. II, 1884.
1t is still the belief that some mystery is
connected q with burning of the Abysinia
| Baptist Church. The fire broke out in th..
middle portion of the basement of the
| church while Mrs G prme was busy in the
npper portion of the building Mrs.
Gorme is the daughter of R.v VIM Spell.
man, the pastor of the church and is ian-
tIess of the church. As soon as she dis
covered the flames she did all she conJd to
| tXtlnguish them but all in vain. When
the tirGmen arrived the flames had made
way through the roof, but the flames soon
became under control and was extinpuish-
'd. The fire broke ont three times in lesS
than twenty four hours. Some time ago
adlSpute arose in the church that led to
The arrest of deacon Harris and created
division in the church. A portion on Rev.
Spellman's side and a portion on deacon
IL 'rris'. Deacon Harris was taken to the
Court; complaint made by the Rev.
Spellman and his followers, of disturbing
he meeting of the church. Brother Har,
lis was released on bonds to keep the
peace, but it was said that the followers
of deacon Harris would be revenged for
his arrest if they had to burn the church
down. Many think that the difficulty led
to the burning of the Church. Watchmen
had to be put to watch the church to save
ii from total destruction: the damages was
fully covered by the American and C1pt&-
mental FIRE lns. cOmpaniee. 1t is th4~a
that the tend will be Ovt rtaken. IL 80
Rev. d. W. "is:,or nas De6tl cUnlf 80 -
his bed for a week he was unable to O. 8
church lnday. ~
Deacon Brown has also been confined to
his bed but is fast improving and it is
hoped he will soon occupy his position in
church.
) turday evening at the residence of Mr. |
w. G. Green, No. Il Mlnnetta ST., and |
elected the f lowing office for the ensuing
rtIms; Mr.. II. G. Washington of, the Pro-
5ressve American, President MIR P. w.
H. Moore, "f the general S aft. Vice Pres
Mr. W G. Green of the E iterprse. S ct
Mr.. w. A Wood of the Richmond PLANET
md Boston Advocate, t easurer. The oD-
ect of this club is to promote social in
ercOurse and friendly feeling among its
members and advances the interest OF the
profession of CDlOred journalism.
Tue n ,tiOnal l. ader was represented
ly Mr.. j. H. Delany. TIE Enterprise by
Ir. w. b. Green. The North Carolina ,
Sentinel by Mr.. C. E. Brown, the Rich ,
nond Planet by Mr. A. n. cambridge and
Ir. w. A. Wood. :
The Boston Advocate by VIM. A. Wood. :
The cluD is making rapid progress and q
vii soon be a grand institution.
PERSONAL
Miss. Sallie Jones who has been spend
ny several weeks with her mother in Z
arrived safe in New 7 YOrk last 4
rtnrday. NJ. Winston West formerly =
Richmond, Va. now of Springfield Mass =
stopping with his friends in Brooklyn y
or a short time. n
Sunday was bad day for pedestrians n
wing to the snow fal Saturday and part -
y thawing Sunday morning. A terrible T
ale of rain and hail blew over New York :.
1onday, Feb. 10th. Many persons could :,
re seen chasing their hats and umbrellas q
lOwn Broadway.
The entertainment consisting of the =,
1Autata and drama, Hay maker ana Har- ,
,est Storm given for the benefit Of the
) ,lored Catholic Church, ST BeneSict the
Moor, at the Chickering Hall f +, 10th, {
vas very great success.
w. A. W.