National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-05-10
THE ASCENSION PARISH.
Mr.. Corcoran Resigns from the Vestry-
what rro tfua rN,n.. fo. A. s,t,,.,t,

Mr.. Corcoran Resigns from the Vestry-
what He Has Done for the Church.
Mr.. W. W. Corcoran has rendered his
resignation as member Of the Ascension
Church vestry, not being In accord with
the members Of that body, and positively
refusing to serve. When the contest be-
tween the rector and majority Of the old
yestry was going on Mr.. Corcoran was
counted, In the REPUBLICANS statement,
with the majority, which was denied by the
rector and minority. This recent action OF
the gentleman speaks for Itself, and decides
without further bubble where Mr.. Cor
coran stood In the fight in the church. In
his letter Mr.. Corcoran takes occasion to
give his views In regard TO the church diff
ferences, and expressing the opinion that
the result Of the last Easter election has
only been to foment disoord and
work to the injury OF the parish. He
does not wish to be a participant in It and,
therefore, sewers his connection, once aud
for all, with the vestry recently chosen.
The announcement that Mr.. Corcoran had
rendered his resignation camo with aston
lshment TO some OF the members OF the
church, more especially those who hal
sided with the rector, as many Of them had
been assured--some, II is said, by the rector
himself-that Mr.. Corcoran was on their
side and did not desire the resignation OF
DIR. Elliott from the rectorship. On the
other hand, the majority Of the old vestry
were equally as positive that the course pur-
sued by them was Endorsed by Mr.. Corcoran.
This confidence came from the fact that Mr..
Corcoran was not only conversant with every
move made by the vestry, but was consulted
repeatedly before any action was taken.
1t is further known as fact that the state
ment published by the vestry was withheld
from the public for some time at Mr.. Cor
coran's request--not that he did not unite
In the statement, but ho was for peace In
the church, and asked that 1t be held back
until he could make personal effort to
settle the matter quietly and satisfactorily,
III possible. In furtherance OF this object
he invited a number Of gentlemen to HIS
house, among the number the rector Of the
church, and at that interview sought to end
the controversy, but failed, because the
principal purpose Of the meeting could not
be accomplished. Ascend effort, attended
with like results, was made by Mr.. Cor
coran, and after the two failures Mr..
Corcoran withdrew all objection TO the pub
lication Of the vestry's statement, and
united in It, nlthoughit was published with
out signatures.
After the recent election, when Messrs.
Corcoran and Davis, OF the old majority,
were the only oues kept In the vestry, IL
was intimated that they would not larry
long, and, as both gentlemen have resigned,
the surmises proved correct. BY the vote
the parishioners indicated their wish for a
change, and, US they could elect only
four, and did It, the other two Of the six
have now withdrawn and left the new body
| to manage the affairs OF the church In their
| own way. 1t is evident that Mr.. Corcoran,
| In his letter, must have expressed himself
| pretty strongly, as the vestry has selected q
special committee to prepare their reply.
H.. H.. AaA NI.W..aa 10.
| Corcoran takes from II one OF It's strongest
and most steadfast supporters, and bis
absence is likely TO be felt in moro ways
than one. He came into the church at the
time the late Bishop Pinkney was the rec
tor, and between them there grew up a
close friendship, which existed down 10
the death Of the beloved bishop. Uniting
with others In the wish to see better and
moro suitable house Of worship, he not only
presented the ground upon which the beau
tisul ediflce now stands, but gave largely
toward the erection and completion of that
structure, and only short time since gave
$4,000 more toward liquidating the balance
of the church debt, and the old vestry be-
fore their retirement had the pleasure OF
seeing that debt completely paid. II
is no exaggeration to say that Mr.
Ascension parish in the many donations
made by him, and 1t is also safe to say that
the parish in the future will miss the gen
eroslty of this great philanthropist aud the
support received from his hands. IL is moi
known at present whether Mr.. Corcorar
will return to st. Johns Church, but the
impression prevails that he is more likely tC
renew his relations with that church thar
90 anywhere else.
1t has been stated that some of the mem
bers Of the new vestry are not as wei
pleased with the situation before them a
they might be, and are not altogether con
tent to assume the responsibilities they mus
II they remain in the body. Members o.
the old vestry at different times pledged
their personal security TO raise funds will
which to meet pressing debts OF the church
and II was not an uncommon occurrence To-
them to go down into their own pockets
and get money to cancel bills against tn,
| church,