Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-17
THE ASCENSION CHURCH TROUBLE.
A Statement BY Messrs. McCammOn
and Pratt, vestrymen.

A Statement BY Messrs. McCamm0n
and Pratt. vestrymen.
WHAT THE PRESENT RECTOR HAS DOME FOR
ADvANcENENT or THE CHURCH INTER
EsTs.
statement has Just been issued by Messrs.
Joseph K. McCammon and A. s. Pratt, vestry-
men OF Ascension church, In reference to the
pending controversy in that church In relation
TO the rector, Rev. J. n. Elliott, in which they
say that this IL not q question between the
clergy and laity, as the large majority Of the
pew-holders GOA out Of 124, exclusive of the
vestry), with q minority of the vestry and
every one Of the many organizations in the
parish are on the side Of the rector.
THE FINANCES OF THE PARISH.
A statement is given of the total contribu-
tons for number Of years before January,
1S7S,when DR.. Elliot came to the church as as
sociate rector and for each year since that date.
Elliott came to the church was $40, O25. 90, and
the grand total for the thirteen years OF his SER
ns or ss ss
largest amount reported by any parish In the
diocese apart from the clergymanss salary.
Haighs. OF New York, in November ' or Deem I'M.
Der, 1872, and asking him to recommend o suit
aoae person as assistant says of the condition Of
Inc parish: ITO endeapo- to sdpe Ascension,
found 1t necessary to consent to give them all Of
s my rest II they would give me an able as
BISHOP PINKNEY's OPINION.
In his annual address to the convention OF
the diocease, read May 9th, 1874. Bishop
Pinkney spoke thus Of his associate, the present
rector of the parish: "Under the very wise and
energetic administration of the assistant rec
tor, the Rev. DR.. Elliott, the new church Is pro-
crossing hnely: His many great qualities OF
mind and heart fit him most eminently for an
enterprise SO vast in its proportions. His pres
him is that of father tor his son, and sons for
more worthy father. His steady courage has
stimulated the congregation when the heart of
the boldest was waxing faint, while his stirring
eloquence rung the charge along the line, Let
us rise up and build A congregation never re-
sponded more nobly to the loving heart OF q
pastor, or gave more freely OF their substance.
Inc credit OF the work Is due to him; and 1t
gives me unqualified pleasure to make this pub
grateful love for his sympathy; aud rejoice to
know that he far more than supplies my defici-
encies and lack Of labor"
referring to Ascension: "This parish has reduced
It's debt and the interest on the mortgage. 1t
VIII soon own very neat parsonage with only
omitted from his statement When it is
remembered that when this is paid $1SO.O00
Will have been raised and paid in few years,
we shall see that bright record has been made
through the energy and wise administration
OF Its gifted associate rector, Rev. Dr. Elliott"
sELF-DENYING LABoRs OF TIE RECTOR.
Figures are given showing the rapid reduc-
ton OF the debt under DR.. ElliOtt's rectOrship,
and the bishop is quoted as saying in his con-
ventfon address Of the reduction between 1878
and 1883: This congregation has paid in the
last few months $40, 900 on its mortgage. Moth
ing more need be said of the selfdenying labors
OF It's accomplished and most able assistant
rector.
AS to the reduction in 1885, the Ladies asso-
passed resolutions Of thanks to Dr. Elliott "tor
his faithful and unremitting exertions in be-
half OF this parish, more particularly as con-
nected with the extinguishment Oh the debt
1t seems incredible, Messrs. Pratt and Mccain
mon say, that lack OF financial success should
be charged against the rector. the income Of
largest In the church's history, and the receipts
for the last quarter, 81, 143.1S the largest Tor
any quarter. The growth of the parish in COM
in 1885.
THE WORK IN THE PARISH.
The paper then shows the number Of new
organizations introduced by DIR. Elliott. He
found the ladies' association and the Pinkney
scholarship already existing. Under the ladies'
association he has organized the relief commit
tee, the decoration committee, the industrial
school, missionary committee. mothers mis-
grounds. He has organized st. Marks Friendly
league, for young people, with membership
Of 157, divided into the chapters OF Faith,
Mercy, Praise, Charity, Perseverance, Welcome,
Hope, knowledge. Total amount OF work,
S1,OS1.S7. he has also organized the mission
10 deaf mutes, the Girls Friendly society, and
added to the parish st. PEERS mission s. s. for
coiored children, and the society for interces-
sorry prayer.
Facts are given to show in what estimation
the rector is held outside the parish, and the
statement concludes: How can We better char
acteriZe the administration Of our present rec
tor than by inviting close scrutiny OF the facts
bearing upon the past and present condition OF
the PARISH as we nave set them forth? They
show an extraordinary degree of faithfulneSs in
the spiritual ministrat.ons OF the church, a
rapid financial progress uneQuailed for the
same number of years Ia the diocese, a steady
growth OF the parish and an awakening and
spiritual and material success the rector has
been asked to resign by majority of the vestry,
and subsequently resolutions were introduced
at a vestry meeting which threatened him with
dismissal"