St. Paul daily globe., 1888-05-18
A Sensation That Is Racking
a Church on the West
Side.
Presbyterians Pass Judgment
Upon a Pastors Char
acter.
His Vindication Also EXOnep-
ates the Woman in the
Case.

louder than any man Ill his time. Hence
it is not improbable that the spirit of
Knox pervaded the meeting of the soci-
OF Westminster Presbyterian church,
held last Wednesday evening in the
church, Greenwood avenue and Wini-
fred street.
Just two weeks ago meeting of the
society held at the same place broke up
in disorder, and since then the congre-
CATION has been in the throes of inter-
necine strife. At o'clock last Wednes-
day evening the church held an
audience of about100, big and lit
tie, men, women and children.
The calm that preceded the general
storm that had been brewing for fort
night was of brief duration. The pastor,
Rev. w. ID. Roberts, having been ap-
prised that the faction which was
against him would assail his char
acter, was early on hand. The eX-
preston of his countenance indicated
had first shown his friends that he was
deserving of their united support.
The chairman of the board Of trustees
raped the gathering to order and read
a resolution which had been offered but
not acted upon at the previous meeting.
1t detailed the fact the church was in
debt; that there was no money on hand
to take up note long overdue, and
authorized the trustees to mortgage the
church property to the amount of 1880
and take up the note. Some cross ques-
Huln in fiyo liIrt thn
resolution was adopted without dissent
and the preliminary meeting was de-
clared adjourned.
THE MAIN TROUBLE.
Then the trouble began with the Sc
lection of chairman who would be ac-
ceptable to all factions, to preside over
the congregational meeting into which
the gathering resolved itself without
form or motion. William H. Burns
was nominated, and promptly defeated
by the opposing faction. Another nom
ination was made with similar result
A bevy of girls who, previous to the
meeting had laughed themselves hoarse
in the lobby, voted early and often, and
power in the meeting. James Fow-
Ter was then elected chairman, but
refused to serve. Charles Bovaird also
declined to take the responsibility. 1t
was at this iuncture that Rev. Mr.. Rob-
ertS advanced rapidly to the chancel.
He took hold of the back of
chair that stood near the clerks table
and having established himself firmly
said to his auditors: Having been
elected chairman Of this meeting, [ will
call it to order"
His brief speech struck his opponents
all in heap and gave his friends fresh
DIT cd hn.
Elder Joseph NJ. Hawthorne, leader of
THAT Rev. Mr.. Roberts should want
to be chairman of this meeting aston
iSheS me beyond measure. Moreover.
he has not been elected.
have carefully studied the Presbyterian
digest and the laws of Minnesota, and
can state with authority that the fact
of Mr.. Roberts being pastor of
this church does not make him
chairman eX-officio of this or any other
meeting the congregation may see fit to
call. The principle laid down in the
| Presbyterian digest is that cOngrega-
tions or societies at their meetings, have
| shall preside at such gatherings"
''Elder Hawthorne" said the pastor,
choking down his rising wrath, 'Pm
chairman, and l propose to act as such
until such time as see fit to vacate the
chair, and name some one of you to
| preside temporarily"
Il insist that you should not preside, y
Elder Hawthorne reiterated. 'This
meeting, as is we'll known, will have
business other than the election of eld-
ers and trustees to transact. A vote OF
want of confidence in you as pastor is tC
be proposed, and it is highly indelicatt
| of you to want to preside. That's the
size of the case. What have you to say
to it."
Before Mr.. Roberts could say any
thing some one in the audience proposed
j. n. Wilgus for chairman. Mr.. Wilgu:
said that he had no desire to assume
the chair, as it would prevent him from
participating in the debate that WOul(
surely follow. However, if the meeting
would grant him the privilege of talk
ing when he felt so disposed he WoulC
act as chairman. This was agreed t.
and Nh. Wilgus went to the front. The
meeting then proceeded to the dis
cussion of the momentouS matter Oh
the carpet.
Pastor Roberts was the first to breal
the silence which had fallen upon th'
throng. Advancing to where he coult
look
ALL PRESENT IN THE FACE,
he let the eat out of the bag. He said
he had received from the board of truS
tees communication, purpOrting to b
a summary of the proceedings of meet
ing of the board held last Monday. Tht
communication included the folloWin:
preamble and resolution, which Paste
Roberts read to the meeting:
Whereas, We view with profound regre
the disaffection which has grown up in th
Westminster church between the member
and lis pastor, and deeply deplore the scan
dalous rumors which, being associated wit
the pastors name, have injured his caTee
for usefulness in this Vicinity, and brough
reproach and humility upon the church
therefore, be ii
Resolved, That we, the trustees of tn
Westminster church of ST. Paul, Minn., bt
lleve the harmony and prosperity OF tn
church will he promoted ana the Christia
spirit of peace on earth, good viii to men,
be best subserved by the withdrawal and re:
ignation of Rev. ". d. Roberts as its pastor
When the pastor had finished th
reading of the above, he gave hurrie
glance in the direction of his supporter
and they set up storm of Kisses an,
shouts of deriSion. This evidently wa
to the liking of Mr.. Roberts, for he pre-
ceeded to read the resolution again
with similar result on concluding. TIL
meeting then became veritable bed
lam. Discussion of motion to adOp
the resolution of the trustees as read b.
the pastor developed an interchange o
personalities that at times threatened t
lead to test of physical strength.
j. M. Hawthorne argued that only tn
adults present who were members O
the church and congregation were Ell
titled to a voice in the proceedings. III
was frequently interrupted, and whel
he sat down was roundly Kissed by th
opposition.
Pastor Roberts then took the floor
He said everyone present had the righ
to vote, and. as far as his friends wer
concerned, all would undoubtedly in
sist that they be allowed to express b.
their votes disapprobation of the resC
| l,,4io,, Of tha frttStQac