The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-27
acknowledgement of his error and withdrew

acknowledgement of his error and withdrew
the letter. Soon after
MR.. M'DAvITT RESIGNED THE PRESIDENCY
and ceased to worship in the Cumberland
church. His family and others adopted a
similar course.
Between these contending factions Mr..
p. NJ. Patterson and myself have long
stood as mediators endeavoring to bring
about harmonious adjustment of all diff
ferences, 50 that the church might again
present united 'front.' We have from
time to time proposed arbitration, and
have pledged the minority to abide the
issue, but all such propositions were de-
clined with declaration that our remedy
lay in the church courts.
''Some time in May last, at a church
session,
MR.. J. II. M'DATITT WAS DISMISSED
from his deaconship and church member
ship. This was done without notice to
him and is contrary to all church law.
Mr.. McDavitt will not submit quietly to
such an arbitrary proceeding but will APP
peal to a higher church tribunal, and has
already taken the preliminary steps in
that direction.
''In anticipation of the action OF the
church session, |, together with Mr.. Pat
terson, demonstrated with Mr.. Jones
against such a course, and warned him
that Mr.. McDavtts dismissal would cause
the membership to fly out Of the church
like water from grindstone. His answer
was, Let it fly
"As was anticipated, the dissatisfaction
has increased and is increasing, and as
was identified with those who thought
Mr.. Jones retirement necessary TO peace
and harmony, | also feel under the other
sides ban Of displeasure.
"0n Friday, August II, was surprised
to receive an official document from the
| hands OF a committee composed of Elders
| +. l.. McGowan and Thomas n. Patton,~
in which paper il was charged that had
| assumed an offensive attitude toward the
session and congregation, and had greatly
disturbed the peace of the congregation,
and that unless | made satisfactory ac-
acknowledgements through said committee
II was the intention OF the session TO pre-
sent formal charges against me.
"On the Goth OF this month delivered
my reply in writing to Elders McGowan
and Patton, in which distinctly and posi-
lively denied that had greatly, or 10 any
extent, disturbed the peace OF the session
or congregation. | also stated in said
| BdHSi iOl Ailt tlltlo VI lllt InNIIll
and for the congregation ! had none
but the kindest and most fraternal feelings,
and that for the peace of the church and
! congregation ! was most solicItous and
have done nothing except from a sincere
desire TO preserve and promote that peace.
"lhis answer, in connection with a
verbatim report OF mine and tho commit
tees interview, the committee have not
acknowledged, although it has been in
| their possession for more than n week;
but ms honorable men they must accept
that communication az my answer OF give
mo their reasons in writing i0r declining
20 10 so. That is where the matter stands
now.
,'lIow many contributing members are
now enrolled on the books OF tho
| church p
81 cannot state for the present year, but
in former years il ranged from 100 TO 1885,"
about how many have withdrawn
since the origin OF the troubleY"
About ten or twelve have withdrawn
by lcttor aud there are some thirty or
forty that do not attend public worship"
Before the reporter left, Mr.. Snowden
begged him 10 make IL clear that ho was
cmphatically opposed TO any discussion in
tho church, aud would do anything in his
power 10 bring about n restoration OF har-
mony and good looling, but Is free 10 state
that lac does not consider such a result
possible us long rs Mr. Jones remains
! ulgLDr