The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-05-29
ELOPED WITH A MINISTER.
Rev. HOoPer's Religious and MARTA
Record

Rev. HOoPers Religious and Marital
| Record.
New York special: The Rev. John T.
Hooper. pastor of the North New York
/ Congregational church IN Mott Haven.
eloped on Friday with Miss Mary Curtiss,
19 years old, daughter OF Charles Curfiss,
vice-principal of the public school on l46th
street. Mrs. CuTtiss, Mary's mother. re-
ceiyed letter from her daughter on Satur-
day night dated at Union Hill, y. j., an
nOuncing that she had been married 10
Hooper. The elopement has created great
excitement in the church parish Mr.
Hooper was called from Kingston, Y. Y
70 the pastOrate Of ST. Paurs reformed
church, Mott Haven. in January, Isss. Tie
accepted the call, and from the Hrst his
actions created no small amount of gossip.
He Is gOOd-loOking and suRve, how
ever, and seemed TO be popular
with the younger element in his church.
Within a few months after assuming
charge of ST. Pauls, HOopeT's wife who
had left HIM some time previously, began
proceedings against him IN California and
won her suit, 10 which Hooper made no
defense He went TO California at the time.
however, TO place himself within the igris-
dietion of the court granting the decree.
aud thus prevent himself from again mar
rylng. Wien he returned 10 Mott Haven.
he found that gossipS' tongues had been in
dustriOusly wagging during his absence,
and that in consequence his reputation had
suffered. Mrs. Curtiss, with whom he
boarded. requested him 90 tnd another
home, but he declined 10 move, so Mrs.
Curtiss said yesterday. until she actually
ordered him out OF the house.
In explaining her course yesterday, Mrs
Curtiss said that she did not think llOopef's
actions had been such as might have been
expected OF clergyman, and she did not
like his attentions 10 her daughter. After
Mr.. Hooper left the house he continued to
call on the daughter until refused admit
tance by her parents. After that he usrd
TO meet her in the morning and accompany
her down TO the normal college, where she
was student, returning with her In the
afternoon. The girl is pretty blonde and
the minister tall, dark and we'll formed
man OF 30. The couple attracted attention
and their eIandestine meetings suOn came
TO the ears of Miss Curtiss' parents, who
were unable TO prevent them.
In December last the gossip about
Hooper had Ueeome 50 strong that the
church was obliged to take cOgDiZabce of
il. lie was arraigned before the coasis-
tory on the charge Of lying and uf other
Odenses- He was convicted but refused tu
resign as requested and an appeal was
taken As a result of the appeal Hooper
was suspended. He had in the cOngrega-
tiOn, however. large number OF friends
who believed that ne was being prosecuted.
When he proposed. therefore, The est4l'-
lishment of an Independent church bis
followers gave the appearance Of ccess
TO the project at the outset ST. PauPs con
gTegation was divided and the troubles iu
the parish have been notorious ever since
Mrs. CuTtiss determined tp take her
daughter Mary from the city, and called
for her by appointment Al the college az .
O'Clock Friday afternoon. Her daughter
was not there sDd a hasiy Investigation
showed that Hooper was also away Al
though the conclusion that there had been
an eiODement WAS natural. Mr.. Curti-s
suffered greatly until her suspene was r.
Iieved hy her daughters letter. 4 meeting
Of the North New York Congregational
church, as the Hooper faction Of 81. Paurs
was called, has been announced f0r Thurs
day night next, when il is probable that
Hooper will be dismissed ST. Paufs has
never taken any other action IN has case
subsequent 20 his SUSPENSION.