The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-08-05
ELDER MORTON'S CONGREGATION.
A Row Caused by the Fractional Strife Arising
from His Trouble with Member.

Mount Zion Baptist colored congrega-
ton, whose church is on the corner of Rail-
road and Second streets, is undergoing a
general disturbance. The trouble origi-
mated one day last week, when John Bart
lett was arrested and slated at the police
station for carrying and drawing a
revolver on his pastor, Elder Morton.
Bartlett's story to Journal reporter at
the time was that Morton had made insult
ing remarks to his wife during his absence,
for which he sought an explanation from
the minister. According to the charges
made. Morton called at Bartlett's residence
and requested his wife to contribute some
thing toward the support of his church.
Il have nothing to give yOu." said Mrs.
Bartlett.
But you can surely give something" in
sisted Mr. Morton. according to the story.
mo; have no money to give, and know
of nothing else that you would want"
At this remark, Mr.. Bartlett claimed, Nor
ton assaulted the woman. Mrs. Bartlett. it
seems, was advised by her friends to keep
the facts from her bus band. lest the knowl-
edge would lead him to course of action
which he and his wife would re-
greet. She kept the matter secret for
three weeks, but finally informed him of
the minister's action. Bartlett at once
started in search of Morton, and met him
w
the pastor denied the charges the woman
made. Their words attracted the attention
of the residents in the vicinity, and Bart
lett. was arrested. Although he denied
having drawn revolver upon Morton,
Mayor Denny fined him for carrying con-
cealed weapons. In the meantime charges
were preferred by members of the cOngrega-
ton against the pastor to the effect that he
had once or twice been under the influence
of liquor. 1t seems that the Bart
ln4A ntsr La -
Indignation of some of the members of the
church, and factions arose. Saturday
charges of embezZlement were brought
against the pastor by some of the laymen
in Squire Smokes court it being claimed
that he was in possession of $50 of the
church's money and subscription book to
which he had no right. The case has been
set for hearing to-day.
Yesterday the ill-feeling eliminated in a
genuine church row. In the morning,
preached. but after the night sermon he re-
quested his congregation to keep their
seats, as, he said, there were some resolu-
tiOns To be offered. The trustees of the
church are In favor of the actions now pend
ing in court, while the majority of the
deacons are upholding the pastor. The lat
ter offered resolutions cOndemning the
steps that had been taken to throw a
shadow over the Elders name before the
public. and asked that the name of the
cUufcu Dt taken ITOlu Tile cOulpla10t. ne
pastor attempted to make an explana-
tion in which he denied having taken
any of the church's money or that he had
the subscription book. His remarks were
cut short, however, by several of the con-
gregation who clamored loudly for an OPP
pOrtunity to voice their sentiments. An at.
tempt was made to have minority report
by the trustees, which was ruled out by
the pastor. For a short time the
widest confusion ensued, two Of the lay,
men threatening to settle their dispute by
blows Henry c. Turner, an anti-Mort0n
man, objected to the proceedings on the
ground that such a matter should not be
brought before the congregation in public
service, but he, too, was ruled out of order
and requested to take his seat. After
endea vOring in vain to quiet his
people Elder Morton called for a standing
vote to signify to what extent he might ex-
pect the support of his people. This appeal
to church loyalty brought nearly all mem.
beers to their feet The discussion was
given new life by this declaration of senti.
ment, and, after endeavOring in vain to
quiet his congregation, the pastor dis.
missed the meeting without the benedic.
ton.