New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-27
SUICIDE OF A CLERGYMAN.
THE ASSISTANT RECTOR OF ST. PAULS
CHURCH, BALTIMORE, SHOOTS HIMSELF.
CAUSE OF THE RASH ACT-A FRIEND WHO
OWED THE MINISTER MONEY HAD
KILLED HIMSELF FEW
WEEKS AGO.
lBr TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRmUxE.I

BIT TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRBUNEJ
Baltimore, May 26.-The Rev H. Greenfield
Schorr, assistant rector Of St. PauPs Protestant
Episcopal Church, shot and killed himself this
morning Disappointment in love is supposed to
have been the cause Of the suicide. For some time
Mr. Schorr appeared melancholy, oftentimes spend
ing the greater portion Of his time locked up in
his study Whenever he went for his meals at
the Hotel Rcnnet, which is directly opposite St
Psurs House, where hc lived, he always selected
o table in a corner Of the cafe where he would
escape notice. 1t WAS observed by the walters
that he ate little and always seemed in a great
hurry. On Friday he was called upon TO marry
couple from Pennsylvania, and upon that occasion
only did he appear in anything bike good spirits.
After the ceremony he returned TO his room, and
did not 60 out again until yesterday. Last night
he hired cab and was driven 20 the home of
well young lady, who is member OF
St. Paul's Church, TO whom he had been paying
attentions. Ilc found her at home. and had
long and earnest conversation with her. When
he was about 10 leave he became much excited
and repeatedly asked her to marry him, at the
same time eNclaimlng:
/" It's now or never
The young lady became so frightened that she
ran from tho room, while he as suddenly lift the
house and returned 70 his home. After he was
gone tho young lady sent note to the Rev. Dr.
J. S. Is. Hodges, the rector Of ST. Paurs. telling
him OF Mr.. Schorr's strange behavior. DR..
Hodges nc once communicated with the police
authorities. who determined TO phco guard
upon Mr. Schorr. An officer was instructed to
be at TIE vestry entrance 20 ST. Puls this morn
ing ut 7:3O 10 tell Mr. Schorr should hr make
his appearance, thnt his services would not be
required today. Under no circumstances WIS he
20 hc admitted 20 the vcStry room, as DR.. Hodges
feared that in his excited condition he might
commit some breach in the church which would
alarm the congregation. The officer on hand,
but NlE Schorr WAS not 10 be seen.
Aftcr the services DR.. Hodges visited
ST. Ihuls House TO learn Of Mr.
Schorr's condition lie went directly 20 the as
sistnnt rccror's room, and finding the door un-
bolt,d, entered his rap WAS unhcedcd. Stretched
on the bed IN his night shirt, which was saturated
with blood, lag MIR Schorr and near by him
pistol. with which he had taken his life. Tho
ball entered the right temple and took a down.
ward course. lodging in the base OF the skull
Death must have teen instantaneous. Upon a
table In the centre OF the room was found an
open letter. which read rs follows:
Sunday May a. 1880.
Macy vii, contcmu. but God vii have mercy
Tell &, 1, ny dear agci parents but break It them
gently. Bring ne from Roctory and 60 send my body
u the home OF ny paron". A. II win KIN then.
II. GRFEJFIELD SCHORR
Dr. Hodges at once informed the police, who
mndc an examination Of the premises. The case
was reported 20 the coroner, who declined 20 hold
IN inquest being satisfied that Mr.. Schorr had
taken his own life The suicide was discussed
both before and after the late morning service at
1T PAuls, although not word Of IL was spoken
from the pulpit. Universal sympathy was cN-
pressed for the dead man, who was regarded by
every one n Of the most promising young
ministers in the Episcopal Church.
MIR. Schorr, while ministrring in Mckeesport,
Penn before coming to ST hul'N, year or so
HRO, lent friend 81 900, FOR which he took his
note. When the pnI"r matured, II seems that
the maker could not redeem IL, and so H. went 10
protest This worried Mr.. Schorr, who went up
10 Mckcrsp0rt Ia see what could bc done in the
matter. lie returned without accomplishing any
thing. Tho protest Of tho note, however, ruined
the drawer, and he blew his brains out few
weeks ago This, the clcrgmnn's father thinks
was the cause Of his sons rash act.