The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-10-13
RIOT IN A SANCTUARY.
A MOB TAKES POSSESSION OF THE
GREENE SQUARE CHURCH

Under Their Protection-The oppos-
ing Factions of the Congregation
Come Together on the Rostrum-The
Mayor Takes a Hand in the Affair
A Cessation of Service Until the
Courts Settle the Pastors Rights.
The muddled affairs of the Greene Square
Baptist church came very near causing
serious trouble yesterday, and bloodshed
would probably have resulted but for the
prompt action of the police.
1t had been known for several days that
Pastor Ellis proposed to hold services Sun
day morning, and the opposing faction de-
termined to use every means in its power
60 prevent him, some going so far as to
threaten his life if be attempted to
enter the church.
As early as o'clock the anti-Ellis faction
began to gather in the square in front of
the church and In the adjoining streets.
Many of them seemed 10 be prepared for
trouble, carrying heavy sticks and clubs.
Threats were made as to what would be
done in the event Of Rev. Ellis attempting
10 hold services. One old man said, "Ize
been Baptist all my life, but l can't stan
dat man Ellis, and we broke his neck If he
don't quit
ESCORTED TO THE CHURCH.
Rev. Ellis left his house on Perry street,
near Price. at l040 o'clock for his church
under escort of ten of his stanch supporters,
some Of whom are members Of the newly
elected prudential committee When he
arrived at the church the square and streets
in the neighborhood were crowded with his
enemies. A considerable number OF on
lockers were there, expecting TO sea trouble.
No interference, however, was offered the
pastor, and he entered the church by the
side door on President street. Inside the
church there was congregation
Of between $50 and 400,
number belonging to the anti>Ellis
and renamed there until IL O'Clock, when
he started to enter the pulpit AS he
stepped into the rostrum Sam Rogers aud
Joe Willis sprang to their feet and started
for the pulpit. fiourishing heavy walking
canes and yelling at the top Of their voices:
YOU'RE not pastor Of this church; we won't
let you preach here"
RUSH FOR THE PULPIT.
This was the signal for the war to begin,
and the opposition faction started for the
sanctuary, apparently intending to GUST
Ellis. The pastors supporters rushed to his
rescue, and among the first TO reach him
Wclc Il. v. OIdue dUu III. IledShlLS, WDO
called out to Rev. Ellis TO stand his ground
and they would support him. About this
time some one in the rear of the church
yelled XIII him." The women and chill
dren Of the congregation commenced
screaming and crying Murder and "Po-
lice." Things looked bad for the pastor when
Sergt. Killourhy and Patrolmen Russell and
Davis entered. The sergeant forced his
way through the crowd, and up to the
pulpit alongside the pastor. He put
Rogers and Willis under arrest, and had
them taken from the church through the
President street door to avoid the crowd,
which had gathered around the front door,
attracted by the noise within. and who only
needed the word 70 start them into riot.
THE POLICE CALLED OUT.
A messenger was sent to the police bar
racks. and the reserve force of twenty-eight
men, which had been held in readiness in
anticipation OF trouble, was hurried to the
church under command of Chief Green. In
the meantime, Sergt Killourhy was ad-
dressing the crowd inside and trying to
quiet them. He tod them that he knew no
side in the matter. and was uninterested.
de was there TO preserve the peace, and he
proposed to do it at all hazards. He
told the crowd to either sit down and con-
duct themselves III a proper mannes or
leave the church. He wanted them to
understand that they were in place of
public worship, and any further disturb
ance would mean arrest and severe punish
ment. This had the desired effect, aud the
congregation resumed their seats.
CHARGED THE CROWD.
When the chief arrived with his detail of
officers he found President street completely
blockaded, and gave orders TO charge the
crowd, which had the effect Of soon scat
tering it. He placed officers on the differ
emit corners TO keep the streets open, aud no
one was allowed to pass through the lines.
Rumors flew rapidly through the city
that riot was in progress at the church
and in short time people hocked from
every direction, and by ~ o'clock fully z, 900
were in the square and streets around.
Some of the rumors were 10 the effect that
Rev Ellis had been shot down as he en-
tered the pulpit.
THE PASTORS SERMON.
After things had Quoted down in the
church, Rev. Ellis commenced hts sermon
by reading Psalm Xvi, 16 The subject was
Gods Salvation" and be handled it as if
nothing unusual had occurred 10 disturb the
even tenor II his way. He did not refer in any
manner during his remarks to the troubles
OF the church, and was cool and collected
70 all outward appearances.
Inc services closed at II: 80 O'Clock, and by
that hour the crowd had assumed large
proportions. Rev. Ellis left the church by
the same door he entered, preceded by the
deacons Of his faction. When they reached
the street the crowd pushed forward to-
ward them, but the presence of the police
prevented any further hostile demonstra-
ton.
CONFERENCE WITH THE MAYOR.
Mayor Schwarz invited the pastor TO the
barracks after service for q conference, and
Rev. Ellis was escorted there by Sergt.
killourhy, Mounted Officer Morgan and two
patrolmen, the reserve detail under Chief
Green bringing up the rear, followed by q
bowling mob OF negroes, who, from their
remarks, would have liked nothing better
than to assault the minister. After the
pastor and his party had entered the bar
racks the police were again compelled to
charge the crowd that gathered around and
blockaded the streets Many sore heads
this morning will bear evidence to the sue
cess of that charge
The mayor stated to Rev. Ellis that he
felt it bis duty, as the mayor of the city, to
try and prevent a repetition of such an
affair as had just taken place. Matters had
come to that point where the public peace
had been violated and lives had been out in
jeopardy, and he requested the pastor to
close the church doors and dispense with
further service until the courts could decide
who is in the right in the matter. He was
afraid, If services were carried on, more
serious trouble might result.
NO SERVICES THIS WEEK.