The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-24
HAD TO LEAVE THE CHURCH
TROUBLE AMONG THE BAPTIST
COLORED FOLKS.

Preacher Poipdexter Intercepted WINE
Attempting to SIT ut the Communion Ia
HE with the Deacons-Cause Of the Dis
affection 10 the Flock.
There's no telling what will happen at the
Fourth Baptist church Nolored) this morn
ing. II the services are similar TO those
week ago. At that time the peace ana
-olemnitv was broken. and when the con-
pregation had ended their devoiions they
breathed signs Of relief. The Fourth Bap-
tist church is at the corner OF twenty
eighth and L streets. and can readily be seen
,v the passengers of the Richmond Union
line AZ they pass around the loop. To this
flock of about fourteen hundred members
Rev. Evans Paine, colored preacher, has
been ministering for the past eight years,
in fact, ever since the death Of Rev: Scout
Gwathrey. Paine has been preaching the
way of life to this congregation.
For over n wear past one Of the rules OF
the church has been strictly enforced, bnd
has resulted i'm a rebellious spirit III
the hearts Of some OF the members
The rule i'm question j. that twenty
by each member for the support OF the
church. and that if any member fails to pay
his dues for three consecutive months, MS
name shall be struck from the roll OF the
members. and his failure TO pay shall be
stated the following sunday at the morning
service.
DELINQUENTs.
Like the rest of humanity, some of the
L..
ised to pay. but work being scarce or they
being lazy. shekels were anything but plen-
tiful. and they were turned out Otthe con-
rfegatiOn with but little Christfan-like pity
and few regrets. Such peremptory meas
urcs were not in keeping with the Christian
ideas. so instead of paying up and gong
back into the fold they decided to start
"A church of their own. They imme-
diately rented the Pilgrim Travellers Hall
on Thirty-ilrst street, between ana J.
streets, and began holding services. Rev.
James POindeXter (cOlOred), who has been
for a long time ministering to the spiritual
wants of the colored people at the llenrlc0
county pOOrhOuse. was called 10y the new
congregation. and the services began with
promising success. Every succeeding sun
day brought additional attendance TO the
church. and for the past six months iully
two hundred people have been going To hear
the Rev. PoindcXter eXpOund the truths OF
the gospel.
cor ANGRY.
All this time however, the Fourth Bap-
tist congregation kept themselves informed
as TO the work done 10y their former brothers
and sisters. and when the latter demon
stratei that they could succeed in their
worship without the aid Of Rev. Evans
Paine. anathemas and scornful reprOaches
Tell fast and heavy on their head. The
Fourth Church people didn't like no such
dolngs." and took every opportunity of say
ing So. They held that their former men,
bers had no right TO worship outside Of
their fold, and referred 10 them as "strayers
from the TRUTH
The new congregation, however, held
steadfast to the faith. The SCOTS and scorns
of the Fourth church folks was looked upon
as a trial from the Lord" a. to their Chris
tian foriitude. and they held up their end of
the log with increased fervOr.
COMMUNION.
Last sunday communion was held at the
Fourth church. just before the rite was
performed. Rev. James POindcXteT came in
to the church with his wife. The latter took
seat in the congregation, while the former
went up near the pulpit and attempted 10
take a seat at the communion table with the
deacOns. as is usual when visiting clergy
man is present. Paine. looking rom the pull
pit. saw what was going ON. ana yelled To
PoindeXter: "DOn't do that" Addressing
the dcacOns. he said: allow is il that you
let thls wolf (meaning POindeXter) come
| into this house: if You are the right sort Of
deacons you should put him out"
The dcacoDs Immediately arose and be-
gan hustling PoindeXtcr towards the door.
In the middle of the aisle They net with an
obstruction. as PpindeXter's wife was bent
on protecting her husband. The deacOn>
succeeded, however, and after quiet had
been restored the services continued. ON
Monday night the congregation neld a
meeting. After great deal Of discussion
it was finally decided that a statement
should be presented to PoindoXter for him To
sign. If he declined TO sign 1t. they would
have him arrested for creating a disturb
ance.
WOULD NOT SIGN.
The paper was presented, and read a.
| follows: II. James POindeXter. hereby ac
knowledge that created a disturbance on
| sunday" Patterson declined to sign it.
the warrant was sworn out. and Patterson
was before the Police Court Thursday.
Justice Crutchfeld, after hearing fully the
| evidence, ueclucu lndl lOlnucNitI Hdu hol
created disturbance; and further, that
the conduct Of the deacOns had been very
unchristian like. He was Of course dis
charged. Both congregations are much
wrought up over the matter, and though nc
trouble is feared, their enmity for each
other increases with each succeeding sun.
day.
THE NATIONAL GAME.
| The Tie Game Results in "a Victory for the