The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-10-03
TURNED THE KEY ON HIM
PASTOR ELLIS LOCKED OUT OF
BIS CHURCH.


The Sexton Stands Guard at the Doors
and Refuses to Unlock Them-rhe
Mayor and Police on Hand But No
Disturpence-The Pastor and His
Party to Take Legal Steps TO Re-
gain Possession-The Opposition
Trying to Force a Foreclosure OF
the Mortgage on the Church Prop
erty.
Pastor Ellis and his congregation were
locked out of the Greene Square Baptist
church last night When the congregation
gathered at the church about S o'clock to
attend the regular Thursday night services,
it found the church doors locked, and the
sexton, David Moses, refused to unlock them
having received his orders 20 that effect
from the deacons, he said. Hosea Maxwell
and the four other deacons, or ex-deacons,
whoar leading the opposition to the pastor.
were present, and were the sections author
ity for his action.
ROW ANTICIPATED.
Mayor Schwarz, Chief of Police Green,
Sergt Reilly and a squad of policemen
were on hand as trouble had been antici-
pated. The police went to the scene with
full expectation of row, as threats against
the pastor had been freely made, and it was
reported that members of the opposition
had said that il he did not get
out last night when requested he
would be thrown out. The locking
Of the church doors was rather an unex-
pected move on the part Of the opposition:
As they have the sexton on their side and
the anti-Ellis party is very muscular set
of christians anyway, they had little diff
Guilty in carrying out their programme.
Between $50 and 200 people gathered at
the church door, most Of whom were sup
porters of the pastor, but there was no
demonstration.
THE PASTOR STAYS HOME.
Pastor Ellis had been notified previously
of the action Of the opposition, and very
prudently remained at home. As admission
to the church was resolutely refused,
the majority of the crowd called
upon Pastor Ellis at his residence on Perry
street, between Price and Habersham. and
the pastor had over $50 callers before 10
O'clock
A MORNING News reporter took turn
in the neighborhood of the church, and
found everything quiet.
to TAKE LEGAL STEPS.
Rev. Ellis was seen at his residence. He
said that he knew yesterday afternoon of
the action of his opponents, and preferring
to have the law on his side, he consulted his
counsel, Chisholm, Erwin a. duBignon, as
toNvhat course he should pursue under the
circumstances. Mr.. duBignon advised him
not to attempt to force an entrance to the
church, but to remain quietly at home aud
take legal steps to secure entrance, and he
acted accordingly.
The pastor was asked whether the regu-
lar church services would be held as usual
during tht next few days, but he would not
say. He believed they would not until
legal possession Of the church has been Sc
cured. Steps will be taken to that effect,
but the pastor could not say exactly what
move would be made.
THE CHURCH DEBT.
Upon the question of the church debt
which has figured prominently in the con-
rroversy and the threat that has been made
by the opposition to bring about a foreclose-
ure of the mortgage upon the church, the
pastor made statement of the indebted
ness. On March 2S, 1889, the church, through
its building committee. borrowed from Gen
Henry r. Jackfon $1,000 at per cent, the
interest to be paid semi-annually and 81 900
to be repaid yearly. Gen. Jackson was
secured by mortgage upon the church
In November. 1889, 5000 was borrowed
from William Stiles, wealthy men,
her of the church, for which
QUITS dCCepbeu DDe commuters nOUe al
PERCENT. the conditions being that S1O0
and the interest were TO be paid yearly
These sums were expended in rebuilding
and fitting up the church.
Sept %, 1899, the half yearly interest,
S240, were paid Gen. jackson, and on
March %, 1890, 81, $40 were paid upon the
mortgage, according to agreement.
TRYING TO FORCE FORECLOSURE.
The haE yearly interest was due Sept %
last, but has not been paid on account of
the difference in the church, although at a
recent conference a resolution was passed
ordering the church treasurer. Hosea Max
well, to pay the amount from the funds
which he has in hand. This has not been
done, however. .
Pastor Ellis said that the treasurer has
ample funds in hand to paw this interest
and also TO pay William Stiles 300 and
IS interest when it falls due.
The PASTORS opponents hardly closed the
church doors in so peremptory a manner
without advice to this effect from their
counsel. From all appearances the Greene
Square Baptist church is in a fair way to
be involved in enough litigation to eat up
the church and impoverish all the members.
Pastor Ellis will now have a few weeks
rest from his arduous labors