The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-02-28
WAR IN THE CONFERENCE
Bishop Esher Declines to vacate
the Chair at Request.
STORMY SCENE WITNESSED.
a Resolution Pronounelng Him an
Unit Person to Preside Over tho
Evangelical Conference.-The.
volt bordering on Anarchy.

slIAMoKlN, Feb. 27.-The eastern
pennsylvania Evangelical Conference
was opened this morning by Bishop J.J.
Esher, OF Chicago. The roll call showed
lo5 ministers present. Bishop Esler
opened tho conference by reading por.
ton OF the scripture and followed with
prayer. Rev. W. A. Leopold, was an.
pointed Secretary. Charges we're then
preferred against Bishop Esher by four
elders. The charges were Of such n
nature that the committee considered a
trial absolutely necessary, and March 10,
was liked as the time for trial to be held
IN Salem church, Reading. Bishop
Esner was then requested to vacato tho
chair, but he declined to do so, stating
that no had been obligated to occupS
the chair and his duty would not nor
init him to vacate It. The charges
against Bishop Esher are: First, slander
and evil speaking; second, ialsehool:
third, creating dissensions by perpetra.
tlng and intensifying the agitation in
our church and disturbing her peace by
revival OF old and previously adjusted
uilicultlcS anu ultlerenceB ~ "a
Ihese are the same charges that were
preferred against Bishop Esher in tho
Chicago investigation last December.
resulting in;his acquittal. Certain mem.
Ders OF the conference want the Dishop
to submit to another investigation by
this conference and his refusal to enter
tain motions to that effect was the cause
OF very spirited controversy, which
tooK up all Of to.day's session. The
Bishop refused to offer any explanation
to the charges, claiming that he had
been tried and acquitted. Rev, DR., S.
Mayer, then presented the following;
Resolsed, That we declare 1t to be our
candid opinion that Bishop Esher is dis
qualified to preside over this conference.
and we therefore ask him to vacate tLe
chair.
Bishop Esher would not entertain
this motion, declaring it "illesal," and
saying: "You do not expect me to en-.
tertain this notion" - -
Rev. Mr.. stirk replied: "If you do not
l shall appeal from your decision"
Bishop Esher said: II won't entertain
it. won't vacate. Would to God | haI
never been obligated"
Amen" chorused the Conference.
Don't interrupt" exclaimed the
Bishop. I'm the presence OF God, the
charges are false. l have been tried at
home, and you must inquire whether or
not was acquitted. This is contrary to
all precedent. I am amenable to the
General Conference. You shall not re-
move me. remain here"
A resolution was then presented by
the Rev. Mr., Hanna, declaring that
Bishop Esher was "an improper person
to preside over this conference" But
the Bishop would not recognize the mo-
ton for its adoption, Notwithstanding
the fact that Cushing's Digest, which is .
the parliamentary authority Of this Con-
terence, was quoted against him.
Key. DR.: Leopold then spoke, saying
that the dissention in the church Dor.
dered on anarchy, and that the organiza-
tlon was threatened with dissolution.
The business session then closed for the
day. - ~ - -.