Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-07-05
BRETHREN AT OUTS
Some UngodIy Doings in the
"Church of God"
vAuLT1Ne AMBITIONS BAD WORK.

Brethren Who Talk About Smashing
Each Others Noses-Objeetions to a
Pastor Who Doesn't Seem to Work tho
"Fower" for All 1t Is Worth. Is
"Too English, You Know" and Fails
to Attract the Nimble Ten Cents.
SPRINGFIELD, Ills, July 5.-The Church
of God" is having lots of trouble these
days. Its congregation is composed of the
followers of the great trance medium,
Mrs. M. b. Woodwork, who gained enough
Of a following during revival here last
fall to establish church. Her perform
ances attracted great deal of attention,
and some prominent people were induced
to join the sect. When she was holding
meetings here the services were much like
a circus, and a charge of 25 cents admis-
sion was often made. The excitement died
out considerably with her departure. and
the installation of Rev +. II. Baker, but .
fee of 10 cents was taxed by the band fcr
witnessing a foot-washing ceremony. As
long as the people made a good show, and
fell all over themselves while executing
frances, the crowd was good and the re-
ceipts large.
Invited Brother Baker to Leave.
Last Monday morning the six deacons
of the church called on Brother Baker
| and informed him that his services would
be dispensed with Aug. l. Brother Baker
| was greatly shocked at the news, but he
said nothing in particular about it. The
| action of the deacons soon leaked out,
\ and Brother Bakers flock became furious
Some SAID the deacons should be a given
| a black eye and that Brother Baker must
be retained; Others said it was time to
make change and that Brother Baker
1 had to go or there would be trouble. The
| deacons reconsidered their action and re-
1 solved to call a meeting of the congrega'
ton for a discussion of the matter.
| Brother Darragh's Aspirations.
1t seems that Brother John Darragh is
| at the bottom of the trouble. Brother
Darragh, it appears, is ambitious to sue
coed Brother Baker as pastor of the
| church. Brother Darragh was the leader
of the little band before it was dignified
by the name of church" and he was bit
terly disappointed when on the organiza-
ton of the church the brethren imported
a pastor in the person of Brother Baker
from Toledo, o. Brother Darragh, how.
sat in the pulpit beside the preacher. He
and Brother Baker have all along been
jealous of each Others popularity, and the
line OF allegiance has been closely drawn
in the church.
ObjectitOons the Pastor.
The chief objection raised against Broth
| or Baker is that he manages ~the power
very badly and does not seem to encour
age frances. This Is a very grave charge
| in view of the fact that Brother Darragt
is an expert at the trance business. An
other charge is that Brother Baker asso
ciates with the other preachers and ap
pears to be trying to make the Church OF
God" like the ordinary churches. Their
they say that Brother Baker is too
English, you know, and tries to run
things with high hand TO suit himself
Thursday night a meeting of the congre
cation was held at the church to consider
the question of relieving Brother Baker.
Praying, Singing and Discussing.
1t was a very warm meeting, though
Brother Darrsgh's friends did not hav.
much of a show. A goGa deal of singing
and praying was done, but the discussion
of the subject was confined mainly to lit
tie groups scattered here and there abou
the church Elder John Hyde walked VI
to Brother David Layman, just as the pas
tor kneeled to pray, and smilingly ex
tended his hand Il won't shake hand
with you" said Brother I.ayman. Why
said the elder. Because you're no Chris
tian" What have ever done TO hur
your feelings"
Brother Layman in War Paint.
Brother Layman is alleged to hav,
: snorted, rising to his foot: "Eou go ava,
| or I'll smash your nose" At this iunctuI,
Constable Bill Grafton stepped between
the two brothers and said to Brother Lay
man: "See here, il You smash his nos
you'll have to smash mine" This stoppe,
the muss, and no blood was shed. TIL
meeting ended without any conclusion
about Brot her Baker having been reached
Brother II Sr says he thinks God will SCI
that r. i taken care Of