Los Angeles herald., 1890-06-07
HONORABLY ACQUITTED.
THE DECISION IN THE RIDGES
BRAINERD CASE.
Charges Preferred Against Prominent
Congregational Minister-An Investi-
cation Demanded.

There has been considerable excite
ment, both in and out of church circles,
regarding certain charges brought by
William B. Ridges against Rev. f. r.
Brainerd, pastor of the Park Congrega-
tional church of this city.
In letter printed in the Los Angeles
Times of May 5, 1890, Ridges charged
Mr. Brainerd with number of misde-
meanors, and insinuated far more than
was written.
These charges were made the ground
for so much gossip, that Mr. Brainerd
demanded an investigation by the
church.
In compliance with his request, a COM
mittee was appointed by the church to
arrange for an inquiry, which was held
Monday and Tuesday evenings, June I'd
and Sd, before an arbitrating committee,
consisting of Rev. DR.. Pendleton, rep
resenting Mr.. Ridges, Rev. j. H. Phil
lips, representing Mr.. Brainerd, and
George Mannon, Esq, who was chosen
by Messrs. Pendleton and Phillips.
After most thorough and searching
investigation the following conclusion
was arrived at by the arbitrators, which
was concurred in by the church commit.
tee and endorsed by the congregation
eve, the undersigned, committee
in arbitration duly appointed to examine
into the certain accusations made by
William B. Ridges against Rev. 4. H.
Brainerd and published in the Los An
geles Times under the date of May Is,
1890, hereby submit the following re-
port, to-wit: Having patiently and at
tentively listened to the statements and
evidence submitted by Mr.. Ridges, and
to the answers and evidence submitted
by Mr.. Brainerd, we are of the unani-
nous opinion that Mr.. Brainerd should
be held guiltless before his church and
before this community of having in any
way caused alienation and separation
between Mr.. Ridges and his wife. Both
for want of evidence in support of the
charge made, and from the testimony of
credible witnesses to the contrary, the
accusation falls to the ground, and with
it each and every specification.
while Mr.. Ridges may have had
strong provocation to publish his state
ment OF May 9th from previous article
in the same paper, beginning, 'On Fri
day morning, May 3D. etc., it is evident
to this commission that he was laboring
under an entire misapprehension as to
Mr.. Brainerd's responsibility for the
first article or for the causes leading to
it, On this point the testimony before
us was ample and complete, wholly ex-
onerating Mr.. Brainerd.
''While this investigation has neces-
co rily inunluaH Mrs t,
alleged connection with this matter. and
it appearing in evidence that the said
Mrs. Brainerd did exert her influence on
the side of peace and harmony as be-
tween Mr.. and Mrs. Ridges, we are OF
the opinion that she, Mrs. Brainerd,
should stand exonerated with her hus-
band.
''Now, in conclusion, it is the unani.
nous advice of this commission that the
Park Congregational church do continue
their confidence in Mr.. Brainerd, theil
esteemed pastor, for there has not
appeared in this investigation the slight
est occasion for disturbing their hitherto
happy relations with him.
"We advise, also, that Mr.. Brainerd
continue his work as Christian minis
ter in all confidence and assurance, ac
cepting this finding OF the commission
as sufficient vindication from any asper
sions that he may feel has been cast
upon him and his. Acquittal by Chris
tian council removes him further from
seeming or actual reproach than could
any justification by any other tribunal.
''We advise further that Mr.. Ridges
no longer hold Mr.. and Mrs. Brainerd
responsible for the cloud under which
he is placed, and that he pursue the
tenor of his way hereafter uninfuenced
by any prejudices he may have cher
ished against them.
WIN. II. PENDLEToN,
GEORGE MANNoN.