The Wilmington daily Republican., 1891-05-26
ELDER WILSON'S DE
FENCE.


ference, May 7th, 1891, Which They
Refused TO Consider.
DEAR BRETHREN: There seems to be
between US a serious difference oi
opinion with reference to second
Methodist Episcopal church in Dover.
There being chapel here supposed
to have been built for Methodist Epis.
copal Church purposes, but which for
more than three years has been closed
to all save Sunday School and an
occasional prayer OF class meeting,
and on q few occasions revival services,
There being a demand for another
church OF such character that III we
do not respond to it others may do
SO, 1t was thought best to ask for the
appointment OF pastor to meet this
demand. And II was done by the only
authority In the Methodist Episcopal
Church competent to authorize q new
church enc. .to.appoint ministei.there
unto.
It Is claimed that the chapel property
which it was hoped and expected
might be used for the purpose Is 30
decided to the trustees of the church
that 1t cannot be used as church prop
erty but with their consent. And that
they can legally exclude the appointee
of the Bishop from holding any scr
vice there, and that up to this time
they have chosen to exercise that legal
power.
1t has been alleged that the change
was advised without consultation with
trustees or official board. 1t certainly
was advised without their consent be-
ing first secured. II this were necessary
few changes could ever be made In
Methodism, and were it required our
Government would be congregational
rather than what 1t Is (connectionall
Is will be remembered that the matter
was discussed in the Fourth Quarterly
Conference of 1888, at which time the
officials of the church were fully adj
vised with. Since that time and as late
as last year they were sought out in
dividually and consulted, when in @
majority of cases 1t was said that
when even board OF responsible trus
tees could be secured who would as
sumo the debt of 81 600 and relieve the
church. they would consent to the set
ting off OF the chapel. 1t was believed
and expected that they would adhere
to this position; in good faith and
upon these assurances so frequently
made the advice was given TO add the
chapel to separate charge.
There certainly was consultations
enough and taeit consent given b,
members of the board as individuals
to encourage the expectation that by
meeting the condition, possession
would be given. The seeming impossi
bility of having the question con
sidered upon its merits In quarterly
conference, the experiment having
been tired, appeared to make repeti.
ton matter of doubtful expediency
The demand which hns long existcc
for another church was recognized IL
1888, when q second minister was sent
to Dover for the purpose OF meeting
that necessity. His removal TO supply
n vacancy occasloned by death caused
the abandonment at that time OF the
experiment.
The building OF the chapel mus
have been In recognition of the same
need in 1887. Its being closed to preach
ing service on the Sabbath has nevel
met the approval of many who woulC
have been benefited by it.
II seems to be not remembered that
we have in and about Dover Method
ist Episcopal population of about2500
with church with seating capacity
OF but 600, with membership of 500
This alone would seem to have beel
sufficient reason for opening the chap
el to the preaching Of the gospel, thu
adding Its seating capacity of 300 Il
that of the church. for the aceommo
dation of our Methodist population
A further reason might be found il
this, that the chapel must have beel
built to accommodate somebody, anC
who but those in the vicinity, many o
whom seldom or never attend tn
church on State street. Of these, NOR
than seventy families are peutionlnI
you for the use Of the chapel, pledginl
themselves to the support of the pas
tor appointed, and to meet the othe
expenses of the second church.
This is n real demand that has Ion,
existed and has taken this definite
shape because the time seems to hav
come for it. All is demand that will
not down at the bidding of anybody
| .. The method followed with tn,
chapel for the past three years has
believe satisfied no one, neither thosi
who control 1t nor those whom il wa
| intended to benefit. It has been ai
entire failure in all but tho Sunda,
| School and that has been but n yer,
moderate success and Is constantly dc
ereusing In numbers until on last Sab
bath there were but % left as am in
formed.
This being the case nothing can b,
lost by attempting this now expert
ment. 1t neither ieopards propert!
or religious interest. 1t does promis,
to serve the latter and to bring to tbs
preaching of tho word those who sci
dom or never attend besides glvinl
something for others to do who nov
arc inactive.
! 4 fnl II -
\ your petitioner when say that they
are willing to accept this service an,
care for II on any terms, however hll
initiating that may be exacted, an,
with which they can comply.
]. We are willing and offer to pay
rental for the building for the year o
by the month.
ii. To find a responsible board o.
trustees who will assume the mortgag
debt of $1,000 provide for the interes
and at once proceed to raise money
for its liquidation, besides this to us
sumo all running expenses which ar
now paid by the church on State street
About "a families have subscribed tx
the following: We undersigned re
speetfully request the trustees of tn
Dover NJ. q, Church to allow us tn
Chapel on Governor avenue. We ar
willing to identify ourselves with tn
church there help support the paste
who has been appointed and con
tribute according to our ability on al
tho other expenses and in every wa,
possible sock to promote tho work o
| God.
II nothing will do and no condition
named will be accepted, then | ask yot
to name u condition upon which tn,
minister appointed may occupy the