The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-04-15
AN ERRATIC PASTOR.
Three Farewell Sermons Within
Four Weeks.
Differences Between Rev. Mr.. Mcfarland and
Franklin-street Church-A Commission
to Investigate the Charges.

A statement which bid fair 10 develop Into
smother clerical scandal was promptly suppressed
at the spring meeting OF the San Francisco Pres
bytery In Westminster Church yesterday.
About two weeks ago Rev ". Il. Mcfarland
stated to the Presbytery that he did not desire
dissolution OF his pastoral relations with Frank
Iin-slreet Church until the arrears Of his salary
had been paid. The reverend gentleman said
further that he had wished to resign some time
previous, but that his congregation was so de-
lighted with his services that he had consented
to remain.
Yesterday John Graves, Elder. and }. S
Thomson, Chal rman Of the Board Of Trustees OF
FrankIn-street Church, appeared before tue
PTesbyIery 40 expose Mr.. Mcfarland" Rev.
A. d. Rice, the stated clerk, seeming danger In
this remark, moved TO refer the statement OF
Elder Graves to the Committee on Bills and
Donations, WHO considered The matter in secret
session. Upon recommendation OF this com
mlttee, the Presbytery appointed Rev. James NJ.
THOMPSON. Rev. ]. C. Smith and Elder j. o.
Chambly special commission TO confer with all
the parties regarding the charges, and report TO
the Presbytery.
WILL SAY NOTHING.
Messrs. Graves and Thompson stated privately
that several ministers had enjOlned them TO say
nothing about the matter, but they answered
several questions propounded TO them. They
acknowledge that they owe Rev. Mr.. Mcfarland
1915 which they state Will be paid. As TO his
acceptabllity, they say that during his pastOrate
OF three years The membership has decreased 90
per cent. All OF the elders have resigned being
unable to cooperate with the minister. No
meeting OF session has been held since Elder
Graves election year ago, and but one csiebra-
Iion OF communion since last May. The cOngTe-
gatiOnal Efforts 10 secure lie pastors resignation
we're unayaillug although last month he preached
three fare well sermons IN four weeks. He re-
fused to produce any Of the church records, aud
IL Is alleged that none nave Ell kept.
The cratic pastor has not preached since
March 22d, and when asked If service would be
held in The church, sent the following reply ON
postal card;
sAS Francisco April 81.
Robert WIS, Secretary Of Titts,ees-DEAR SIR:
will see that the pulpit Of the church is supplied
until the dissolution Of the pastorste. All further
communications with me shall be through my attor-
ney, MIR. Whltworth. Fraternally yours.
w. ii. MCFARLAND
During the past few weeks the pulpit has been
acceptably filled by George +. b. Stewart,
student Of The Presbyterian Theological Semi
nary.
TO prefer against Mr. Mcfarland besides those
suggested and a failure to comply with PresDy-
terial requirements. the two delegates stated
that they could u they chose, make very uamag-
ing disclosures, but that they had been told by
the committee 10 say nothing. TIE members Of
the Presbyterial Commission were equally un-
communicative, although full revelations are
promised hereafter.
ELECTED STATED CLERK.
Rev. II. H. Rice declined reelection as stated
clerk, and Rev. A. j. Kerr was unanimously
elected to the office Tor three years, commencing
July lst
Elder George C. Mcconnell was elected dele
gate 10 the General Assembly, which meets in
Detroit In May In place OF Thomas Magee, who
is unable 10 attend. Elder A. r. Dow Of Gem EN-.
Mai Church was named as Mr.. McCOnnelPs
alternate
Permission was granted to Golden Gate Church
70 prosecute call TO Rev. II. b. Mcbride Of
Benlcia Presbytery. X. Militant, Japanese theO-
logical graduate, was licensed to preach for one
year, aud Rev. Mr.. Fish Of San Pedro was honor
ably retired from the ministry.
Inc ffeSbytery sanctioned the removal OF the
doward,street Presbyterian Church from It's
present location on Howard street, near Twenty
FIRST, 10 he southwest corner Of Twenty.third
ana Cspp streets lot has been purchased for
SlOOOO, ana The erection Of a $4,000 church
viii De commenced forthwith. The brilliant and
energetic pastor Of the church, Rev. j. G. Smith,
was warmly congratulated by his eo-Presbytels
upon the success OF his clerical abOrs.