Los Angeles herald., 1891-04-24
DRAMATIC DIR. ELLIS.
HE POSES IN THE WITNESS CHAIR
AT HIS TRIAL.
He Makes a Statement About the Matter
From His Own Point of view-Some of
His Financiering.

William Franklin Overstreet, who was
treasurer of the board of trustees when
Rev. DR.. John w. Ellis assumed the
pastorate OF the Central Presbyterian
tabernacle, was the first witness called
on behalf of the accused clergyman,
when the presbytery convened yesterday
morning, says Wednesdays San Fran
cisco Examiner.
The missing minute book was found
in the street-car by lady residing at
401 Filbert street. 1t was freely used
yesterday during cross-examination.
Mr.. Overstreet testified that DR.. Ellis
had been personally trusted with the
money raised on the mortgage and that
everyone had been satisfied with his ex-
penditures until Treasurer Fraser made
his complaint to the presbytery. He
thought DIR. Ellis had done as well with
the funds at his disposal as possible,
much better than many another man
would have done. He gave DR.. Ellis the
verbal authorization to draw the money.
He was treasurer at that time. The un-
derstanding was that the money should
be used for repairs and Indebtedness Of
the church. When Mr.. Fraser made
his complaint it proved disastrous to
the spiritual welfare of the church.
Under cross-examination by DIR. Kerr
the witness admitted that the misappro-
priation of the funds by DR.. Ellis might
have had something to do with the sub
sequent spiritual degeneracy.
With very dramatic air DIR. Ellis
then assumed the witness chair, leaned
his head back, folded his arms, and cast
his eye on distant corner of the cell
ing. He had been pastor Of the Central
Presbyterian tabernacle from March /,
1890, till March l, 1891. When he took
charge the finances of the church were
in wretched condition. There was no
money to pay interest on the church
debt, to pay pastors salary, and the
property was in a bad state. He was
accepted as the guide and shepherd to
fix things all up and get the church on
sound footing again. When it came
to his knowledge that the board Of trus-
tees desired an accounting he prepared
a summary of expenses on November
11th and left it lying on his study table
so that the board might read it that
night. He had other engagements and
could not be present. Upon the joint
meeting of the trustees, deacons and
elders this statement was produced and
some talk ensued as to the unpaid bills.
He then said that he would assume all
responsibility for the unpaid bills. The
meeting closed with good feeling all
around.
''What was the indebtedness on the
church when you came there?" was
the first question asked on cross-exam-
ination.
/. about $20,0OO."
"What was the Indebtedness when
you left?"
"About $27 ,000."
''Then there was nearly 81 900 indebt-
edness added to the church during your
pastorate?"
"There was"
"When you received the mortgage
money were you authorized to use it fol
any other than church purposes ?"
The witness declined to answer the
question at first. The moderator ruled
that it must be answered. The witness
replied that he was given perfect liberty
in the matter. Further questioning
brought out that DR.. Ellis had allowed
the statement of November 11th to be
ratified by the board without explaining
to it that nearly $500 worth of the bills
were unpaid.