The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-11
FIVE MINISTER'S EXPELLED.
The Reformed Presbyterian Synod Exclude
Young ClTSymen.
EXCITING SCENES DURING THE VOTING.
Charged With Scandal, Libel and Following
Divisive Courses-Expeiled Min
listers Speak.

PITTsBURo, Pa, June 10.-The sensational
trials Of six young ministers of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church ended to-day, and the
synod, by vote of % 10 81, expelled five Of
them from the Church.
The charges against them were scandal,
libel and following divisive courses in de-
claring in favor Of the right of fran
chlse at a meeting in the east end OF
this city. Their names are: Revs. L.
M. Milligan, j. II. J. MIligan. w. II. Reed.
W. /. c. Sampson and j. C. X. Milligan.
Rev. 4. w. McClurkin's appeal was sus-
| tanned, and Z. Il. Burnett, q student also
charged with heTesy. has not yet been tried
Immediately after the announcement OF the
vote all the suspended ministers left the
church. They were met on the outside Dy
several ministers OF the United Presbyterian
| Church, who extended 10 them in an informal
way the right hand Of fellowship.
VERDICT NOT UNEXPECTED.
The scene during the voting was very excit-
| ing. The verdict was not unexpected, and sew
eral ministers notified the synod Of their IN
| tention 10 follow the young men.
When Rev. j. T. CarsOns name was called
he said
'In view of the result Of this vote Just taken,
suit of your libel is settled am going to leave
| the Covenanter Church, refuse to vote.
will never vote again in the sy nod"
Rev. Thomas Logan, Of Rochester, gave
warning that he would vote No" against
everything that might come up.
Elder McAfee spoke for the Fourth church,
| New York He did not say exactly what his
congregation will do. but il is inferred that
it viii 90 out Of the Coyenanter Church.
Rev. j. L. McElhinny said: Il would rather
stand with the Lord tnan the Reformed
| Presbyterian Church; | vote No"
WITHDREW FROM THE CHURCH.
Rev. John Teaz announced his withdrawal
| from the church and asked for a letter of
standing. He is n missionary among the col
| ored people in Alabama.
Rev. D. r. Thompson said: " / vote no.
First, it was Illegal. as there was no written
| testimony furnished this court on which TO
| reach Judgment. Second it was unjust and
wrong because the sentence was too severe
against these young men. Third. the vote OF
this synod does not represent the sentiment
of the people, and you will hear from the peo-
pie later"
Applause followed this last remark which
was general all over the house. The modera-
tor made an attempt to suppress 1t, but could
| not.
DR. McAIlister said that this was his church
and any bluster or show like this must not be
would have to be taken to stopit
Rev f. NJ Smith Of Baltimore. declined TO
vote because on next Sunday he viii tender
his resignation to his congregation and leave
the Covenanter Church. His reason Is that he
cannot believe longer in the principles of the
Covenanter Church. This statement created
quite sensation for a moment, but II wac
quickly bushed.
AN ExPEbIED MINISTER SPEAKS.
NJ ATlI;oo, ,,,oo bo +o c,4ob
the eve Of the moderator after the announce
ment of the vote. He said In view Of the
fact that this synod has found me guilty of
scandal. libel and following divisive courses,
|. therefore, appeal to the bar of an enhght-
ened Christian conscience and place myself
on trial in the .Monongahea Presbytery Of
the United Presbyterian Church"
He was followed 10y Reys. j. X. Mllllgan,
Rev. w. L. c. Sampson and j. G. K. Millgan.
After adjournment Rev DR.. Thompson. Of
New York, said that there will be no split and
congregation formed, as that would cause
fight for church property and, further, there
are now enough congregations.
But ~ said the Doctor, there viii be
slipping away into other congregations untl
the church would lose a large part Of the
Younger element and those whom we expect
to support the church in coming years"
The thirty-seven who voted against the sus-
pension of the young men this afternoon pre-
sented paper of dissent from the action of
the synod and ask that it be spread upon the
minutes
HEATED WRANGLE.
The early part of the morning session of the
Reformed PRESBYTERIAN synod was occupiedin
discussing the resolutions introduced by Rev
Joseph McCrackin yesterday afternoon.
Amendment after amendment was offered and
the discussion grew into a heated wrangle
When the name Of Rev. f. NJ. Smith. of Balti-
more, was called, he stated that he could
not believe in the position taken 10y
the Covenanter Church. II am going TO re-
sign my pastorate next Sabbath and leave the
church" The remark created great sensa-
ton. There was a strong desire TO applaud
Mr.. Smiths declaration and it was with diff
Guilty that the liberalists kept theirl feelings
within the bounds of propriety. The conserya--
tiyes. however. were victorious by vote Of
ninety-nine TO thrty-seven.