The Jersey City news., 1891-04-07
CHURCH AND CLUB.
Trouble Over the Proceeds of an
Amateur Dramatic Show
by Father Ter Woert's
Young People.

The Rev. Father Ter woert. pastor of
st. Johns Roman Catholic Church at
Van winkle and Nelson avenues, and the
Young Mems Catholic Club Of the church
are at loggerheads The difficulty was
caused. it is alleged, by Father Ter woert
refusing to accept half Of the proceeds Of
an entertainment given by the Young
Mems Club. He wanted all or none. and
having carried his point caused consider
able dissention in the club. The result Of
the squabble is the organization Of new
club, composed of the members OF the
Catholic club, but independent OF the
church.
Several years ago. after Father Ter
Woert built parochial school, the base
ment floor was planned for an assembly
room. An immense stage was constructed,
to be utilized for church entertainments.
Two years ago Father fer Woert organ
lied the St. Johns Catholic Club, and it
being a church organization he was made
president. The club had rooms in the
school building, but they were poorly fur
nished, the chief article being billiard
table. The young men about two months
ago decided to give an entertainment for
the purpose of securing money with which
TO furnish the room and purchase q
library. The club boys were willing to
give half OF the proceeds to Father Ter
Woert, but that gentleman refused this
offer, IL is alleged. and demanded that the
entire proceeds go for the benefit OF the
church.
However, it was decided to present
the Irish drama "Pike O'CallaRhan."
The boys asked that three pieces of
music be hired that there might be dane
ing after the entertainment. To this, it
is alleged Father Ter Woert objected
The Pastor would only sanction the hir-
ing Of two musicians aud no dancing was
to be done after the entertainments.
THE CoRNETIsT CAUSES TROUBLE.
The drama was presented TO large
audiences on the evenings OF March 30
and 81. After the entertainment on the
81 inst. Mr.. Reed a prominent member of
the club it is said sent into the parsonage
for $50 with which to pay the musicians.
Reed unknown to Pastor Ter Woert had
engaged the services OF cornetist,
promising to pay him Sc. Pastor Ter
Woert had agreed to pay s14 for the two
musicians, and accordingly refused 70 pay
the extra 50. Reed on learning of this
rushed into Pastor Ter Woert's house and
implored him 10 pay the extra musician.
Reed was informed that as he had indi-
viduaIly hired the cornetist he would be
compelled TO pay him. Reed then asked
the Pastor to lend him &C. but 1t is said he
refused aud as result Reed was COM
PEELED to take up collection among the
This action of the pastor SO enraged the
club members that they have decided TO
form a new social club and cut loose from
the church. Pastor Ter WoeTt learned Of
this it Is said, aud quickly sent d bill to
the club for using extra gas on the even
iEgs of the entertainlnenf, altar receiving
the entire proceeds The result Of suca
action has been considerable discussion
in the church, and it is thought seriou 8
trouble will follow.
called on Father Ter Woert last night
and asked him to give me his version OF
the difficulty. He was greatly surprised
10 learn that the trouble had leaked out,
and asked me where l had obtained my
information.
at is false, and l most emphatically
deny it all" he continued in an excited
manner. "fwo years ago / organized
that club with the intention OF promot-
ing sociability among the young men in
my church. l gave them rooms and
never charged them any rent"
FATHER TER woERT's VERSION.
LAST August the young men came to
me and asked my permission TO give an
entertainment in the school gave them
my consent. 1t was decided that it should
be held in October, but II was postponed
until after Lent There was no mention
made of my accepting half the proceeds,
1t being decided that the church should
receive il all.
''Mr. Reed acted in direct violation OF
my orders in engaging the new musician.
He knew the proceeds were for the church
and | told him such a needless extrav-
agance would not be appreciated by the
people. he hired the third musician and
then wan ted me to pay him. was finally
compelled to do so, as Reed borrowed the
Sc from me. He has not as yet returned
that money.
II did not object to their dancing.
x-o1lld certainly naEa allowed dancing II
it had been mentioned. have always al
lowed it and always will, as | want the
young people of our enurch TO enjoy
themselves.
"Whats No, l did not send in bill for
gas. Why. those fellows never paid for
any gas at all until three months ago.
This entertainment was their own propo-
sition and only a few days ago l granted
them permission TO give one for their
own benefit. This trouble is news TO me
and | fear its disclosure will crush to
earth my work of the past two years.
IVtrh this thp naQtnr h0yyad ma ont