New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-12
DIR. M'LEOD NOT CALLED.
THE MINORITY HAD ITS WAY.
DIR. CRosBY's OLD CHURCH NOT UNANIMOUS FOR

mn. CRosBY's OLD CHURCH NOT UNANIMOUS FOR
THE ALBANY PASTOR.
Altar long and heated discussion between the
moubcrs of the Fourth Avenue Presbytcrion Church
last night the unanimous opinion Of those present was
that IL would be incXpedicnt to issue cali 10 the
Rev Dr. James Mcleod. OF Albany. Inc result was
q surprse and a disappointment to a large majority
NJ the church members, but the minority was 80
determined and expressed itself forcibly that IN
the interests Of peace and harmony the majority
decided 70 Weld their preference. The congregational
meeting was called order ut the close OF the regular
hurch PRAYER meeting by the Rev. DR.. Theodore
nourlas Of the Romeyn Chapel in Fourteenthst.,
chanel OF the Fifth Avenue Church. Walter Edwards
acted clerk
After announcing that the business Of the meeting
was 10 act upon the report OF the committee winch
had presented the Of the Rev. DIR. James McLeod
rs pastor Of the church. Ralph Wells read q letter
from the Rev Dr. A. " Raymond, Of Indianapolis
strongly recommending DIR. Mcleod for the place
Police Justice Charles n. TantOr then read a letter
from George E. sterry a member Of the committee
who WAS not in favor Of Dr. Mcleod, in which bc
spoke strongly against Dr. Mcleod, calling attention
TO the fact that there decided minority ara
asserting that II would be folly for tho church to call
Dr. Mcleod under the circumstances. Justice Tainfor
said that he did not share the OF the letter
and said that Mr.. Sterry wrote In the letter that he
had purposey stayed away from tho meeting. Walter
Edwards the Rev. c. T. Cutter, Dwight Elmendorf
Elias j. IIerrick, Zophar NILS and Justice Taintor
spoke earnestly recommending DR.. Mcleod. Mt
French said that there must be some good
reason for opposition and some radical defcct
! in Dr. Mcleod. and 50 he was opposed to him. Mr..
Sprou and sclaf also opposed his election. Upon
| request Dr. ". f. Bullard read letter which he had
received from aunt OF his living in indianapolis, III
which she spoke In unqualified terms against DR.
! Mcleod she said. among other things, that when
10 began his pastorate there he had full church.
but preached his congregation away until he spoke
10 empty seats that he did not pay his debts, and
that he was lacking in intellectually.
Walter Edwards closed the dabae. urging DR..
Mcleods election and showing that the charges
we're not proven and that they were directly
contradlctcd by other letters fr equally trust
worthy sources lie reviewed the whole situation
recallng the sunday services when DR.. Mcleod
preac he'd for the Fourth Avenue Church as supply
acceptably not long and reviewing the uniform
success Of his labors wherever he had been. The
vote was then taken, large number OF those present
declining to vote. The result ~ in favor. %
opposed.
zophar Mil, then moved to make The election unan
mcus but n member Of the minority raised the point
that Mr. Mills was out OF order he had voted with
the affirmative side. DR.. Ballard then made the
notion AID Justice Tantor spoke long and earnestly
urging the minority IN view Of the evidence presented
which he declared overwhelming ely In favor OF DR.
Mcleod. TO make the call unanimous Whcn the vote
was cast thirteen voted In the negative. i'pon motion
+ the committee on pastor discharged with thanks
The Rev Mr. Gutter then appealed for new vote NOV
ng that the original committee Of nine be appointed to
/ extend a call 10 Dr. Mcleod This was carried DIV
moderate majority. but Justice Taintor inlmedmtf'
moved 10 reconsider and upol motion the previous
motion was laid on the table. After another riti'
/ attempt TO win over tho minority. Justice Iaintoi
| offered the following resolution:
In view OF the decided stand and OF the strength
! OF the minority. believe IL lneNpedicnt 10 exteho
o call 10 the Rev. DR.. James Mcleod. OF Albany
Ralph Wells. while kecniy disappointed at the
faure Of the congregation 20 elect DR.. Mcleod coll
| curred I'm belle. with Justice Taintor and secondeo
tho resolution which unanimously adopted,
one Of the elders Of the church, after the meet
ing said This leaves all In q most embar
RAISING position. This Will undoubtedly hurt Dr. Nc
Lcod but what else could we do DR.. Mcleod Is 4
gentleman and a man. n well IA clergyman and ~
woud never have come 20 H. in the rae" or Suci
decided minority. lie Is nGIrclead. that We ear
plav with. and II leaves us In distressed condition
onr Committee on Pastor is discharged, and 1t VII
he a long time now before can all agree on any
i'hv The first thing We will do will be to get /
b ncv committee ut work.