The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-01-31

A History of the Cause of Suspension Of
Member at Westminster.


Westminster Presbyterian Ichurch is much
disorganized by what is generally denoml-
mated on the street the Burroughs affair
This church was one Of the most progressive
Ct the numerous new churches established IN
the West Ind of late years. it was formerly
mission of the First Presbyterian church,
aud was organized rs "a regular church no
Vember Il. 1889 with Rev. james Little IN
charge aud now has a membership OF about
forty contained IN about One-halt that num-
Der of families
The ruling elders are Messrs. j. R T. Bur-
rough. l.. II. Stern and John p. Word While
the church was yet mission Society OF
Kings Daughters was formed by those who
attended its meetings. am ng whom were a
number of ladies' of other denominations. and
il was concerning this society out OF winch
the trouble cloud. no larger than a mans
hand. has grown and seriously threatens the
unity of the church.
Shortly after the church was organized Mr..
and Mrs. J. Il. i. Burroughs moved their
church membership from Bon Air to West
minister church. and took active part IN al lts
affairs. Nh Burroughs becoming a ruling
elder and Sunday-schOOl superintendent ana
Mrs. Burroughs an active participant IN all
church work As the church grew III strength
Mr.. Burroughs thought II well to turn the
Kings Daughters Society into society more
thoroughly identified with UNCONVENTIONAL
WORK. his WOulu, VI bVutoos "a
clude the ladies of other churches from
the society. which had flourished under
Joint patronage. and here tn 10 discussion COM
| menced and fractional spirit increased until
enmity was engendered and accusations and
| counter-accusations banded about. Mr.. Bur
roughs hearing of rumors charging that ne
was interfering with the unity and harmony
| of the church. demanded an investigation.
/ The session met and appointed Mr., W. H.
| Beveridge. a well-knOwn lawyer OF TINS city
/ and commitment of the church, as prose-
cutor in the church
THE CHARGES.
/ Mr.. Burroughs was cited to appear before
the session of the church upon an indictment
charging him with factious opposition in SEES
sion, factious opposition to the ladies' church
society known as the Kings Daughters. OPP
posing the holding Of evangelical meetings
and interfering with the unity and harmony
| OF the church. An indictment was read and a
COPY presented TO Mr.. Burroughs at 3 session
of the church and he was informed
that he had time to present answer END 10
/ make his defense This he declined and de-
handed an immediate trial and waived the
ten days notice required by the book OF
/ church order. The session demanded plea,
which Mr. Burroughs declined. lie then
| challenged the right Of member OF the ses.
sion TO sit. and gave as his reason that one OF
! the members of the session was his accuser,
| him His challenge was not sustained,
whereupon Mr.. Burroughs filed bill OF ex-
! ceptiOn and an appeal 70 the Presoytery
! The session then again demanded OF MI. bur,
| rOughs his plea. which he refused, ana
| in an abrupt manner lett the session
/ saving he would 60 TO the Presbytery and get
/ a fair trial. lie appeared before the sess on
| ON an appeal against the decision OF the ses-
81 n which had suspended him from the
sealing ordinances of tie church T his con
tumacy in abruptly leaving the session WIN
out consent. His Ofense was entirely tech
| meal The Presbytery sustained the SESSION
and Mr. Burroughs appealed 10 the synod.
/ Mr. Burroughs by the decision OF the est
/ Hanover Presbytery stands suspended from
! the church and its sealing ordinances. l Mess
his appeal is sustained by the Synod lie VIII
not be tried on the indictment.
THE FACTS MADE PUBLIC.
On Sunday evening last his case was, as by
| law Of book of church order. made public. lie
! thereupon appealed 10 the congregation %
suspend their Judgment until III. appesi can
/ le heard by the Synod of Nr ina Since
which time he has resigned the sn erintehH-
/ encv of tie Sunday schOO! and Mr. Jhckson
/ Brandt elected IN his stead
/ The scene IN the church AZ ore tame fliu-
| dav evening WAS one of greA. "Ec.;ei-ruI. an'
/ ended without other than g. -ht c'tcltef.
| MIR. Burroughs is a wellklOwn cos mere au'
| in this city and has been momooi @. ne
presbvterian Church for thirty feFcl years.
| ON technical charge he stands SUSPENDED
! from the sealing ordinances % IAt
| church on technical ol5nse. and
is debarred from trial on tee charges referred
to until the meeting Of the synod neN5 Octo-
/ Der. Mr.. Burroughs mas nun ef OF sym
pathizers. who think h. has ttcn narshis
/ treated. and as many more are READY - sustain
/ the action of the members O. tha session
/ There are q GOOD many LITTLE thlngs winch
/ have happened in connection With the affair
which added to the breach made that wonlc
consume too much space for publ icstlon Inc
general feeling il connection with the wnol'
/ matter is one OF regret Lat the church hat
/ gotten into trouble.