New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-10-24
A MADMAN IN THE PULPIT.
EXCITING SCENE IN A CHURCH Al SPRING
FIELD, MASS.
CHARLES MASON EMMoNs, WITH LOADED RE-
YoLYERS. RED FIRE AND ROMAN CANDLES.
KEEPS CROWD OF THOUSANDS
AT BAY FOR FOUR HOURS.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TEIBUNE.]

BY TELEGRAPH THE THBUNE]
Springfield Mas oct. GA madman occupied me
pulpit at Oivct Congregational Church TINS moihi"s
with two revolyers and he held 1t against al comera
from the time the edfce first opened uhul
o'clock In the afternoon, keeping crowd OF thousands
at bay until completely exhausted, he sank back
asleep In one OF the pulpit chairs and was captured
The madman Charles Mason Enlmons, menp'r
OF the church and an employc at the United STATES
ArmOry here. He showed signs Of insanity at the time
Of the death of his wife, about two years ago. when
he leaed the open grave after her body had been
low cred, and refused 10 come out until glaVensgeis
began filling In the earth. He recovered, how
ever and showed no signs Of mental arrangement
until few days ago. when he asked MS pastor tne
Rev. L. H. Cone, to preach sermon he had written
entitled "Thc Truth" Mr. Cone refused, and few
DAYS later received O visit fiom Mr.. Emmons, VINO
said
1--WE have decided to dispense with your sermons
in the future Hereafter l will preach the sermons
my SELF"
Mr.. Cone paid attention to the Interview, not
mentioning the incident to any one. when the
janltor opened the church this morning he found
Emmons bayrcaded in the pulpit with provisions
enough TO last him a week, two revolvers ammunition
enough for regiment and varied assortment OF red
FIRE. Roman candles and other fireworks. These En-
mons had intended to relief to the monotony
Of the regular services. When asked to come out OF
the pulpit Emmons refused and threatened to shoot
who within twelve 1eet OF hln SOME
OF the members of the congregation friends of the
madman tried to argue with him. but he would listen
to no one One young man who lived in Emmons's
house said:
Il am one Of your disciples. Mr.. Emmons. Let
me up into the pulpit with YOU
My disciples will all die" was the reply. "lf you
advance step viii shoot
Then Mr.. Fisher one of the members Of the choir.
remarked: wouldn't you like some music Mr. En-
mons ~
The daughters OF music shall be laid low. co.
the mailman answered.
Four policemen arrived upon the scene. They
were warned by Emmonb To advance. AT first
the crazy occupant of the pulpit fired three shots
in rapid succession OF which, fortunately, took
effect Then the police decided that discretion
he better part Of valor. and beat a haSty retreat
The house was cleared and Detective Atkins began
watch AT point wheTo he could observe the madmans
movements without being by him. shortly after
> O'Clock EmmOns, who had evidently been up all
night, fell asleep and captured lie awokc the
instant the officers reached the pulpit, apd made
desperate struggle He overpowered and
nandcufied. As he officers started for the police
,ation with their prisoner he begged leave TO put
his overcoat. This was granted and tie handouts
third revolver from some undiscovered recess In his
coat and before the officers could prevnt him fred In
| ne excitement, however the iunauc TOOK no aim'
At he police station Emmons said that for twenty
| years il. had been bounded by encmI,s, that lie
| wanted 10 preach a sermon he had written: The
catly written manuscript Of the sermon was found in
his pocket. He Is forty six years O!d and wetod0.
,wning the house In which he lived Since his wlfcs
dea h. however. he has lived in two attic rooms, which
ne has fitted with double locks and bolts and no one
| has been permitted to enter.