The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1892-11-16
4 Row In tho Tabernacle

LONDON, October s1.-The Rev. DR..
Pierson, Of Philadelphia, presided over
an uproarious prayer meeting at Spur
geon's Tabernacle this evening. This
was DR.. Pierson's first appearance in his
pastoral capacity since his return from
the States aud at first there was every
prospect that he would be cordially re-
ceived.
Numerous church officials shook hands
with him before the services began, and
when he stepped forward to open the
meeting many worshippers applauded
him. There were slight symptoms Of
dissent from the rear Of the room, how
ever, to indicate that the partisans Of
James Spurgeon and Thomas Spurgeon
had not left the meeting entirely in the
hands of the Piersonites.
While DR.. Pierson read the Bible and
prayed all was quiet, but no sooner was
the hymn after the Scriptural readings
finished than an adherent of Thomas
Spurgeon rose and called out:
-"Dr. Pierson, like many other men,
bers would like to know whether you
are q believer in baptism by immer-
sion?"
A woman next to the questioner, and
evidently his wife, tried to pull him
down to his seat, but he stood his ground
and waited for DR.. Persons answer.
DIR. Persons questioner raised his voice,
and began to repeat his inquiry.
Men in all parts Of the room shouted
protests against his conduct, and those
near him endeavored to pacify him. In
the confusion woman stepped out into
the aisle, and in shrill tones begged the
malcontent to withdraw his inquiry and
Let the meeting proceed.
This proposal was received with the
approval Of everybody except q small
body of Spurgeonitos. By this time the
ouestioner had shaken Off his wife and
several other advisers who had interrupt
ed him, and he again called for DR.. Pier
sons convictions as to immersion.
DIR. Pierson had no opportunity to
answer, however, for an uproar followed
Immediately. Twenty or thirty men
hastened to the questioner's sent amid
cries of "Put him out" leave the meet
ing" "You are no Christian" etc.
Several men who had started to eject
the immersionist ordered him out of the
building. He answered that he had al
good right to remain as any member
and be was ready to defend it.
half q dozen more pushed and pulled
until they got him into the aisle. There
the immersionist made stand, braced
himself and partially freed himself with
q violent struggle, in which two mem-
bers were thrown on their knees and
three seats were upset.
The Spurgeonites shouted "Shame,"
and one of them, middle-aged woman.
caught an antagonist of the itnmersionist
by the arm, and screamed at him:
'GAre you Christian? Do you know
how dreadful it is for Christians to
behave like this?"
During the last struggle the immersion
ist lost his wind, and he was unable
longer to obey the exhortations of his
friends that he should stick to his rights.
He was showed down tie aisle, thrust
out, and the door was closed behind him.
Many women W were sobbing hysterically
when the struggle was ended, and some
time passed before perfect quiet was
restored.
DR.. Pierson, who was flushed and ner-
vous while the immersionist was being
elected, recovered his self-possession
quickly and began an address concerning
his plans for the next ten months. He
said that he "meant to make hot work
for the devil in the Tabernacle this win
ter"