Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-10-24
DlGBY is SHUT OUT
The Pastors Decline 10 Make
Him a Member
OF The MINISTER'S COUNCIL
A Lively Discussion Il Had which tie-
suits In the Appointment OF .
Special Commiftee

- ArA AA-f-A - - AA&A4%~A = E->A%a@ A~@-rt~-%-
lntl motion 20 adjourn Was made.
Before the motion VAS seconded the
Rev. ii. Digby Johnston pastor q the
Unitarian church l1nped 10 his feet
aud threw a bomb into the meeting a.
the preliminary 20 lisfly engagement
ii have noticed said MIR. Johnston" that
ia the reading Of ths minutes of the
previous meeting ny name appears as
visitor and wish 10 know why ! am 80
considcred.@ The Rev. J. w. Pollard
explained that he acted 40 temporary
secretary and followed the report made
by Secretary Russell at the previous
meeting who had recorded Mr. Johnston
as a visitor. IL was explained that al
were visitors until their names were on
the roll Of memberahip. At this ex-
planation Mr.. Johnston walked hurried
~ % the secretary's desk and was about
20 take the book 20 attach his name TO
the roster. a ripple OF excitement
Was visible among the members.
When they observed Mr.. Johnston's
earncstness. Secretary Russell reached
for the book. saying. Just one
moment. Brother Johnston" aud took
the book from his haad.
The Rev. J. r. Smith OF the South
congregational church was about 10 re
tire from the room and had put on his
overcast lie paused IN the rear az the
room and addressing the chair said:
'sThe constitution az this association
limits its membership 20 those pastors
- a. e. T-L
sion represents a church that Is not
evangelical So long as this clause is
ia the constitution Mr. Johnston would
be debarred from membership.
Jehnston's sharp Retort
ION what authority do you make that
statement regarding the faith OF the
Unitarian church, interrupted Mr..
Johnston.
1T is not considered among the
evangelical churches by common con-
sent replied Mr.. Smith.
Il am as evangelical as any member
present retorted Mr.. Johnston.
Mr.. Bradley asked that the constitu-
ton be read and the document was read
by Secretary Russell. Besides the fore
going requirement OF faith il was found
that membership fee OF - cents is
required. When this was read Mr..
Johnston drew a quarter from his pocket
aad deposited on the secretary's desk, at
the same time reaching for the book in
which 10 sign his name. He was inter
rupted again as the matter was still
under discussion. Dir. Smith moved
that the application Of Mr.. Johnston be
referred To a special committee OF three
IL will not submit To the action OF a
committee" interpolated Mr.. Johnston
with considerable emphasis. Il have as
good right TO the benefits OF this con-
ference as any member here and insist
that my name shall be placed on the roll
Of membership. No committee has au
thority TO pass upon my belief
AS understand the rules governing
the membership OF this conference
volunteered the Rev. Dan Il. Bradley.
"the church OF which member is pas
tor cuts but small figure. IL is the
faith OF the individual member that pre-
walls in considering eligibility"
IF committee Is appointed said
Mr.. Smith, IL would suggest that the
only way out OF the difficulty is to elimi-
nate the word evangelical from the
constitution"
"four constitution prohibits referring
Constitutional questions 10 committees;
therefore. the brother Is out OF order"
exultantly exclaimed Mr.. Johnston.
Il move that a committee Of three be
appointed" interposed Mr.. Bradley, TO
ascertain who are members OF this asso-
citation"
The motion was carried. IL appeared
during the discussion that several pas
tors were identified with the conference
who had not signed the constitution.
Mr. snashalis Sarcasm
lit appears" said the Rev Jabez Sna-
shall, -from the course which the brother
has taken. that he ia trying 10 make him
self out to be martyr. and thereby win
for himself cheap martyrs crown, in
the eyes Of the public. Ii will be repre-
scented that We have sat down upop him.
when, in reality, ho is trying to SIT upon
all % Us"
This statement aroused the ire Of Mr..
Johnston, who arose. and with white.
trembling lips said:
The brother introduced his remarks
by saying this conference should be a
place for bro;heriy intercourse and the
most harmonious and brotheriy action
For him - accuse ne % trying to win
n cheap martyrs crown l. far from
bruthefiy II this Il the brotherly love
shown here thank tod | want none OK
a. Have I acted IS II | was a martyr!
Have said q uunl 10 Indicate ihisf"
The RoV Dr. Cobb explained the re-
quigements q the evangelical faith 10
be a belief 10 the divinity " the Father.
son ard uoiy GhosF. and the unitarian
church j. sot sFedltsd sith having that
heief The Rows. Smith Il tho Mission
/ Wood church. NaaaerTecn ard Nulhern
spoke along tie samo line and Mr.
Johns3ou Continued 10 pour ia bot shot
in defense of his application The dis
cussioa Nas 50 aniIafCd that the time
~ al lUufrment Wa exteoded one hall
houF. However. 10 busircss &c
fHan vas taken an Mr John
stons application ard committee
ccmreaessof tie f1l.owing psHtofs vas
aproiatei y Iresilen. williamson 70
ascertsta Nho ere eligible o. metster
ship The RaTs T. ~ Davis. Oar p
lfaaiey sn1 Dr. SIC afn. This cam-
mittee is 81 rgp1rs a. tie naxt p,eetsng
IL - Thought the worI evangelical siil
have 90 be eiiuinated fr1m The eonstt
tuition before We 4ehnstnn Can uon9uie
a uenosr & tho cofieTsnre.
Rusipcss Se~eiSa.
AZ To fagu a. tsaslaess session Il ~.
decFied b appoiHt ths second Sunday
ia Decealbeg = easb year IS hospital
SBus'sy vhsn ssfnans eil - delivered
IL tbe vsrfhDs eAafehes IN The cfy "a
hosRitai sask sad coutribuiaous re