Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-31
SOUTHERN METHoDIsTS.
Action Taken by the Baltimore Con-
ference Yesterday.

Charles NJ Bragg. the former pastor of
Calvary Church, Lombard and Greene
streets, Baltimore, whose disappearance
caused so much of a sensation some months
ago, was formally expelled from the Bal
timore conference of the Southern Metho-
dist Church at Fredericksburg yesterday,
and his statement to his wife, II am a
ruined man." made in a letter left for her
when he deserted her. was verified, as far
as his connection with the ministry is con-
cerned. 1t is said that the last news heard
of him was that he was driving street
car in New York city. Secretary Armstrong
read the report of the COMMITTEES appointed
to investigate the report. 1t was brief and
to the point.
THE report of the committee of investi-
CATION Is sustained, and Charles NJ. Bragg
is expelled from the ministry and member
ship of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South" was all it said. 1t was signed by
H. Zimmerman, secretary. 1T now be-
comes my duty" said Bishop CRANBERRY.
Ito declare that Charles NJ. Bragg has been
found guilty of immortality and is expelled
from the ministry and membership Of the
church" The most intense silence prevail
ed during these proceedings When they
were concluded a low murmur ran over
the room. in which the words pity, sad
Rev j. w. Duffey of the committee to
investigate the charges Of intoxication
against Rev. V. W. Wheeler made a state
ment about the matter. He said that as
the present investigation was the fourth
in the same case 1t was proposed to make
II very thorough, not with any desire to
be hard on Mr.. Wheeler, but to prevent
any further agitation of the question. Nv
have no power to summon witnesses ano
compel their attendance" said Mr.. Duney,
and it rests with those who are acquaint-
ed with the facts In the case as to how
far the investigation shall go. But I would
cox 70 oil hn hox
case to make known to the committee the
facts in their possession or forever after
ward hold their peace" A fervent amen,
coming from all parts Of the church, was
the response.
The anti-pool bill now before the Mary
land legislature is being widely discussed
by the members Of the conference, end
those from Maryland seem indignant at
the action of the members of the house OF
delegates who have lent their efforts to the
postponement or the defeat Of the measure
The action Of the senate in passing the
bill and Senator Hubner's work in its be-
half are commended. While the conference
as a whole, took no action on the matter
number of prominent preachers and lay
men have teiegraphed to their repre-
sentatives in the legislature urging them
for the honor of the state, to do all in their
power to help the bill on its passage. The
messages were addressed particularly to
those members who were absent from the
state house when the bill was brought up
New Presiding Elder.
Presiding Elder Samuel Rodgers Of the
Baltimore district will be retired from his
office at the close of this conference by the
operation Of the law limiting the pastoral
term to four years.
The following probationary preachers were
| continued on trial: Linwood Hammond
William D. Keene. B. Lee Parrot, H. NJ
Reed, James H. Smith, VIM. J. Whitesen
| Henry A. Wilson and Homer ]. Hieronimui
were continued on trial. John G. Kestleri
S. J. Sarver and Josiah j. Ringer were
discontinued at their own request James
T. Meyers was transferred to the japan
conference.
Deacons Jacob NJ Eavey, VIM. L. Smith
Samuel N. Bowman, John w. Beall, VIM
T. Cover, VIM. H. H. Joyce, John s. Engle
Isaac G. Michael and John H. white were
elected to elders orders.
j. Edgar Wilson of Baltimore and Walter
J. Hubbard of Virginia. who had taken the
local relation, were readmitted. and Rev
Richard II. Bennett was transferred from
the Baltimore to the Virginia conference.
VIM. S. Hammond, John H. Schooley ard
Henry l.. Hout were elected to deacons
orders. Local Deacon John w. Mcneil was
passed to the class of the third year.
Alfred b. Sites, VIM. H. Marsh, Robert
| L. Faltz, Chas. NJ. Sarver. John c. Hawk
Archibald C. Hamill and James H. Wells
were passed to the class of deacons Of the
| first year. Oscar w. Lusby was located a,
| his own request in order to attend school.
The boards of visitors Of the Valley Fe-
male Institute at Winchester, Mr.. DR. John
P. Hyde, principal, and Of the Wesleyan
Female Institute, at Staunton, Mr.. w. w
Robertson, principal, submitted favorable
| reports of both Institutions.