New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-06
TROCBLE ~ 4 BAPTIST CHtRCH.
TWO FACTIONS AT wAR IN THE CENTRAL
PARK CONGREGATION

PARK CONGREGATION.
Trouble which is likely to cause a split IN the
church has broken out in the congregation OF the
Central Park Baptis; Church No. 23' East Eighty
third-st. Discussions have existed In the chufch
for a long time but did result in an open rup'-
IRE until Friday night at meeting to elect three
trustees at which there was considerable disorder
and n policeman was called in. Old members say
that the whole reason for the trouble when mas
been brewing for time is that the pastor 'He
Rev c. Venton Patterson. is too arbitrary III HIS
methods. and desires to in his own fashion
everything directly or indirectly connected with
the church on the other hand. friends of Inc pas
tor say that the Old members of the church want
10 control affairs entirely.
The Central Park Baptist Church was organized
about forty years ago. and until withln the as'
year or two has been prosperous. with q large ana
well-to-do congregation. The Rev. DR.. Norton was
pastor for about twenty-five years and upon MS
resignation on account OF old age, the pulpit re-
mained vacant for year, when eighteen months
ago the Rev. Mr.. Patterson took charge Nh"h
trouble began to arise the pastor was DacNeu ny
most OF the $40 converts whom he Is sall 70
have secured. and the majority of the Ola members
opposed him and his methods
Edward Bates trustee of the church SAID TO 81, q
Epst Eightyfourhst.: II aid not say as was
ported, that the Friday night church meeting was
disgrace to the church. The crowded
with adherents of Mr. Patterson before We who
large number were not allowed 10 vote. There was
much noise and disturbance. ana l was surprised
10 hear cheering and cappng OF hands over the ne-
feat of brother. That was not brotheriy love' IL
was sacrlege The trouble in the church began by
MIR Patterson being debarrel from the meetings
OF the trustees. He is very headsuong. and Wo1.I
can no chance for reconciliation. His resSna-
ton would greatly help matters."
Patterson hal insulted Mrs. J. r. Fraser, Of No;
I53 East Eighty -nrstst.. a prominent member Of
the congregation. 1t was also said that drunken
men were present at the meeting on FRIDAY night;
his study. in the rear Of laundry. at NO ~ East
Seventy third-st. by a Tribune reporter HIS enc
mics declare he owns this laundry; he says he does
not. Mr.. Patterson lives al No 100 East Elghty
third-st
''Of the eighty-two members" he said. who have
asked me to resign over one-half ! do not know.
ing about me and have acted purely on the urging
Of others: They say that the dissensions nave
true During DR. Nortons pastoratc about. one,
half Of the congregation went uptown and founded
the Grace Baptist Church. During my pastorate
the average attendance has Jumped from about
jealousy Nv efforts to build up the church are
being opposed. small party of old members are
me When the Friday night meeting was called
heard that preparations We're being made TO down
me- / prepared TO stop that: We beat them two TO
one. | sent for the policeman because ! did not
know what to expect am told that two or three
OF the other element were fun They We're Menu
bers who had been droppei and insisted upon their
ent whose tongues were thick but they We're none
Of my friends The statement that am schemins
to get the church properly is absurd as Is also the
member had a chance TO vote on Friday night, and
so there is foundation for the remark Of Mr..
Hughes. trustee, that was more Of a boss than
nection with this laundry have my study here
simply as matter Of convenience"