The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-09

churches called by Park Church to advise
as to its finances, the failure Of that coun-
Gil to secure the aid desired, the disband-
ing of Park Church in consequence and
the call OF DR.. J. A. Cruzan to Olivet
Church. have all been detailed by the
press.
The fact that Howard Presbyterian
Church had rented the hall and bought
the fixtures was likewise noted as was the
further fact that the Congregational Home
Missionary Society would contest. IN the
courts il need be, the right OF the Presby-
terrain church to the property.
The situation yesterday morning at the
neat hall on Baker and Fell streets, the
former place of worship of Park Church,
was peculiar one.
Rev. F. B. Farrand, according 10 pub
lished notices, occupied the pulpit, but he
of members of the alleged defunct Park
Church. Mrs. Cruzan. wife OF the pastor
of Park Church, presided at the piano.
There was no reference in the sermon to
the speakers embarrassing position, but
at the close he explained that he was
there by reason OF what appeared to be an
error. He had been waited upon by repre-
sentatives Of Park Church, who said their
organization was about to disband, and
would be glad to dispose OF its furnishings
and transfer its rental 10 Howard Church.
The transfer was accomplished and he
m ade all arrangements for the change of
services, his first intimation that the
transfer was illegal having been received
from Rev. j. K. Harrison, who ordered
re-transfer and returned the money. He
regretted the mistake, but had no doubt
all parties had acted in good faith.
DR.. Cruzan was filling his appointment
at Olivet Church. Mrs. Cruzan, therefore,
acting in his behalf, said mistake had
been made and that in all probability
Park Church would continue. 1t was an
nounced that business meeting would be
held to complete arrangements to that
end. Accordingly the Congregational
Sabbath-school was in session as usual
after the service.
Rev. ]. K. Harri son conducted the SER
vices and presided at the business meet
ing that followed. He declared the church
could not be disbanded because the vote
was not unanimous. 1t only remained TO
ask whether it was desired to bring the
question to vote again. He called for an
expression of opinion, and all the men,
bers voted for its continuance. 1t was
also decided by vote that Mr.. Cruzan's
resignation, submitted as dependent upon
the disbanding OF the church, should
not be accepted.
There was but one dissenting voice and
vote, and that because of DR.. Cruzan's be-
ing one of the high-salaried men of the de-
nomination, the objector, Mr.. Sprague.
stating that Park Church in its present
condition should not try to hold minis
ter who could command high salary any
where.
business meeting will be held next
Sunday evening for the further considera-
ton of the finances.
Fortunately DIR. Cruzan has not for
mally accepted the call to Olivet Church,
which fact somewhat reduces complica-
tons.
Mr. Harrison stated that much interest
had been revived by the church's action;
that the Home Missionary Society would
continue it's contribution. DR.. w. D.
Williams had personally pledged $1,000
toward church building. and that in ali
probability before Howard Church was
completed Park church would also have
building.