The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-08
STRAUSS COMPROMISE.
The Offending Member Rein
stated After He Expressed
Regrets.
A Heated Discussion During Which
Morse Threatened a Suit
for Libel.

Peace and harmony prevail once more
in the First Congregational Church.
Meyer Strauss is again member 'in good
and regular standing" DR.. Brown has
expressed satisfaction with the measure
of contrition shown by the offending mem
Der. The members generally are of the
opinion that both Meyer Strauss and DR..
Brown have done what Christians should
do in settling such matter, and every one
is content, with one possible exception, and
that exception is Deacon l. II. Morse.
The Sunday-schoel of the First Congre-
gational Church was crowded to the doors
last evening and every face wore look of
expectancy, which did not pass away dur-
ing the services of the prayer-meeting.
The congregation sang Praise Him
Praise Him!" DR.. Brown read a chapter
from Isaiah commencing, "Behold my SER
want whom uphold" The topic for the
evening was evangeliZation, but beyond
the remarks of the pastor it was not much
discussed and before the hour usually given
to devotion had expired DR.. Brown said a
business m Getting was called for the consid-
Grafton of some resolutions which were
submitted by Messrs. Rankin, Hubbard,
were as follows:
WHEREAS, A vote was passed by this church
on Wednesday evening, the 31st ult.. by which
the name of Brother Meyer Strauss was ordered
to be dropped from the roll of the church +;
and whereas, it is the impression of some of
our members that the action of the church
was hasty and not fully considered: and
whereas, no suspicion OF unfairness should at
tach to any of our proceedings touching the
reputation or standing OF any brother in the
ResolUed, That the vote by which the name of
Meyer Strauss was dropped from our roll be
and hereby is rescinded, and that the church
is hereby instructed to cite Meyer Strauss to
appear before the church at meeting to be
held at this place on Wednesday evening, Aug
ust q, to answer to the charge against him of
breach of expressed covenant vows involved in
the vote of censure adopted by the officers and
standing committee on the 18th ult.
After reading the resolution DR.. Brown
SAID the resolution of censure, though
passed by a large majority, and the vote to
eXpel Mr.. Strauss, by a smaller majority
last week, had caused dissatisfaction and
dissension. Weighty and honorable names
were arrayed on both sides of the question.
If the action was hasty one it was the de-
in the matter, although Mr.. Strauss had
been considered guilty of violation OF ex-
pressed covenant laws.
Deacon Rankin stated that no unfairness
had been intended. He supposed Mr..
Strauss considered himself justified in his
position. At all events, it was matter
that should receive consideration.
Sylvester Simpson moved division of
the resolution. He did not favor the con-
sideration to rescind the vote of censure
and the arrangement for his trial together.
DR.. Brown asked for the speakers name
and said he had not known of the gentle
mans connection with the church. Here
there was a storm of misses which sounded
strangely in the sacred ediice.
Deacon Vasconcelles said the doctors re-
mark called TOR no demonstration, and DR..
Brown spoke of demonstration the pre-
vlous week which he said was not led by a
member of the church.
Mr.. Simpson said the matter ought to be
dropped where it was. If the agitation
was continued worse feeling would be
stirred up. The motion to rescind the &C.
ton was passed by considerable majority
The stormy discussion was upon the adj
visibility OF a trial. Deacons Barnard
and Dexter, Mr.. Simpson and others ex-
pressed the opinion that Mr.. Strauss had
been sufficiently punished for what he had
been accused of. They counseled that the
affair end where it was.
Deacon Morse said he felt that the
highest and best good of the church de-
manded that the action against M. Strauss
be sustained. he believed that fair
minded people would not think the pun
ishment as severe as the offense warranted.
DR.. Brown said that those who had
talked with him on the subject and the
One who reads all secrets of the heart knew
that he cherished no vindictiveness toward
Mr.. Strauss
He said the church had suffered from
three newspaper articles which had ap-
peared over Mr.. Strauss signature, but
that he would be satisfied if the writer
would give some expression to show that
the church would no longer be subjected to
such attacks. When the pastor was
dragged into the newspapers he felt that
the church was assailed. If Mr.. Strauss