New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-18
RECEIVER FOR 4 CHURCH,
THE REV. Mr.. WIDDEMER'S OPPONENTS
APPEAL TO THE COURTS.

TO APPEAR BEFORE THE PREsBYTERY AND
ANSWER FOR THEIR CONDUCT IN AID
Herring TO THEIR PASTOR
AFTER HIS EXPULSION
Asbury Park Dec. II (SpeciaD.-As a sequel TO
yesterdays exciting meeting OF the Monmouth
Presbytery. Asbury Park talked about nothing to-
day but the latest startling action OF the Presbytery
In the Rev. Howard r. Widdemer's case. The COM
mittee appointed to find out whether the members
OF the First Presbyterian Church congregation were
actually hostile to the Presbytery and doing repre-
hensibe and unchrstian acts in insisting attend
Ing Mr. Wddemers services met In the Christian
Endeavor room and took vigorous action against
the offending congregation About fifty members
were cited to appear before the Presbytery at
meeting to be held in Asbury Park on December p.
and answer charges and specifications unbecoming
a Christian"
The citations were served by Constable Sidney T.
Hampton. and the utmost excitement prevails here
tonight In church circles. 1t is generally under
stood that unless the members Of the First Presby-
terrain Church abandon Mr.. Widdemer they will be
formally expelled from the Church.
Still further complication resulting from the
conference OF the committee is an application to
the Court OF Charcery by James Steen lawyer OF
Eatonown for the appointment OF a receiver OF
the church property. IT IL alleged that the trustees
have mismanaged the finances. but as they deny
the charges and be in position to prove
their statements that the funds of the church have
been properly handled. 1t is not believed that this
VIII amount to much.
In the mean time Mr. WIddemer is still uppermost
and strongly entrenched in the hearts Of the people
He will hold his service in the Opera House next
Sunday afternoon and It is safe to predict that
every Presbyterian who has received a notice from
the constable to-day will be present and aggressive
ly in evidence
An application FOL rule 10 show cause why
receiver should not be appointed for the Presby-
terlan Church Of Asbury Park made 20 Vice.
Chancellor Reed in Chancery Chambers, Newark.
yesterday. The application was made by James
ship OF the church which opposed to the Rev
Howard T. Widdemer's continued pastorate. The re-
cever Is asked for the ground that the church Is
insolvent, that II has large floating Indebtedness
means or payment have been provided, ana mat suit
has been brought upon certain notes made by mem
bers OF the Board OF Trustees for the 6eneht Of the
church. Mr.. Widdemer recently dropped from
the rolls OF the Newark Presbytery, but has con-
timed to preach In Asbury Park, although OPP
The vice-ChancelIor asked If the applicant
a stockholder or creditor and Informed that he
was a member OF the congregation
The statute says he must be either creditor
or stakeholder" said the Vce-Chanceilor.
Mr. Steen argued that a church member held the
same position stakeholder in o:her corporations
Did you hear Of a receiver being appointed
for a church," counsel was asked
Yes in Pennsylvania"
"Oh, yes: but not in New-Jersey."
Mr. Sieen then explained that receiver was
desired to take charge of the temporary affairs OF
the church until its troubles shall be adjusted and
IT was not likely that he would ever be compelled
TO sell the property.
Vice Chancellor but give your bill and | VIII
inform you OF my decision In day or two"