New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-01
TROUBLE IN THE CHI CRCH.
WEST END BAPTIST DEACONs EXPEL A
MEMBER.
THE TROUBLE OVER THE ELECTION OF THE REV
GEORGE W. GREENWOOD TAKES
NEW TURN

NEW TURN
Tho deacons Of the West End Baptist Church, in
Fortv-seventh-st South Brooklyn, held meeting
on Friday nght and afterward reported to the mem
hers of the church that they In favor Ct with
drawing the hand of fellowship from r. Ramsden.
OF No. 2S9 Fifty -second-st. This action Is another
phase OF the trouble In connection with the election
OF the Rev George W. Greenwood TO the passionate
OF the church. which, according to the allegations OF
a number OF the friends OF Mr.. Ramsden was
brought about by fraud.
After meeting held a few months ago. at which
II was decided TO call Mr.. Greenwood TO the pulpit
of the church. Mr. Ramsden wrote letter to "A local
South Brooklyn weekly newspaper, setting forth
that the election had been rreguary conducted. ana
tina. Mr. Greenwood was not entitled 10 the recoS-
milton due a pastor 1t was further said that Mr..
Greenwood. up TO early last summer. was failure
as a preacher and as a spiritual director Of the con-
gregation 1t was also charged that M. Green
wood unpatriotic. Before reslgnlng MS posi-
ton az pastor last summer Mr.. Greenwood Is SAID
TO have emphatlcally stated that he believed he was
fitted only for evangelical work. and tina, only In
the capacity of evangelist could he serve the
Lord. IN addition to this Mr.. Greenwood is put
down as saying that his resignation was final and
that under no circumstances would he again accept
the call TO the West End Baptist Church
The position which Mr.. Ramsden. who is we'll
known resident OF the western part OF South Brook
lyn took IN this matter of church politics not
in the least appreciated by the clergyman and his
friends. Speaking OF Mr. Ramsien. Mr.. Greenwood
characterized him being with dis
affected mind. But this did not phase Mr.. Rams
den. and he continued IN his warfare against the
preacher The attention OF the Board OF Dcacons.
which consists OF Messrs. Campbell Teale. Peck.
McKahie. Van Wrinkle and Dorning called 10
the controversy. They cited Mr.. Ramsdcn 20 APP
pear before them and make an explanation. Mr..
Ramsden decided not TO do this. as In his belief the
Board has jurisdiction In the matter. He further
81 al II
of appointing a committee TO investigate charges
should be followed.
Friday night in the West End Baptist Church Is
the weekly prayer meeting night Nj Greenwood
presided the asst OF these. but eft the chair
when 1t announced that a business meeting
church were requested to leave at once. Then the
report of the Board OF Deacons prcfaced by few
he had sorrowful duty TO perform, was accepted
After this action had been taken the Rev. MI
Greenwood said that he was sorry Mr.. Ramsden
had not seen hts way clear 70 appear before the
Board of Deacons and make his peace with them
relative TO the dissatisfaction which he, pastor
had given the expelled member Mr. Kansdcn re-
piled that II Mr. Greenwood had done his duty
pastor toward him there would have been
pleasantness. Mr.. Ramsden. however. Is now eX-
PEELED from the West End Baptist Church lie was
seen yesterday by a reporter Of The Tribune. who
asked him II he intended 10 Tight the matter
Mr. Ransden said he had nothing 10 say.
"As against a corporation, do YOU think that you
would obtain a mandamus compelling the Board OF
Deacons OF the church to reinstate your asked the
reporter.
Il cannot Just now answer that question" re-
piled Mr. Ramsden.
A member OF the church. who was seen later
rage. There never was such a large meeting OF
the members OF the church as that held Friday
night The lame. halt and blind were induced. and
in fact inveg:ed from their homes TO attend that
meeting and lend their aid In this cfort 10 sup
press the demand Of a just man think NJ
Ramsden Will obtain justice In the courts OF this
State"