The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-24
GREENCAsTLE CHURCH ACTION.
Resolutions of sympathy for the Bry-
ans and Rev. Wood.

GREENCASTLE, Ind. Feb. 23.-The Pearl
Bryan murder furnished sensational Incl
dent at the College-avenue Methodist Church
here this morning. The parents of the MUIR
dared girl are members of this, the most
prominent church in the city, and its pre-
siding elder is the Rev. Delos NJ. Wood,
father of Will Wood, now in the Cincinnati
Jail for being implicated in the killing OF
Miss Bryan Connected with the church also
is DR.. Edwin Post, brother-in-law of Scott
Jackson who is believed to be the actual
murderer. For weeks the church people
have been burdened with heavy grief on
account of the calamity so Intimately con-
nectel with the church, and it was eX-
pected that sooner or later some official
action would be taken. After meeting OF
the officers it was decided to present to the
congregation this morning a testimonial of
sympathy for Elder Wood and ask for in
dorsement of the same. There has been
some talk that such action was not becom-
ing, but the prevailing sentiment was that
the occasion demanded it. Many thought
that the presiding elder should withdraw
from the church, owing to his sons con-
fessed connection with the crime, but the
Officers of the church entertained different
view, and insisted on indorsing Elder Wood
in unmistakable words. The question of in
herited vciousness of nature and immoral
tendencies has been freely discussed, but
few in the church have committed them
selves by limiting that WIN Wood did not
have the proper training. Outsiders are not
so thoughtful for the good name OF Elder
Wood and speak of the facts of Will Woods
record with co,d-blooded directneSs. That
he had been allowed to grow up as many
other sons Of preachers, with slack dis
cipline and little restraint. particularly since
he arrived at an age where he easily i'm
bibed evil teachings, Is not doubted, in the
light of recent disclosures. His moral nature
is poorly endowed with the sterling qualities
Of manhood. as all outside of his immediate
family know 1t is generally believed that
this whole shocking crime started from MS
relations with his cousin Pearl Bryan, and
that his parents are now reaping the tare5
that were sowed in the susceptible soil of
Will Woods life.
When the time came in church this morn
ing for introducing the subject of the muir
der the congregation was as still as death.
The church was first asked TO vote on the
following sympathetic testimonial to the
Bryan family:
THE officers and members of College-ave-
nue. Church desire IN this way to extend to
Brother and Sister Alexander Bryan word
of consolation and sympathy on account OF
the great grief that has fallen on them and
their househoid.s0ur hearts are deeply moved
by this unspeakable sorrow. We wish, by
rallying around the afflicted family, to bear
as much as we may of their burden and
calamity. We send to them our assurance
of confidence and love. They are supported
by our lifelong esteem. Brother and Sister
Bryan and all the members of their family
may have the comfort OF knowing that the
members of this church are their friends
sorrow and death. They are more than ever
endeared TO us by the terrible aif1iction
which has come to them in the loss of their
H., te~v11 IN fhnrv nj ~
hands, and open cur hearts In prayer and
hope, beseeching God to bind up their
wounds and give them a great comfort
which shall buoy them while they cross the
dark gulf of this mysterious sorrow.
MAY the Lord bless them and preserve
them, and restore them in life. and soul,
and keep them to the perfect Gay!
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan have been familiar
figures in the church, well known to ALL
While the testimonial was being read the
congregation was moved TO tears. The scene
was most affecting. When the pastor had
finished reading sadly breathed Amens"
came from all parts or the house. Ine con-
gregation indorsed the paper py a stahoihg
vote.
The next painful duty of the preacher
was to read The testimonial to Elder Wood
In this there was no word of blame or Sug-
gesting responsibility for the conduct of mis-
son. 1t was kindly worded document, full
of deepest sympathy and breathing prayer
for the afflicted minister, and read as fol-
..The officers and members of College-ave-
nue. Methodist Episcopal Church nave heard
with deepest regret of the sorrow which has
come to our beloved presiding elder Rev.
ID. NJ. Wood, and to his family We deem it
fitting to express to him, under the present
painful circumstances, the sense of common
grief which we all bear on his account, and
in particular to assure him or our deep and
earnest respect and unabated confidence We
have had cause for many years 10 appre-
ciate the high Christian character of Rev.
Wood as minister or the Gospel; his en-
viable rank in the conference to which ne
IT. f,;tl f,rl in
to which he has ministered; his capable ana
efficient work in the office of presiding elder,
in which relation the officers and members
of this church have known him best. In all
our acquaintance with Rev. Wood he has
shown without flaw the bright
end ;a warmth MINISTRY has as been ian
variably successful, and his walk and con-
versation among the people such as to en-
dear him to 3,t them y a of Ss sS Grief ana
discouragement we should do less than our
duty and privilege If we failed to extend to
Rev. Wood this earnest assurance or our
to know and to feel the support OF our con-
fiience and our prayers Rev. Wood is forti-
fled in the love and esteem or TINS enurch,
iations. personal and ministerial. We trust
that he will accept at our hands this volrn-
tary testimonial of the respect. aTection and
this church and as we doubt not, by all the
churches of the Northwest Indiana Confer
ence. MAY GOD bless KEY Woou ana ms
wife in this their time OF trial, and make
them strong in hope and in the love and
sympathy of all Christian people"'
This was also adopted by the congregation
rising Elder Wood is expected to hold
regular quarterly meeting at College-avenue
Church next Sunday. and the testimonial is
an expression of the good will of his congre-
CATION He has been almost Frustrated over
the scandalous exposure ana II was reported
that he would withdraw temporarily from
mis- church duties, but this is not verified
here.