The Indianapolis journal., 1896-04-03
CAUSED BY A CLIQUE
WHY PASTORS OF SEVENTH PREsBY-
TERRAIN CHURCH HAVE RESIGNED.
Rev. Drs. Hunter and Thompson Could
Not stand the Harassing-Rev..
Mr.. Knox's Letter.

Ine troubles IN the seventh presbyterian
Church, which have caused the pastor, Rev.
George Knox, to write letter informing the
church board of his intention to resign at
some time in the near future, are not Of re-
cent origin, but date back several years.
During the pastorate Of Rev. r. v. Hunter
one of the members OF the church was tried
for an infraction Of the discipline of the
Presbyterian Church. When the attempt to
discipline the refractory member was made
the membership took Sides" and for time
the church was threatened with total dis
ruption. An apparent settlement of differ
ences was effected and the matter was
hushed up. so far as the outside world could
learn. AS matter of fact. the breach has
never been entirely healed. and two factions
have existed for the last four years, as an
after effect of the old quarrel. Rev. r. V.
Hunter iabored long and earnestly to restore
amicable relations among the dissatisfied
ones, without effect. DIR. Hunter was man
not inclined to be too sensitive. but even he
grew weary OF the endless strife that existed
between the influential. substantial members
of the church. and a small clique that found
fault with everything that was done. 1t is
alleged that one reason Of DR.. Hunters resig-
nation was the presence OF this clique in the
church. DR.. Hunter was succeeded by the
Rev. Arthur ~. Thompson, a pastor of Pc
culiar spiritual gifts, who soon won the re-
spect and admiration Of the majority of the
congregation Like DR.. Hunter, DR.. Thomp-
son came in contact with this troublesome
element in the church. and after acting as
pastor for one year, he also resigned.
Rev. George Knox said yesterday that the
personal relations between himself and the
members or the church have always been OF
the most amicable character. AT the time
he accepted the call TO the pulpit OF the Sew
enth Presbyterian Church he knew nothing
OF internal oissensions. and was considerably
surprised to have them brought to his atten-
ton afterwards. At first he thought that all
differences might be healed under his minis
tration. Finding that they continue. with
no prospects OF betterment under his infiu-
ence. DR.. Knox says that he thought IL was
his duty TO leave the church untrammeled
and free to call TO its assistance some man
who might be more successful i'm settling the
Knox says he can not expect spiritual
growth within the church. He has not
formally resigned. but simply wrote a letter
10 the board announcing his intention of
doing when the church shall have had
time TO select another pastor.
One of the elders OF the church said yes
terday that no formal action has been taken
think that the congregation would refuse TO
entertain the pastors proposition to resign
as he has been eminently successful, and is
regarded a conservative, sound pastor
Aside from the small clique, which Is said to
be always dissatisfied with everything done
AZ Is asserted that DIR. Knox gives universal
satisfaction. and II Is also said that even the
but is simply at variance with some OF the
officials.