The herald., 1896-06-07
What Will the Members of
HOWard's Flock Do?
HE STILL HOLDS THE FORT
And Will Continue TO Preach for the
Present
As Good Q Presbyterian - Ever-ShirIey G
Ward Reviews the Results Of the
Assembly's Decision

A copy of the decision of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian church in
reference to the troubles. which have
for so many months veXed the men,
bers of the old First Presbyterian
church of this city, was yesterday re-
ceived by the Rev. Burt Estes Howard.
The decision, as already told by dis
patches from Saratoga, N. Y, was un
favorable to Mr.. Howard and the
Westminster church, sustaining the ac-
tion of the presbytery and reversing
that of the synod.
Mr.. Howard was seen yesterday after
noon by a Herald reporter, and in an
swer to his inquiries said:
mo action in reference to the decis
ion will be taken until H. T. Gordon,
who represented us, returns from Sara
toga. j. c. Salisbury was also there in
our interests and he will return with Mr..
Gordon"
You are now convinced that the de-
cision is adverse to yourself?" =
Certainly, and the question must now
be regarded as settled. There is, how
ever, no reflection cast on the congrega-
tion or myself; we are neither asked to
apologize or confess that we are in error.
The presbytery of Los Angeles, which
meets on the 22d inst, will in the ordi-
nary course take the initiative as to the
question of restoration, for they are in
structed by the assembly to advise the
pastor and the session of the decision
and ask them to submit"
Then it is your intention to preach
tomorrow"
Yes. and right along for the pres
ent. The minute the notice of the as
sembly's decision comes into the hands
of the clerk of the synod, l shall be sus-
pended and advised to stop preaching.
But the clerk, Mr.. w. s. Young, is at
present away from the city, and will
not be back for six weeks, 1 believer"
c4.y. rIntr ,Iov f..,,
the future?"
mo; / have not the slightest notion
of which our future movement will be.
The Question of the distribution of the
property is touched upon by the as
sembly's verdict, but they have no jur
isdiction, of course, over the distribution
of the assets of the corporation. This
can only be settled by the civil courts.
Nothing. as said, can be done till Mr..
GOrdon's return"
You consider that you are just as
good a Presbyterian as ever?"
Yes" rejoined Mr.. Howard with a
smile. apparently chuckling at the sig
nificance of the last two words of the
question.
You have reason to believe that your
congregation will continue loyal to you
in any case?"
Certainly have no grounds to think
otherwise. They have proved them
selves remarkably loyal and united
people,"
The reverend gentleman could not be
induced to give his views as to the pos
sible secession of the Westminster
church from the Presbyterian church
and the formation of an indejendent
church, only answering the questions
by saying that nothing could as yet be
even considered in this matter. He
seemed in the cheeriest of moods and not
at all disconnected by the adverse re-
suit
Mr.. Howard says he has no intention
of referring i'll any way whatever to
the controversy or to future action from
the pulpit and in this connection a some
what amusing incident may be recalled.
Last Sunday, just after the reception
OF the news by telegraph in this city