New-York tribune., 1896-01-04
WIDDEMERITES ON TRIAL.
THE FOLLOWING OF THE ASBURY PARK
PASTOR CALLED TO THE BAR.
FIRST DAYS SESSION OF A CHURCH COURT
WHICH WILL. AFFECT A LARGE CONGRE-
CATION 49, THE ACCUSED PROTEST
AGAINST THE PROCEEDINGS
WITHOUT AVAIL.

WITHOUT AVAIL.
Asbury Park Jan 3 (SpecaD.-The first pitched
battle In the campaign nauGurated by the Presby-
terry Of Monmouth against the followers OF the Rev
Howard r. Widdemer formerly pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church. Of Asbury Park. was fought
here today. Fourteen members. including three
elders of the church. were placed on trial for in
subord,nat.on and alleged dsloyalty TO the Presby-
terry Of Monmouth. The names of the accused
Presbyterians. called out 10y the clerk are as
follows: Captain Minot and wife, George Smock
and wife. Charles Hunt and wife. Horace Dean ana
wife Daniel Michigan, Martin V. Dagger. H. D. Cole
man. V. V. lie Roy. William F. lie Roy and Charles
Emery. These pcop'e are the chosen bodyguard OF
Mr. Widdemer. and for this offence they were COM
PEELED to stand the first brunt Of the battle
After a long consultation. held last week. the
cited Widdemerites decided on a plan of campaign
which had for its handspring position Of mega
tveness," 10 speak. In other words. the accused
members claimed that the enemy held position be
hind impregnabe breastworks and could best be at
tackled by diplomatic manoeuvres. Accordingly,
when court met this morning. the Moderator and
prosecuting counsel were served with statement
which set forth the position Of Mr.. Widdemer =
congregation and its opinion OF the PresDytery OF
Monmouth in language strong enough TO convey
the meaning of the indignant members. This state
ment is given as a complete answer and defence Of
the people to the charges preferred against them
by the Presbytery.
After reciting Mr. Widdemers side Of the case
and their belief in him. the minister's partisans say
I'VE feel that the committee before whom We are
cited TO appear has already made up Its mind as to
the result of our trial. and so. without intending
any disrespect think it useless to prolong a
strife. which only end In the ruin of peacefu.
and harmonious church, established through many
struggles and self-denals of its members In view
;hen Of all these facts. whose names are under
signed decline to apear before the committee or
PrcShNferN
this paper protest against your action and
Dr Young Of Matawan as moderator and chair
man of the special committee of investigation;
Cran6ury. and Dr' Tyack Of Hleh,own. appeared
re- s most DR. R@ss of of
was appointed to defend the M
abilities of Mr.. Dashiell as an advocate.
Dr. Holaheid of Newark. who was chairman OF
ves,iga,e the charges against MIR Widemer, was
the principal witness OF the gay DR. Hollai,eia
in the case showing how the commt,ee had ar
rived at decision to drop Mr.. Wddemer from the
obtained entrance to the Presbytery by a dishonor
able concealment of facts in connection with his
seemingly strengthened by a letter signed by Mr..
in which he agreed not % b to 2Ppsa b
existence of this agreement was the only new fact
brSgght out in to-dsys trial ,uo, ,o- ,rta, u.
failed appear and under the rules Of the Church
R M asSns G1 Mr. in his RSS that he
keep a promise to bring the church and its con-
gregatiOn back into harmony with the Presbytery
Of MOnmo III Trustees Ralston and David Har
vey, jr.. the only witnesses. They said that
Mr. lie Roy had done anything I'm particular
to show his attachment TO the Monmouth Presby-
terry. and that he OF Mr.. Widdemers prin-
cipal supporters Elder George Smock next
called to the bar Mr.. Smock in addition to being
an elder is also of the trustees OF the church
and a short time ago brought action to recover
on notes TO the amount OF 500 for materials fur
nished in building the & new church . The main main
were friendly with Mr. Widdemer.
The court found Elders Smock. Leroy and Me-
hegan guilty Of conduct inconsistent with the views
given when writing. Sentence will be promulga ted
in the Presbyery. The court also suspended Horace
Dean and wife, Hamilton Hurst and wife. H. d.
Coleman. NJ. D. Dagger. Messrs. Van Nleet and Le-
Toy, and Jonathan Minot and Wife and cited thirty
other members TO appear February IL, and sus-
pended them pending the hearing