Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-05
THE CHURCH DIVIDES
Rev. Mr.. Dausherty and His Followers
Withdraw from Fulton Baptist
NO PROSPECT OF HARMONY.
The Minister Declares That He Has
Only Preached the Gospel-Names
Enrolled for a New Organization
Views on sanctiHcatiOn.

sect In the East End OF the city. 'of wnicn
Rev. John w. Daugherty Is the leader
as well as the author Of the doctrine
he teaches.
Trouble has been brewing In the Churcn
for some time past over the views heiu
by the pastor as TO Scriptural communion
and sanctifcation. which were not III
accord with those. OF perhaps. hair Oh
his congregation, but 1t was thought that
the action of the Church last Sunday al
ternoon. when Mr.. Daugherty was up
held in his doctrine by vote OF AS to
12,. had ended the matter. and that mar
mony would reign.
The regular midweek service last night
was largely attended, and not more than
five or six persons in the congregation
knew that the meeting would come to
an abrupt close by the pastor resigning
his charge.
Rev. Mr.. Daugherty opened the service
as usual, and preached a short sermon,
taking for his text. Second Timothy,
4th chapter / and verses: II charge
thee therefore before God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the
quick and the dead. at his appearing
and his kingdom, to preach the Word"
LETTER OF WITHDRAWAL.
At the conclusion OF the sermon. Mr..
Daugherty read the following letter.
amid the death-like silence Of the con-
gregation:
Richmond, Va. March 4, 1896.
To the Members OF Fulton Baptist
Church,:
My Dear Brethren and Sisters.-My
ministry among you is we'll known 10 you
all. My preaching Is better known TO
you than any one else. except God and
myself You know whether / have ever
preached contrary TO the Scriptures. You
and God were asked to decide this ques-
ton of adherence 10 the Word OF God.
In mass-meeting on Sunday last, by
your own appointment, j received from
the presiding officer the statement that.
1.-The Fulton Baptist church endorses you
and the doctrines you preach. and desires
you for their pastor"
/ accepted your decision in the matter.
I gave opportunity in my speech OF ac-
ceptance for correction II had made any
mistake about your decision being an
end OF controversy, and asked any one
feeling otherwise. to speak or else forever
hold his peace.
/ offered my heart and hand TO you.
W ltD TIC tiiut iOi tdiiiN
II was conspicuously true that not one
OF the leaders In the opposition met me.
Since that time have met. personally.
quite a number of them, and find that
there is no sign whatever of harmony.
On the contrary, strong indications Of
renewed conflict exist. l have been told
by the most prominent representative Of
the opposing element that IL was all he
could possibly do TO suppress open re-
LlHl l.. - .
last Monday night. and yet II looked like
a peaceful body.
This is a deplorable and hopeless state
of affairs.
HIS POSITION DEFINED.
My position Is this: The Bible alone IS
my only rule OF faith and practice
have stood firmly or the Word of God
all the way. Where articles of faith
and creeds oppose this Word I do not
respect them. / have always said SO
everywhere
l was not called to preach a system
Of theology; but to preach the Gospel,
and that I have done. even the whole
counsel of God. / thought that was
Baptist doctrine until now. Now / find
that the denomination declares that 1t Is
not. have not been the cause OF any
trouble in this church. 1t cannot be
attributed to my preaching. because.
God is not the author of confusion; but
of peace" and the most Spiritual part OF
the Church, by far has decided by a
ballot that preached the Word OF God.
and endorsed II.
1t is said ! have acted dishonorably in
my preaching. II that means l have
acted dishonorabIy by telling the truth,
and refusing to lie, as the Church has
voted l did tell the truth. then l am per-
fectly willing to bear that reproach.
Again 1t has been said. II / am cor
rectly informed, that the mass-meeting
was fraudulent, and that I am an
usurper / do not know anything about
the frauds. / was not In the Church,
but at home quietly awaiting your de-
cision. / resumed my pastoral relations
at the invitation extended by you through
your moderator. Speaking in your
hearing he said the Fulton Baptist church
desired me to remain as their pastor.
No one objected Again: i have heard
that 1t has been said I captured" or
"took away the church building. I
have not taken It anywhere that know
of Your trustees hold your property.
I am the pastor OF the Fulton Baptist
church. / think the house belongs 10
the Church. No. friends, have not
fallen so low as to care anything about
properties. The house Is a mere nothing.
have been engaged only with the Word
of God.
And now, finally: feel sure that
somebody Is going to quarrel about de-
nominationalsm and house. and no peace
can be had and no work for God can be
done.
HE WILL WITHDRAW.
will end 1t all. so far as I am con-
cerned and quietly withdraw. | have
gained the victory for the Word of God
by your own ballot cheerfully give you
your doctrines and your house, as another
did some 1850 years ago.
1 will not be your pastor after the
reading of this paper. / thank you for all
your kindness TO me and my family since
have been with you. God bless you.
Farewell. With Christ's love.
JOHN w. DAUGHERTY.
THE CHURCH DIVIDED.
Mr. Daugherty then walked out OF the
church, leaving the people staring in
blank amazement.
Mr.. ]. W. Reams, one OF the deacons,
and a sympathizer with the pastor In
his views. then told the congregation
that they had seen the action of Mr..
Daugherty. and those who wished to
could Immediately meet at that gentle
mans house. which was only about 100
yards distant, and continue the worship
OF God. About half of the congregation
arose. left the church. and followed the
retiring pastor to his house. while the
others sat dumbfounded at the sudden
and unexpected turn affairs had taken.
They left the church In few minutes.
after having decided to meet Friday
night to take some steps In regard 10
how they shall proceed.
A JUBILEE MEETING.
The Dispatch reporter had no trouble
In finding Mr.. Daugherty's residence. 1t
was. only a block and a half from the
church. and the crowd on the porch and
the sounds Of chanting hymns. left no
doubt In his mind that be had reached