New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-26
CHURCH SPLIT BY GOSSIP.
TALK CAUSES TROUBLE IN ST STEPHENS
CONGREGATION TOTTENvILLE, s. l.


There is trouble In the congregation Of St
Stephens Episcopal Church. Tottenville staten
Isls nd which has iivlded the church into two FAC
tons. The IL the dismissal OF two OF the
Sunday-school teachers They were removed by
the pastor and their dismissal 1t Is said, has led
the resignation OF other teachers and officers OF
the church.
The Rev. Mr. Welham Is the pastor. He Is about
;hirtytwo years old. and has been in charge OF st.
stephens Church for two years He popular
until a short time ago when some OF the members
arose In opposition to him. II Is reported that tnese
members of the congregation thought the pastor
called too much at the house OF one of his woman
pensioners. The Rev. Mr.. Welham admits that ne
visited the house in question. and says the trouble
is all caused by jealousy.
The teachers who were removed are Miss Emma
Herre, the daughter OF Jacob Herrel, one or the
oldest residents in Touenville. and Mrs Charies
Hghbie. wife OF well-tO-do New-fork business
man. week ago each received a letter from the
pastor. which stated that they could no longer be
useful in his Sunday school. and that he mad de-
cided 70 take Their classes from them.
The Rev. Mr. Welham seen yesterday al MS
home In Bcnfley-st He refused to make known
his reasons for his action. except to say that he
was justified. and that he regarded II "a oest TOY
every one that he did make known the reasons
for having dismissed the Young teachers. lie said
that he had explained to the women IN the letters
he had written to them why he had taken their
classes from them. This they denied.
The young minister said that the whole trouble
was caused by the gosspping OF some OF the women
members OF HIS parish who were old enough 10 nave
more sense than to tell stories rejecting upon his
character because he spent some time with a
woman in his parish whose company he had found
congsnial. He said that the troubles were not yet
at end; tina, he proposed TO read out other
members who belonged TO the Kings Daughters
which Is an auxiliary to the church. Miss Herrell,
the deposed teacher Is member and her sister.
Miss Kate Herrell Is also 20 be asked 10 resign
from tho circle The Rev Mr.. Weham denies alb
made In public manner In the Sunday school. and
says that he did II in n quiet way. He also said
that Miss Minnie Saigh; another one of the teach
crs. and william Meyers. the librarian Of the Sun
day school who ar" In sympathy with the de-
posed teachers. had resigned. His course. he said
has been approved nv the vestrymen
her home I'm the Amboy Road. said she had been
connected with the church for many years. had
treasurer II the Teachers Guild. to which place she
appointed by the pastor Mira IIigbie said that
much ~ the church trouble was caused by a per-
sona dispute between herself ami Mira Washing
ton. tho wife OF Or. Walker Washington a we'll
known Tot;enviile physician. in which The Young
minister championed the cause OF Mrs. Washington.
This. Mrs. iigbie thought. out OF place az
Mrs. Washington had husband 70 defend her II It
became necessary.
=. Mrs iiigbie says she IS AZ a loss TO UNDERSTAND
was praised hnr for bor chIrch whrb AID ro
m"ntei her Efforts 10 do good work in both the
Sunday school and the church. she also declares
th9t, her husband who. she said. is OF athletic
ne returns from trip IN the West.
The superintendent Of the Sunday school. Gilbert
s Bernes. Of Tottenviiie. has also resigned on ac-
count Of the present trouble.
Mrs. H!gbie denied positively having circulated
any stories about the minister.