The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-10-21
A SALOON MARTYR.
Bergen Reformed Church
Bounces Sexton Phillips
for Renting His Own
Property.
LOCKOUT ON SUNDAY PERHAPS
Surrender of the Keys Refused
Until November 1-"You're
Another" Style of
Defence.
LOCKOUT ON SUNDAY PERHAPS

The old Bergen Dutch Reformed Church
has appointed 4 new sexton to take
charge of It, but the members will nave
| to provide him with a new set of keys,
as John j. Phillips, who has for twenty
six years been sexton of the church, re-
fuses to give up the old ones. He has
been dismissed rather une-eremoniously.
and so he says he will not deliver the keys
to the congregation, at least until Novem-
Der l.. There is a possibility. therefore,
that the doors may be closed next Sum
day.
The trouble arises over the renting by
Mr.. Phillips of a part of his property to a
ton was his own business. but the church
congregation think differently.
Mr.. Phillips, with an eye to temporal
benefits. moved his undertaking establish
ment from the premises, at Bergen avenue
and Montgomery street, and a saloon
keeper moved in. Then followed a re-
quest from the Board of Consistory for
the sexton's resignation. This was not
forthcoming, and at a meeting on Monday
night he was formally dismissed, and
William H. Mead. of No. q Hoboken ave-
nue.. was appointed his successor.
1IG QiQ St6tOu, QITlHS HIS lWclily-SiA
years of service, has not been keeping his
talent hid in a napkin. Considerable
real estate in the fashionable portion of
Jersey City has come into his possession.
In addition to the building in which he
has carried on his undertaking business,
and in which he and his family have lived
for years, he has recently erected a
handsome edifice on the opposite corner.
This is known as Phillips Hall, and was
formally opened last night.
Having no further use for the old build
ing, he was naturally anxious to rent it
TO the best advantage. When Basford &
Glenn. liquor dealers, made him an offer
of s., 800 a year rental, he accepted it, and
a lease was signed.
This transaction came to the ears of the
deacons n the pastor. the Rev. Cor
nelius C. Brett. The idea of a saloon
within a block of the church was as re-
pugnant to them as the thought of their
The residents of the n~eighborhood
watched with great concern the meta
m~orphosis, as shrouds and collins were
removed, and in their place came a gor-
geous bar, sparkling mirrors, a great ar
ray of cut glass and a cellar full of wines,
liquor and beer.
George H. Blake, a deacon. made it his
business to demonstrate with the sexton,
but 1t was too late. The congregation
was shocked beyond measure, and a meet
ing of the Board of Consistory was held
behind closed doors. There was but one
thing to do, 1t was decided. and that was
to ask for the old sections resignation,
but the resignation was not forthcoming.
Another meeting was held, and at this
Mr.. Phillips was ~Summarily dismissed.
It's nobody's business gruffly remark
ed Mr.. Phillips, when l asked him about
the trouble yesterday afternoon. The
keys, EN-? Yes, I've got them. They can
have them on November !, when my
time expires With that the old man
gave a grunt, indicative of defiance, and
rushed off to superintend the details Of
opening his new hall.
The old mans son, however, was more
communicative. IT'S all on account of
Deacon Blake" he said. We sold him
some property a short time ago and he
has been sore ever since. Why shouldn't
a man do what he pleases with his own
property? If it comes down to the sa-
loon business, there are members of the
congregation who sell liquor themselves.
and a lot of those who are causing all
the trouble don't object to taking a drink
on the quiet. Many of the congregation
take sides with us. DR.. Brett himself
If very friendly toward my father"
1t is said that the matter may be taken
to court, in which event some unique
proceedings will ensue.