The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-03-23
Three Women Withdrew
When Rector Resigned.
Rev. Mr.. Phelps Had Stormy
Interview With Mr.. Teece.
Blows Were Exchanged Rector
Remained at Home After.

Babylon Depot, N. ", March %. The tror
bic in Christ Episcopal Church, West Jaip,
which led TO the sudden resignation and do-
parture Of the Rev. Isaac Ecwton Phelps on
Saturday last, and the causes which led np "a
the latter event, have been the only topic dis
cussed here since early morning.
The beginning of tho trouble dates back
some two months ago. and was mainly due,
il is said, 10 attention paid by the minister 10
some Of the women members Of the church.
IL was not until fortnight ago that matters
took "a serious turn. The members OF the ves'
try were then formally served with notice
demanding that they call for the resi- gnation
OF the Rev. Mr.. Phelps. 1t was learned that
Dwight Teece, lawyer, made the demand, and
preferred charges of such n nature that the
officers of the church decided to az once ask
for, and the Rev. Mr.. Phelps promptly handed
in his resignation. IL was then nndurstood
that he was TO remain until April |.
MIR. Teece, however, objected to the minister
occupying the pulpit again, and. It is alleged.
threatesed 10 publicly denOunce him in the
church il he attempted TO preach. The vestry
then decided TO terminate the engagement
with the divine at once
The Rev. Mr. Phelps and Mr. Teece had n
long interview in the formers house a few
weeks ago. What took place between the two
at the time is not known, but il Is alleged by
parties who are in position 10 know that
blows were struck. About this time the min
lister was i'll and could not attend service and
for several days was not seen on the street.
Mrs Charles W. Cooper. Mr.. Teecc' :
mother-in-la has given mp her pew in the
church, and Mrs. Tecce. a member Of the
church choir. has resigned Both Mrs. Cooper
and Mrs Teece were warm friends OF Rev.
Mr.. Phelps Miss Mary Tappin, who Is an
other warm supporter of the minister, has
also given up her pew. and declared that she
would never contribute another cent toward
The support of the church.
The majority OF the iaen of the church,
however, are outspoken in their opposition TO
Rev. Mr.. Phelps. II is said that Bishop Little
john has been informed of the trouble in the
church and that he has sanctioned the action
OF the vostry in dismissing the minister.
he Rev. l. N. Phelps, when seen in New
York last night, made the following state
mont i'm regard TO his resignation:
"rhc whole affair is unfortunate. 1t would
have been much better il the silence which
have maintained had been observed by the
Others who re.interestcd-namely. the church
for which labored, the vestry who are re-
sponsibe for its welfare, and a member of its
congregation whose reputation as well as that
Of his family are at stake.
"A circumstance, innocent in itself, but
which was open TO misconstruction when the
whole truth was not told, was made. ill.ad,
visedly by him, the occasion for my with
drawal from the church.
n positively deny, and no one will charge
me with having done, anything in which there
was the least element OF criminality or dis
grace, which has been made to appear by in
nuendo and irresponsible talk. If such state.
ments are made L shall most certainly seek
redress. / have nothing to conceal in this
matter.
II do not believe that Bishop Littlejohn
would pass Judgment upon this matter with
ont having communicated with me, and shall
take the first opportunity to lay the whole
matter before him.
II court tho fullest investigation. re-
signed TO save my church from the unpleasant
notoriety which careless talk seems to have
brought upon it in spite of my withdrawal.
My resignation was not given because feared
10 meet any charges. 1t was a case OF Jealous
enmity against an intimate friendship for
both myself and my family-and enmity
seems TO have wou"