The record-union., 1897-12-16
woMAN's INFLUENCE AT WORK.


| by Miss Sisson. he soon became a
| strong convert to her ideas.
MISS Sisson's more enthusiastic con-
yerts We're apparently dissatisfied with
religion as it was expended in the local
pulpits, and soon ceased to attend ser
vices, claiming that they were not fer
vid enough to suit their taste.
The secessionists accordingly formed
themselves into a holiness band. which
had membership Of over forty. includ-
ing most prominent families. Postmas-
ter Caulkins and his wife being among
the leaders. The holiness people held
Monday evening meetings at the mem
bers' houses, and some of the gather
ings We're so fervent in prayer and song
that the members did not depart for
their homes until early morning.
Wilbur Anderson, one of the firm be-
levers in the new religion, was carried
completely away by the belief of the
Holy Ghosters. Anderson is about 66
years old, is a graduate of both Wes-
leyan and Yale Universities, and in
every day affairs is regarded as man
Of sound judgment, On the subject of
religion, however, he is rabid His be-
lief in the methods of the Holiness peo-
| pie borders on a mania.
As a result of the formation of the
new band, deplorable condition of af-
fairs ensued Families unable to adopt
the new belief as whole were dis
rupted Brothers quarreled, and chill
dren who had grown to love and re-
spect their parents We're separated from
them by the powerful mystic influence
of the new creed.
-a1 of
ings at the Black Hall Church, Pastor
Bromley felt compelled to resign. The
feeling in his congregation was so in
tense at the encouragement he held out
to the Holiness Band that he could not
stem the tide of disapproval. Mr.. Brom-
Hey is at present pastor of Methodist
Church at Hope Valley, r. l., having
been transferred from the Connecticut
districts.
The Rev. Mr.. Gavin also resigned his
pastorate in the Baptist Church three
weeks ago, and it is hinted that the
Iclergyman's overzealousness in the doc
trine as preached by Miss Sisson is
| responsible for the change.
A MISTAKEN ZEAL.
The Holy Ghosters might still have
remained outside the pale of the law
but for their belief in the accomplish
ment of miracles. Twice has Mrs.
! Mather been the subject of their zeal
in this direction. The first trial was
early in the spring, and consisted in
immersing the old woman, who is a
rheumatic cripple in her hands and
feet, and practically helpless, in the
river three times in quick succession.
Rev. Mr. Bromley assisted at this
healing" which proved a decided fiz-
zle The Holy Ghosters claimed that
Mather lacked the necessary faith.
| The second attempt was worthy of a
band of Hindoo dervishes. The regular
meeting that night was to have been
/ held at the residence of Postmaster
| Caulkins, but WILDER Anderson received
! a message from the Lord during the
day to hold the weekly conference at
! the house Of Charles Young, on Flat
Rock Hill
! Mrs. Mather resides at the Robert
Greene house, on Flat Rock Hill, a
short distance from Young's house. She
was conveyed in her chair to the Young
4 home
The band. numbering upward of a
dozen, faced the old woman in the
and while chanting a hymn and offer
/ ing prayers they. formed a ring and
Slowly moved around the room.
/ Anderson was the leader of the weird
/ ceremonies, and was successful in
working the majority of the persons
forming the circle up to a high state
of excitement After this performance
was we'll under way Anderson sudden
:
the chair and walk. But she remained
motionless and was unable to move a
muscle Thereupon Anderson fished a
small bottle from his pocket containing
an oily liquid and poured the contents
over the head of the subject saying,
Il command you, arise and walk!'
The cripple was still compelled to
/ keep her seat and Andersons counte-
nance became livid Two members at
! the back of the chair began TO rock
/ 1t, and continued doing SO for several
! seconds. Suddenly Charles Young fell
/ fat upon the floor at the front of the
chair. This was evidently a signal for
those behind the chair TO end their
maneuvers by giving the old lady a
| terrific lurch out upon the PROSTATE
form of Young She landed across his
body, but managed to receive an ugly
bruise on the side of her face.
| MRS. MATHER'S AWFUL TORTURE
Mrs. Mather screamed with agony,
! but no one offered to place her back
in the chair. One of the women pres
ent, a resident of Black Hall. fearing
that the victim would be foully dealt
with, quietly stole away from the as
semblage and left the band to continue
| their healing.
The awful scene continued until
O'Clock the next morning. After the
woman fell upon Young, the latter
arose and joined the circle. which par
AIDED during the entire night, singing
and praying, and momentarily expect
ing to witness a miracle. While the
healers surrounded Mrs. Mather she
was frequently turned upon the floor
by kick from heavy boot, and her
| agonized shrieks and means We're to
the Holiness Board an indication that
she was possessed of an evil spirit.
which they were determined to cast
out
Finally they were forced to desist
from sheer exhaustion When examined
| later in the week by DR.. Wallace. the
twon physician, Mrs. Mather's body
was found to be covered with bruises.
The town authorities have taken the
case of Mrs. Mather in hand. claiming
that as she is supported by the town,
they do not believe in paying doctors
fees brought about by misguided lot
OF people in their attempts at healing.
No sentiment is wasted in this Con-
nectfcut town