Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-11-18
A PREACHERS TROUBLES.
Rev. W. A. McWright's Sudden Dis.
appearance.

appearance.
Last evenings REFLECTOR contained
a dispatch concerning the strange dis
Of Rev. W. A. McWright,
pastor Of the M. E. church at Cawker
City. The news was shock to his
many friends in Chapman where he
had a charge and in this city where
he lived for over a year. He visited
here about two months ago and his
wild manner and talk was commented
on by those who met him as indicat-
ing high nerve tension. Major
Tilton, an editor Of Downs, says Of
his recent affliction; McWright was
probably the most eloquent preacher
in Western Kansas, but he was VIC
tim of morbid appetite for opium.
This unfortunate habit was contracted
when Mr.. McWright, years ago,
worked in drug store in Minnesota.
Once or oftener his license to preach
has been taken from him as the result
Of dissipation. There are intimations
that he also INDUCED at times in the
use of liquid stimulants. But he was
a sociable, forceful man; and on show
ing the undoubted disposition to re-
form, his parchments were gladly re-
stored to him. Following period Of
recuperation at Abilene from a phys
ical and mental breakdown, Mr.. Nc
Wright was placed in charge Of the
M, E. church at Oberlin. He re-
mained there two years, acquitting
himself with credit. He was then
stationed at Osborn, where he re
NAMED another two years, gathering
laurels for fine ability and eloquence.
1t was from there that he was trans
ferred to Cawker City.
1t is regarded as certain by those
who have been nearest to him in re-
cent years that he had all along con-
tinued the use Of opium, and that it
figured in the preparation Of his ser.
mons and in their delivery. The de-
lection of his regular pursuit Of the
opium habit was, doubtless, averted
for long time because Of his having,
in years past, taken the Kelley cure.
Where this was known, 1t was only
reasonable to presume that the cure
had accomplished its aim. Mr.. Nc
Wright, in view of his large measure
of ability, had the right to be ambi-
tious. He was ambitious. He was !
not unaware that he was, by many at
least, regarded as the most eloquent
of his district. He felt that
he was entitled to larger charge
than that at Cawker City. He prob
ably realized, also, that it was sus-
picion, not to say knowledge, Of lead
ny members of this conference con-
'erning his infirmity which operated
TO hold him back. 1t is charitable
md not unreasonable to believe that
,he sensitive spirit of Mr.. McWright
vas clouded with gloom resulting
rom complication. 1t may have had
much to do with his increased use of
,he drug which had proved to be his
inrelenting foe.
In spite Of his troubles, it is said
hat his church labors at Cawker CITY
lad been elevating in tone and satis-
actory to his parishioners. Some
hree months ago, however, matters
cached a crisis. He was interviewed
md disciplined, but was permitted to
continue his labors. Few persons,
wen among his church members,
Knew anything of this action.
The end of his work at Cawker
'ame last Sunday forenoon, when he
delivered a sermon which was full of
,all and wormwood. He astounded
lis hearers. He lost the intellectual
ord. He raved. He ranted. He de-
lounced. At times his rage produced
ncoherence of speech. When asked
'fterward to hand over his parchmonts
lie declared that he had hidden them
md that they would stay hidden.