The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-06-20
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sCREVEN'S HAUNTED CHURCH.
The Ghosts Wore Trousers, But
senrchers Couldn't Catch Them.

The Ghosts Wore Trousers, But
searchers Couldn't Catch Them.
Sylvania Ca, June 1S.-A few years ago.
in the midst of a thick grove in this sec
ton of Georgia, could be seen the dilap-
idated remains of what was known as the
haunted church. For some years before
it fell into decay the house had been aban-
doned by those who formerly worshipped
there, and preacher, as well as congrega-
ton. concurred in the belief that supernat-
ural visitors, and not of the angelic kind
were wont to meet and hold high carnival
there in the hours Of the night.
The trouble commenced, so the old men,
bers said, some years back, probably after
they had been in the church eight or ten
years. There was belfry on the building
into which there was access through the
loft OF the church alone. In this there
was a small bell, used more for calling the
men in from the outside than anything
else. Well, one night, after service was
over and the lights blown out, the congre-
cation had gone only about 100 yards on
their way home, when they heard the
church bell ringing. Not knowing what to
think of il, but supposing it to be some boys
who had slipped into the building and were
pulling the rope for mischief, four or five
of the members hurried back and going
suddenly in struck a light, thinking to
catch the boys before they could get out.
When the light b.azed up, the bell ceased
ringing, and yet, looking all around them,
they could not see a soul The windows
were all down, and there was no chance of
escape that way So the good brothers
searched under the benches and pulpit and
in every nook and corner, but
found no boys. Then they conclud-
ed that the lads must be up In
the loft. and mounting the ladder
they searched UP there, and looked into
the belfry, but not a boy or other living
creature was to be seen. There was no
opening In the bell tower except a small
window Of thick Stats on each side for
the sound TO escape, but a rat could hardly
have gotten out there. SO the brethren
began to get a little puzzled, and at the
same time to experience a.peculiar sensa-
ton up and down the spinal cord.
The next time service was held there
at night, expectancy was on tiptoe, and
II was not doomed to disappointment The
same thing happened again, the church
was surrounded, the bell continued ring
ing until they entered the house and
struck a light, a thorough search was
made and nobody found. The bell even
rang once or twice while some Of the
boldest Of the brothers were up In the loft,
and 1t is said that they came down the
ladder heller SHELTER 1t was a calm, still
night and 1t was impossible that it could
have been the wind moving the bell
After that the church began TO get UP
a reputation for being haunted, and there
was a large crowd out at the next night
appointment, several months after. The
minister had come down into the altar TO
preach. Besides the preacher and a table,
there was nothing else in the chancel, ex.
Oh 81 L. - a.
energy and ubiquity OF the devil, and had
his congregation listening In rapt silence.
Yes" he said, "the devil Is everywhere
he IL even here tonight In this very
house"
And, as he said the words. the chair.
which was on the other side OF the altar.
gave a sudden lurch In the direction OF the
preacher, and then came down on It's feet
again with a loud noise. Everybody saw
II and heard a. The preacher stopped and
gave the chair look askant. He had Just
spoken Of tho DEVILS being In the house.
and a brother near the back echoed tho
sentiments OF all present when he shouted.
as he went through the door:
You're right; he's here for true"
About this time the chair gave another
jump. and the parson faithfully led the
way 10 the outside.
The church began 10 get under the ban |
after that and Il was probably six month"; |
before service was held there again. The |
preacher found Il impossible, he said. 10 |
give them an appointment. But al last |
a service was given out for the following |
sunday night. IL was a dark, cloudy. |
somber looking night. and the lights In |
the church we're dim and fiickerlnR nv |
eryhody felt uneasy. and the preacher
hurried through his sermon as n he Too /
expected something to happen. He was |
about 70 hnish w and dismiss hla dock