The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-02-19
UNFIT FOR THE MINISTRY.
OoNGREGATIoNAL COUNCIL DE-
ES AGAINsT mn. ARTHUR.

-
ne lie Fousd Guilty or Untruthruiue.s, Deceit,
Osscenity and other Faults. and Advised to
ouit Hin Pastoraie n nd tho Christian NIihistry
B~RIpoEroRT. Conn.,. Feb. 1s.-An occlesiasti.
cal council convened at the Norlold CongroRa-
tional Church in Weston has investigated tho
life and conduct OF. the Rev. G. w. Arthur. pas
tor Of that church. and has Just rendered o de-
cision that no is unfit for the ministry. Tho
tribunal was composed Of the pastors of loading
churches in Fairfield county. Tho sittings Of
the council extended over a period Of four days.
Less than two years ago Mr.. Arthur took
charge of the Norhcld congregation. Almost at
the start Of his pastorato differences arose
within tho church. Then ugly rumors OF the
past of the clergyman began to bo circulated.
Threats of criminal prosecutions and civil
actions for damages were made, and the Weston
church troubles attracted attention all over the
State. Mrs. J. S. Lane. n member OF tho church,
was dropped without warning or hearing under
rules forced upon the congregation by tho pastor.
Charges were made by q committee from the
church and o committee representing those in
the congregation aggrieved by the conduct of
Mr.. Arthur.
At the council Mr.. Arthur desired to be rep
resented by counsel, and Curtis Thompson of
this city appeared for him. Much of the testi.
mony introduced was Of such q character that
the public was excluded. The finding of the
council was that on the 9th OF July, 1887,
q divorce from c. w. Arthur was secured
by his first wife, Emma J. Arthur. on
the grounds OF cruel and inhuman treat
ment. I'VE find" the report continues, that
after a term Of service in the ministry OF
the Methodist Episcopal Church, he left the
Methodist Episcopal Church without creden-
tials. We find that on Dec. 80. 1880. he was
ordained as pastor of tho Congregational
Church at Harbinc, Mob; that during the
succeeding seven years he served as minis
ter of the following Congregational churches:
Harbinc. Neb.; West Cedar Valley. Ncb.: Park.
Neb.; Nashville. Mich: Leslie. Mich; First,
Mich. and that in nearly every one of these
churches there was division and discord, which
affairs Mfs ,sr snd s bssri no M coward Af'h menbe eGna OF tho be-
f arIhar w %e d ana t6 oM Gn 6pafilf from aa12I th ase oiiS Mt.
we find that about May /. 1896. Mr.. Arthur
hogan his ministry in Weston. which has con-
period he has been guilty Of the following. OF.
ienccs:. Untruthfulness and, deceit. obscenity,
Misrepresentation of present and former parish.
toner's, intim,dating members OF the church by
'h !%s r OF elTil and M p sTi%5nfl pf tSst Mp' Arthur
some years suffering. from nervous disorders,
selfcontrol to such an extent that this conduct
should bs considered in tho light of his infrm.
lN. lib DuUCl y Ibbt. lin VI pOSSlui0
allowance ought to he made for any such in
trinity. nevertheless. 1t is forced to It's convic-
ton that, In any view OF the case, Mr.. Arthur.
whether by reason OF moral or mental defect, or
both. is manifesIly disqualified for the Christian
ministry.
We find that the conduct Of affairs of the
Weston church under Mr.. Arthur's pastorate
has been contrary to Congregational usage,
particularly in the intimidation OF members
and their unjust and illegal expulsion from
ings: the summary and unjustifable disfellow-
shipping of Mrs. J. S. Lane without granting
her warning. hearing, trial. or appeal; the
irregular method employed In the adoption Of
the so.called constitution on Dec. 8, 1897, and
In some of its provisions:
We find that in view OF the foregoing facts.
those who called the recent cx-parte council and
their associates have not been unreasonably dis
turbing the church; but that, on the contrary.
they have exercised a proper regard for the
of the church.
I'm view Of these findings this council ad-
vises that Mr.. Arthur Immediately resign
his pnstorate in Weston. and that he at
Christian ministry, and that his name should
not appear in the list Of Congregational
ministers. That In case Mr.. Arthur
promptly resigns his pastoral office the
him are are just and equitable: that the church
amend its standing rules SO far as to make them
conform to the statutes of Connecticut and APP
proved Congregations usage: that in the future
the church engage no one as its pastor without
first making diligent inquiry, as to his minis
terial standing and pnst record: that the church
restore to fellowship Mrs. J. s. Lane: that the
church secure as soon MS practicable an ap-
proved Christian minister, and that all tho
members lay aside all bitterness and strife and
and mutual helpfulness as becomes the gospel
OF Christ"