The herald., 1898-10-29
NO fxCOMMUNlCA1ION
THE DIFFERENCES m ST. pAULS
CONGREGATION
THE CHURCH BADLY IN DEBT
The Guild Was Organised on 4 Basis
Of oblitsration Of Social Differ
snces-It Did Not Succeed

The differences IN st. Paul's church over
Rector John Gray and the Ladies' guild,
while settled 90 far as the church goes, have
left very sore feeling among some Of the
ladies who were opposed to Mrs. Gray in the
guild, though the majority, by large mum.
Der, sustain both Mr.. and Mrs. Gray and
speak most highly Of the rector. 1t appears
that his ideas on social matters were re-
sponsible in the first place for the organiza-
tion Of the league, In which he supposed that
TIE ladies would drop all the elass dis
Ono of the officers Of the guild yester-
day said in speaking Of this: MIR. Gray,
when he called the ladies together, told
them that he wanted their support in church
work, and he asked us if we did not think
that an organization Of US with all social
lines obliterated would conduce to bene-
fetal results. All of the members assented,
but it soon became apparent that what he
hoped for could not result. There were
little differences which sprung up and the
amount of criticism and gossip which sprung
up caused all OF the trouble.
1T is a mistake to say, as l see some have
done, that the trouble did not lead to his
resignation. 1t may not have been the prime
cause, but it undoubtedly contributed to
that result He resigned, see Major Lee
says, last June, and this trouble commenced
in February, think, or some time in the
winter"
From another source it was ascertained
that some one woman was supposed to be
the cause of the trouble, though no one could
be found who was willing to name her. This
lady is accused of fomenting the discord and
of having shown the most hostility to Mrs.
Gray.
When the affair eliminated, it is said that
some of the disaffected withdrew on the
plea that the rector had threatened to ex-
communicate them, under the lead of Mrs.
Louisa Harris, and formed guild of their
own, which is said to be in existence and
doing much good work.
The church is in very bad condition
financially, having debt, it is said, of
about $4,000. Yesterday the trustees Sc
cured permission from the court to mort
gage the church property for $4,000 at per
cent interest. 1t is thought that with the ad-
ministration in the hands of Bishop John
son, who is now in Washington, that it will
be enabled to get into sound condition very
soon. Mr.. Gray did all in his power for
the organization, according to all of his
friends.
While those who support him insist that
he did not tell the ladies that he would
not permit them to receive the communion,
it seems to be an established fact that he
permitted his feelings to have such sway
that he refused to administer the rite him
self, but had some other divine act for
him. While most of the congregation
warmly support his position throughout,
some of his warmest friends admit that he
did make some mistakes and that his action
in this respect was one of them. He was
much tried, and probably there are few
men who would have acted otherwise, or
even have been as moderate as he was when
it was question of an affront to his wife.
Major Lee was quoted in yesterdays Her
aid as having said that he knew what Mr..
Gray had said to the ladies about refuaing
them the communion, because he was pres
ent at the time. 1t seems that this was an
error in putting down what he said, for he
states that he was not present, but heard
what it was on the authority of Mr.. Gray,
confirmed by the assertions of the treasurer
of the guild.
All of the ladies concerned are very 10th to
speak of the affair, as Bishop johnson Sc
cured promise from them that they would
refrain from discussing the subject.