Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-15
Rev. Gilbert Williams Formally
Deposed From Ministry.
CHARGES AGAINST. HIM SUSTAINED
Violation Of Ordination Vows, Unbe-
coming Conduct and immortality.
Fl TORY OE- THE CASE

Rev. Gilbert F. Williams, formerly rec
tor of Christ Church. Southeast Washing
ton. was today deposed from the ministry
of the Episcopal Church by Right Rev.
Henry Y. Satter-ee bishop of the diocese
of Washington, for violation of his or
dination vows. conduct unbeco.ning a cler-
gyman of the EpicopaI Church and i'm
morality.
The trial of Rev. Mr.. Williams on this
charge grew out of hts alleged improper
relations with a young lady member of
mis- congregation about two years ago.
The trial began January 20 in the Pro-
Cathedral OF st. Marks before an ecciesi-
astical court appointed by Bishop Satterlee,
and, with the exception of two days, has
continued in daily session ever since, from
10 am to 4 pm.
l.. A. Wilmer, adjutant general CT Mary
land, represented the church, and the Rev.
Mr. Williams was defended by Mr.. Will
lam A. Meloy, the canons Of the Episcopal
Church allowing a clergyman under prose
cution to have but one attorney.
Secrecy Observed.
Every effort was made to keep the pro-
ceedings OF the trial from the public, and
no one was allowed in the room except
the clergymen permitted by the canons
and Bishop Satterlee was so anxious to
keep the proceedings quiet that he made a
special request of the clergymen not to
avail themselves of this privilege and not
to attend the trial any more than possible.
only one witness in the case was allowed
in the room at q time.
large number of witnesses were exam
med, both fer the prosecution and the de-
tense, and the stenographers were kept
busy TRANSFERRING notes, which filled more
than 1000 pages of typewriter matter.
The court finally concluded the bearing.
and after carefully summing up the evil
dence which had been presented to them
decided by Canonical majority that Mr.
Williams was guilty of all the charges and
specifications filed against him, which were
IAN act involving breach Of his ordina-
ton VOWS, conduct unbecoming a clergy
man and immortality" The findings and
proceedings of the court were transmitted
to Bishop Satteriee and met with his APP
prevail.
The bishop decided that Rev. Mr.. VIII
liams should be deposed from the ministry
of the Episcopal Church This morning DIT
the conclusion of morning prayer at the
Pro-Cathedral OF st. Marks the bishop
performed this painful duty in the presence
chose to remain. Lard with the bishops
chaplains, Rev. Philip NJ. Rhinelander.
Rev. Mr.. Hayes and Rev. Mr.. Devries. as
Witnesses to the ceremony, as required by
the canons f'the Episcopal Church.
This proceeding snds Mr.. Williams career
II. the ministry Of the Episcopal Church,
as he can meyer again be ordained by any
bishop. *
Pastor Eight Years.
For eight years mr.. Williams had been
rector of Christ Ckuroh. and more pop
u ar divine could not be found in the dio
cese. ~
He was highly esteemed by every men,
Der of his Congregation. Before the do
the diocese 70 of. Maryland MI Williams
served as archdeacon of the diocese for
About two years ago Mr.. Williams
health gave away and he was forced to
take a vacation. Ha pad not been away
long before Dame RIImor had some ugly
things to say. about him in connection with
one of his most ardent young lady church
workers, and in a short while the young
lady gave birth to child, of which she
claimed Mr.. Williams was the father.
The matter was reported to the standing
committee of the diocese of Washington,
as required by the canons Mr.. Williams
called for investigation of the charges,
and asked for a speedy trial, which, after
dragging along for more than six weeks,
resulted as stated above.
This is the first trial to be hold in Wash
irgton before an ecclesiastical court, and on
account of the prominence of both parties,
has attracted attention throughout the
diocese.