The times., 1898-12-18
WAR OF A MINISTER ON
CONCERTS IN CHURCH
TEARS DOWN THE SHOW POSTERS
A Pennsylvania Pastor Fined for
Giving n Practical Illustration
of His Indignation.

Stroudsburg, Pa, Dec. 17.-war with his
son s2s.75. that sum representing the
amount of a fine and costs which he was
compelled to pay for venting his anger on
some ilaring posters.
The Rev. NJ. Thompson is pastor of the
Presbyterian church in Portland. town
near Delaware Gap lie is known as a
strict discplinarian. having had several
disputes with members of his congrega-
ton who were inclined to hold liberal
ideas. In this case a proposal to have
sacred" concert in his church aroused
mis- ire and led 10 his fine.
A Mr. Dorsey, colored man. who an
nounced himself as the manager of the
Asaph Concert Company, composed of
colored vocalists. arrived in Portland last
week. While at dinner in a hotel Sunday
he met L. II. Nicholas, trustee OF the
Presbyterian church, and afterward sang
for the latter. He said that he had ar
ranged with the Methodists for concert,
hut Mr.. Nicholas and Dr. Albert Haugh-
waut suggested that he break this con-
tract ard called meeting of the trus-
tees 10 consider the matter. The presi-
dent of the board Mr.. Bruglar, and the
pastor, however, We're not notified.
Mr.. Dorsey was inclined TO be timid,
but finally he agreed to break his en-
gagement with the Methodists, and "sa-
cred" concert was arranged for next
Tuesday.
Mr.. Thompson went to the postofnce
Wednesday night for his mail. On MS
way he passed two boys from the stone
quarry. How about the concert in the
church?'' they asked. He did not un-
derstand at the moment, but when ne
reached the postoffice he did There, on
the wall, was flaming red and blue half
sheet bill, which told in letters inches
long that the Asaph Concert Company
would perform in the Presbyterian
Church program of Comic, classical
and sacred songs. including plantation
melodies and Mr.. D"rsey's great song.
written and sung by hizlself, entitled
The Wrecking OF the Maine.
who put that there?" he asked.
81 don't know" sal the postmistress.
Mr.. Thompson tore the till from the
wall and threw 1t in he sreet. Then ne
went through the town searias down ti'ls
and demanding that they ~ taken "ut of
show windows. He WIS Ssic,,L~S;:l IN al
places ,vcept hotel. -enm which IL "as
ordered out.
The trustees Were Indignant The tie
clared the concert shoull go on, buS the
pastor was equally firm and threatened
physical opposition. Dorsey was At a
loss what TO do, but finally he had the
minister arrested yesterday. Justice of
the Peace Transue heaT1 Jhe case. Mr..
Thompson at first meant to light the case
to the higher courts. but he WIS advised
not to do so, a Stat, law gives the
right to collect SIS for slch bill torn
down.
He concluded today to give in. Dorsey
was satisfied with slO the Justice got sl.I5
for costs and lawyer received SIS, this
amount being added for a little pun
ishment" The lawyer afterward donated
the sum to the church, with the under
standing that 1t was to be used for any
thing except the pastors salary"
Rev Mr.. Thompson said: Yes, l tore
down the posters, because the law of our
church will not allow the holding of
worldly entertainments. Their program
was one that would not be correct for the
house of God. / simply did what 1 con-
sdfred my duty"