Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-20
REV. Mr.. WILLIAMS TRIAL
Former Rector of an Episcopal Parish De-
Tending His Reputation.
Is Charged With Violation of Ordi-
nation Vows md ImmOrality-Be-
fore Ecclesiastical Court.

The trial of Rev. Gilbert F. Williams,
former rector of Christ Church, Navy
Yard, on the grave charges which have
been preferred against him at the instance
of Miss Nettie Denham, former member
OF his congregation, began this morning at
st. Marks Pro-Cathedral Church, Sd and
A streets southeast. The proceedings were
had before an ecclesiastical court COM
posed of the following ministers: Rev. A.
X. Stuart, president OF the court, Christ
Church, Georgetown. Rev. C. E. Buck:
Rev. Charles F. 'Sontag, Upper Marlboro,
Nd; Rev. James f. Poindexter, Charles
county, Md; Rev. Charles H. s. Mayo,
Hyattsville. Md. Rev. Thomas s. Childs.
archdeacon of the diocese, it was stated
this morning, was originally a member of
the court, but he declined to sit AS he
has not resigned, and there was, there
fore. no vacancy, his place could not be
hiied, SO there was one missing. While
Bishop Satterlee is not member of the
court it is stated that he will in all likeli-
hood be present at the sessions.
The place of prosecutor is filled by L. A.
Wilmer of Port Tobacco, who served as
church advocate The charges, it was
said, were two in number The first of
them alleged the violation by Rev. Mr..
Williams of his ordination vows. The sec
ond was the still graver charge of undue
familiarity. immortality and illicit inter-
Mr.. William A. Meloy, who has as assist
ant counsel Mr.. ]. Holdswcrth Gordon of
Washington. Under a church canon pre-
scrlbed Tor such cases only one man can
appear Tor the prosecution and only one
as counsel. 1t was stated, however, the
point would likely be strained and Mr.. Me-
10y would have Mr.. Gordon to actively as
sist him In conducting the case. The trial
look place behind closed doors. and only
those closely connected with the case and
with knowledge of the circumstances re-
lating to 1t were allowed to be present.
Reporters were vigorously excluded.
Mr.. Williams Present.
Mr.. Meloy, counsel for the defense, said
to Star reporter this morning that Mr.
Williams was in the city and would appear
at the trial. He stated, in fact that 1t was
at Mr.. Williams urgent appeal that the
trial was brought in order to clear his
skirts of any grave charges as had been
preferred against him. He said further
that Mr. Williams, ever since the matter
had been brought to public notice, had been
e1deavoring to have the trial brought. He
Is at present visiting friend in Southeast
W ashington, having come here from Cliff
ton Springs, N. Y, where he has been for
some time on account o. i'll health. Since
the charges were first bro ught against him,
1t Is said, his health has been so bad that
he could not have taken charge of a par
isb If it had been possible under the cir
cumstanceS. His family Is said to be in
Baltimore.
Miss Denham. the young lady who is n
party to the case with Mr.. Williams, ap-
pc AIRED as the chief witness against him al
the trial. 1t Is understood that a large
number Of other witnesses appeared but
tfeir names were not given out for publ
cation.
The RectOr's Congregation.
Rev. Mr.. Williams was rector of Christ
Church. Navy Yard, until something over a
year ago. His health became so bad that
he was granted a leave of absence by his
C congregation, in order for his recuperation.
He went to South Carolina for this purpose
During his absence reports began to be cir
culated, in which Miss Denhams name was
coupled with his. She was a prominent
member of his congregation, one of the
me st earnest workers in the parish being a
member of the choir and taking great in
terest in all church work Mr.. Williams
fir ally returned to Washington. After
some little time he resigned the charge. os-
teEsibly on account of i'll health Since
then, it is stated. he has been at Clifton
Springs. N. Y, undergoing treatment for a
severe cerebral disease.
A child was born to Miss Denham, which
lived few months and died in the early
part of the winter
The outcome of the case will be awaited
with the greatest interest, not only in &c
clesiastical circles. but by a large number
of those VINO have learned of the affair and
the circumstances surrounding it. 1t may
be several days before the conclusion of the
trial Is reached