The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-10-16

There is trouble In the Shiloh (col.
oreD Baptist church.
1t is as a house divided agains' it
self
The church was organized about
three years ago by Rev Mr.. Irwin.
1t continued with varying results un-
til March, 1898, when Rev. j. II. Bell
took charge of it.
He Is an indefatigable worker and
under his guidance the church flour
ished. A large library was built up,
Sunday school which now numbers
thirty-six was organized, and over $400
was raised for church expenses.
Last Thursday night a meeting was
held by ten members of the church
and his resignation accepted.
This was somewhat in the nature of
n surprise, as the resignation was one
handed in last June, but withdrawn on
the earnest solicitation of his flock. He
preached his farewell sermon yester-
day morning.
Rev. Mr.. Bell charges members OF
the organization who have banded to-
gether under the name of the "Willing
Workers" with misappropriating the
money raised by church entertain
ments. In his contract a clause speci-
fies that any money raised in such a
manner should be equally divided he
tween the church and pastor
1t seems that at an entertainment
given by the Willing Workers." after
the expenses were paid $25.71 remained,
which the willing ones, paradoxIcal as
it may seem, We're unwilling 10 give
up.
SECURED THE MONEY.
Rev. Bell, nevertheless, secured the
money from them took his own half
and gave rhe rest to Treasurer Merry
weather fJr the church.
The latter took the money, paid some
bills with it and used it judiciously.
The ire of the willing Workers"
was aroused, however, and hence the
enmity and trouble for the pastor.
Rev. Bell spoke of their insubordin-
alton and says that they held several
meetings without his cognizance.
Rev. Bell, when seen at his home
last night, seemed panied and sor-
rOwful that he should be so used by
the people he had done so much for.
He seems, however, thoroughly out of
patience with them and declares he
will have nothing more to do with
them, as they have never properly
supported him or kept up their end of
the contract in the proper manner.
He said there are many good people
in the congregation, and mentioned
the treasurer, Mr.. Merryweather and
James A. Wilson, the leader of the
Young Peoples union, as earnest
workers.
With the better portion of the con-
gregation Rev. Bell will start a mis-
sion next Sunday at Hubert hall, 32T
Wyoming avenue, and will do regular
missionary work.
a portion of the congregation ara
all in favor of Rev Bell and say that
his unpOpuarity is wholly because Of
the rigid discipline he enforces.
Rev. Bell is one of the hest known
colored Baptist ministers in the state
He was educated in Roger Williams
Institute, Nashville, Tenn, and was
ordained May 81, 1871.
SERVED IN CIVIL WAR.
He is a veteran of the Civil war
having been a member of the One
Hundred and Eighth Louisville, XIV,
regiment. under the command of Col
onel John s. Bishop. Before entcr-
ing upon work in this city he had pas
tOrates in Allegheny, Harrisburg ami
Johnstown, from which cities he brings
most excellent letters of recommenda-
tion.
He was also Vice-mOderator of the
Allegheny and East Ohio Baptist as.
sOciation. He came direct to this citv
from Johnstown. He intends II do
regular mission work from now on, but
hopes that in time his mission m5y
;,,to nL,