New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-02
WEST CHURCH AFFAIRS. .
RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEES NOT EXPECT
ED TO HURT THE SOCIETY MUCH.

RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEES NOT EXPECT
ED TO HURT THE SOCIETY MUCH
The members Of the West Presbyterian Church
regard It certain that II will be necessary TO
elect a new Board OF Trustees at the annual meet
ing OF the congregation May II. The trustees
adhere to their determination to go out in a body
unless all Of them are reelected. The rejection
Of of their number, they assert would re-
fleet upon all, and would be tantamount to a CEN
sure of their policy. All must be reelected or all
will resign. The terms Of three OF the trustees
would have expired this month. The three are said
TO be f. H. Perkins. Jr Russell Sage and Robert
Jaffray. jr There is a strong feeling Of resent
ment in the church against Messrs Perkins and
Sage, because Of their efforts induce the Rev Dr.
Anthony H. Evans to retire from the pasorate
and the probability OF these two trustees being
again elected generally admitted to be ex-
tremely slight.
1t was probably this knowledge which led to
the decision which the trustees made public on
Sunday. 1t is said also that the majority Of the
elders are In sympathy with the attitude taken by
the trustees and that II the Board should fail OF
reelection as whole they will also resign. While
some OF the trustees. notably Russell Sage main
tain that whatever course is pursued at the com
ing meeting they will retain their membership ir
the church. is said that most of the retiring off,
cias. should they not be reelected intend to with
Draw themselves and their families from the con-
gregatiOn.
would not be materially affected thereby for the
reason that would mean merely a temporary
diIninuton In the revenue from few pew rents
IL is not denied however that there is possibility
OF others following the detection of some OF the
most influential members of tbs church. This con-
sheraton, however, II is thought will have little
bearing with the congregation. They have already
raised large sum toward paying off the Indebted
ness or the church. and many members think that
the church would gain in membership II the opro-
nents OF DR.. Evans were to
r. u. Smedey, one of the elders Of the church
and a warm supporter of DR.. Evans said to a
1rlDune reporter yesterday:
Il am unable to make any forecast as to the out
come OF the annual election, but not one of
those who think that the church would be In any
way financially embarrassed by the withdrawal Of
the trustees. Probably somt of the trustees think
olnerenty, but there are men on that board who
have served for so long that they have come TO
consider the church as belonging TO them There
are men among the trustees wno would be accepta~
BILE at all times TO every member OF the congrega-
tfon and II is questionable in my mind whether or
not this action, which forces the members either to
accept one or two trustees for whom they have no
wish In order to retain those with whom they are
well satisfied, is consistent with the rules OF the
Presbytery, as II has tendency 10 deprive the
congregation of right TO choose new trustees
freely"
as there any possibility of DR.. Evans retiring In
order TO remove contention In the church," Mr.
Smedley asked.
Not the least" he replied. Or Evans has def
intely made up his mind, and will stay with tho
church"
Neither DR.. Evans E. Perkins jr presi-
dent of the Board OF Trustees would make any
comment upon the matter when seen yesterday.