New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-11
THE REV. DIR. BARROWS DEAD.
MINISTER WHO MARRIED Mr.. BELMONT

MINISTER WHO MARRIED Mr. BELMONT
AND MRS. SLOANE DIES IN MICHIGAN.
Greenwich. Conn. Aug. 10 (speciaD-The Rev Or.
Walter NJ. Barrows, pastor CT the Second Consre-
gational Church died at Mackinaw Island Michi-
gan at o'clock this afternoon. after brief Illness
Or. Barrows gained some notoriety short time
ago by the marriage OF Perry Belmont and Mrs.
Sloane. and the subject occasioned much crti-
clsm among the clergy and lay members Of the
Congregational Church in Connecticut and affect
ed him so seriously that he went earlier than usual
on his summer vacation.
Two weeks ago, after arriving at Macknaw ISL
and. he became seriously III, and his family at
Greenwich was sent for. His wife and children
reached his bedside TO ind him nearing his end. He
fingered from that time until to-day. when he
passed away
Dr. Barrows was born April T. ls46, IN Frank
lin. Mich. He the son OF the late Professor
John NJ Barrows. OF Olvet College. He was
graduated from Olvet in 1861 and studied theology
in New-Haven New-York and Andover. He was
filed with the missionary spirit and for eight
years was pastor OF the First Congregational
Church. at Salt Lake City, Utah. and was one Of
the founders Of the Salt Lake Academy. On &C
count OF his executive ability his large knowledge
OF the West and his unusual powers Of speech, he
was elected secretary OF the American Home Mis-
sionary Society, with Offices In NewYork, place
he held for years He abored with
great fidelity and large success IN this high
Office, holding the highest esteem OF his as
sociates and the churches. His administration
helped to mark a new era In the advance OF Con-
greaational missions. Then for ten years DR..
Barrows was pastor Of the Second Congregational
Church of Rockford. III. Hundreds united with
the society and owing TO his determination and
pluck the splendid new edihce one OF the finest IN
the West was built and after Il had burned down
was rebuilt This beautiful structure cost more
than 10000
During the Worlds Fair DR.. Barrows was the
chairman OF the Committee on Missionary Con-
crosses He was trustee OF Beolt and Rockford
colleges. He delegate 10 the International
Congregational Council in London. in 1891
Two years ago he accepted a call 20 the Second
Congregational Church. Greenwich. Conn. DR..
Barrows lived in Greenwich while secretary Of the
American Home Missionary Society, and had many
friends there who welcomed his return among
them The church in Greenwich greatly pros
pered under his ministry and DR.. Barrows was
highly esteemed both as pastor and preacher
Dr. Bar-ows was a brother OF President John Henry
Barrows Of Oberln College.
So much had been said in the press and other
wise regarding Or. Barrows result Of the Bel
r,on+-Sloane marriage that the Revs. Washington
Choate and Josiah Strong were appointed special
committee to inquire into the subject The report
was given out to-day before news Of Or. Barrowss
death reached Greenwich. II is as follows:
The various misrepresentation in the puoIc press
concerning the connection Of Or. Walter NJ Bar
rows with the Belmont-SlOane marriage eau l0r
the following statement. which was unanimously
adopted by the Standing Committee Of the second nd
Congregational Church Of Greenwich, Conn, ana oy
the committee Of The Society Of the Church al
Joint meeting July s. 1893. ,., -.
After careful inquiry into the facts relating 70
our pastors connection with the marriage Of MI
Belmont and Mrs. sloane, we hereby record ana
publish our clear and deliberate convictions. go
FTrst-That Dr. Barrows consented 20 perform
the marriage ceremony only because he believed
that Mrs Sloane had secured divorce In New
York court on scriptural grounds nearly a year
previously. ,., -
charged with lack 81 due and diligence 70 know
Tbir5-That throughout this unhappy incident the
course Of DR.. Barrows has been altogether worthy
OF high minded Christian gentleman and or an
honored and trustworthy minister or the Cnurch OF
Christ. .,, .-s
In respect TO the representation which appeared
in the public press Of June o. that DIT barrows
was induced 10 perform the ceremony oy an ~
creased money consideration, the committee pos
sesses documentary evidence proving apsouteIy
that said representation is utterly false in every
particular.