The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-10-26
PASTOR IN ZION.
MI. Green Storms the Doors
and Breaks His Way
Into Church.
HIS OPPONENTS WITHDRAW
They Pass Resolutions De-
nouncing the Dissertation
and Resign With
Dignity.

Dignity.
Another row, precipitated by the Rev
w. H. Green of Lafayette and his follow
ers last night at the Zion Colored Bap-
fist Church on Lafayette street, capped
the climax of the protracted and bitter
controversy tina has been waged by
Green and his opponents. This time, the
deposed pastor came out victorious lie
not only succeeded In gaining possession
of the pulpit. but the entire church
building with all it's effects. In accom-
panying this feat he was assisted by the
police n his newly elected board OF
trustees. A patrol wagon was on the
scene with a squad of officers but no ar
rests were made.
The result Of Mr.. GREEN'S triumphant
return to his old charge is that the en-
tire opposition party has resigned, leav-
ing the pastor in charge.
About seven o'clock last evening Pastor
Green. his trustees. who, he claims, were
elected Tuesday night, and about sixteen
of his followers appeared on the scene,
ready for determined action. Mr.. Allen,
of the opposing forces, had notified the
police that trouble was anticipated and
two officers and a sergeant were on the
scene early in the evening.
The Green forces began to storm the
isoutside doors, which were held by a huge
paddock. The ponderous doors gave way
under the severe strain.
Truhtees Allen and Stephenson then APP
peared. There followed such shouting
and bowling that a crowd of perhaps
+uJ, 1rrnlra3 naon1a oo+harad 70 urotcb
the sport. Justice stephenson ordered
the police to arrest everyone in sight.
The officer replied that If he complied
with Stephenson's requests, the jails
would not be large enough to hold all
the prisoners. He refused to arrest any
of Green's supporters.
Trustee Allen held the key of the sec
ond pair of doors and refused to open
them to the pastor. The order was given
to again charge the doors. A rush, an
awful crash, and two doors were hurled
from the hinges. Green's followers rush
ed in like players in a football scrifn-
mage. shouting and ciapping.
In the meantime Mr.. Allen with the
pastor Of his faction, attempted to get in
the church by the rear windows in order
! OF regain possession of the pulpit before
Pastor Green and his followers. The at
tempt was unsuccessful Gren had sue
ceeded in his purpose. He reached the
pulpit amid such shouting that the neigh
bors and the crowd thought a fierce light
was on. Then more police appeared and
quiet was restored again.
Services were held by Pastor Green.
Pastor Edwards sat on the platform dur
ing the meeting. When the Green forces
left the scene of battle. another big pad
lock replaced the one broke earlier in
the evening.
Such rejoicing over the victory, such
e%xultation has never been witnessed in
THAT neighborhood in years. Pastor Green
had gained his point, routed the oppo-
sition forces and held the fort against all
corners. But he did mot anticipate such am
easy victory. Tie trustees of the anti
Green forces got together after they had
been beaten in the church scrlmmage and
passed this resolution
Whereas. We believe that we will lose
auu our self respect by further associa-
ton, or by further contesting our rights
With men and women, who lave so far
lost their respect for the House of God
and for all Christian conduct as to band
themselves with characters about the
town-with men who because they the
not Christians, canot limit their conduct
TO SenI1GH1aUly pfdcllccS, ana cOllecI IN
a mob and maliciously and wantonly des-
ecrate the House of God in a manner ex-
hibiting such contempt as their actions
on Wednesday night revealed; and
Whereas, We believe that the neigh
bors in the immediate vicinity of the
church building, who have been disturbed
by the disorderly conduct of Mr.. Green
and his followers in performing what they
supposed to be their duty, are entitled
to some consideration in the settlement
of these disputes; and
&c., . A.-f - = al -A-s
Whereas, We sincerely believe that the
general community and particularly the
Christian churches Of this city and their
members are also deserving o fconsidera-
ton ! undermining our actions in the re-
cent troubles, although we deprecate the
Interference of a certain gentleman in
this, knowing that his intentions may
have been good, but believeing that our
disputes could have been settled peace
ably among ourselves. were 1t not for
that foreign Intervention which started
anew all the REGENTS disputes; and
Whereas, We belieye that the CHRIS
tian-lke and honorable way out of these
difficulties and disputes is not to further
participate in the constant ~wrangling of
the church, but to quietly Withdraw cur
minister, MIR. Edwards, and establish an
other church in the vicinity, where wor-
ship may be held in it purity and sim
plicity, and the church given the high
respect due 1T; therefore be 1t
Resolved, That the undersigned, a ma
jority of the members Of the Zion Bap-
fist Church of Jersey City, hereby ten
der their designations as member of the
MT. Allen, Mr.. Agee, Mr.. Stephenson,
Mr.. Gray, Mr.. Coles, Mr.. Dixon, Mrs.
Tyree, Mrs. Agee, Mrs. Stephenson, Mrs.
Gray, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Williams, Mrs.
Coles and Mrs. Hadrfck."
The signers of the above resolution will
begin Immediately to formulate, plans for
the establishing of a new church organi-
cation in the Lafayette section.
Mr.. Green was greatly surprised to
learn of the action of the forces that OPP
/ pressed him. He admitted that he intend
ed to resign in a proper manner from the
church. but he had never been given a
chance, Now that he has the whole
church on his hands he is a dilemma.
There We're two classes in the church."
said he. land this alone caused the ter
rible disputes. These people who have
opposed me wish to have a high church.
This would never be a successful move.
The two classes of people could never
agree. Stephenson and his forces want to
run the church in their way, while our
| people wish matters to go in a far diff
| ferent manner The opposing force is in
the minority, therefore their action in at
tempting to Dust me was all wrong. And
besides most of those people are not even
members of the church."
Mr.. Green said the services would be
carried on in the future just as they were
before he was refused permission to per-
form his duties. The result of last nights
row will doubtless be the termination of