The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-26
4 CHURCH CONTROVERSY
Rev. Wallace Radcliffe Flock
Stirred by Disccrd.
The Congregation of the New York
Avenue Presbyterian Ediacc Di-
vidcd Into Factions-AiicGed OPP
position TO the Pustor-Former Sec
rctary John w. Foster Concerned

Rumors from various sources in this city
and elsewhere indicate lack Of harmony
in the New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church. The controversy is said to involve
the Rev Wallace Radcliffe and a very
prominent member CT the congregation,
and were a rising vote to be taken today
it is thought the congregation would de-
cidedly endorse Rev. Radcliffe. The out
come will probably not be known for sew
eral weeks.
About six years ago Rev. Wallace Rad
cliffe was called to this city from Detroit,
Mich. to assume charge Of the New 1ork
Avenue church. At that time John w
Foster, subsequently Secretary of State,
who has long been an influential member
OF that congregation. was in China acting
as an intermediary between that country
and Japan 1t is supposed that he opposed
the installation of Rev. Radcliffe.
When Mr.. Foster returned to this city
four years ago he found that the new pas
tor and his wife had completely won the
hearts of the congregation and enjoyed
the fullest confidence of the church mem
bers He also learned that Rev. Radcliffe
had succeeded in getting the church out
of debt. His sermons attracted great at
tention and the church was always hiled
when he preached.
The story goes that as time went On
there was a growing opposition among
some of the church members to a large
expenditure Of money for choir music.
Last fall, it is said, open complaint vas
made by those. who believed too much
money was being spent for the church
choir. and that Mr.. Foster and others
wanted the choir appropriation cut down
81 200. Upon hearing of this, Rev. Rad
cliffe. with two church members, who de
sired the finest of music, went into
their pockets and supplied the Sl.20O nee,
cssary TO keep the music up 10 its usaa
standard.
When it was found, members of The
congregation say. that the pastor was
helping to pay the choir out Of his OWL
salary, tire $500 which he had given was
raised either by action OF the congregation
or by individual contributions.
Thereupon, it is said. Mr.. Foster pre-
ferrcd charges thought to be of two sorts
first. a violation of the church canons in
misdirecting the application Of the church
funds: second, ircautious and imnrudent
speeches. A committee of thirty church
members, it is said. has been appointed
to Investigate the charges against Rev.
Radcliffe Il is also stated that petition
is being circulated by various women OF
the congregation asking the resignation
OF Rev. Radcliffe.
This is the congregation OF which Lin
coin was a member. and includes in its
membership many of the more prominent
men and women. in official and social life,
in Washington.
Sc far has the dispute gone that various
members of the congregation already pre-
sumo to talk of Rev. Radcliffes successor
They are said to have determined on the
selection OF prominent pulpit orator now
in New York City. In this connection, il
may be observed that Rev Radcliffe him
self received call to New York about a
year ago, but was persuaded to decline the
offer on the representation of nearly all the
trustees in the New York Avenue congre-
cation When a review is made of Rev,
RRdcline's term of Office. it is believed
few local Presbyterians will be inclined to
back any charges against him. In this in
stance the adverse criticism is directed 70
material affairs solely. 1t is said that Rev
Radclifes friends are all ready to make
answer in this connection, that the church
finances have never been in better condi-
tion: that the congregation is frequently as
large as the building will permit, and that
the reputation Of the church has been meas
ureably heightened during his incumbency
Rev. DR.. Radcliffe was communicated with
last night. He did not deny that a con-
troversy had arisen concerning choir mat
ters but said that at recent meeting oi
members of his church it had been salts
fscterily settled.