The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-26

Rumorz from various sources ia 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 very
prominent member cf the congregation,
and were q rising vote 90 be taken today
it is thought the congregation would de-
cidedly endorse Rev. Radcliffe. The out
come viii probably not Doe known Tor sew
ersl weeks.
About six years ago Rev. Wallace Rad
cllfe was called to this city from Detroit
Mich. TO assume charge CT the New York
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. RadcliHe
had succeeded in getting the church out
OF debt. His sermons attracted great at
tention and the church was always hlled
when he preached.
The story goes that as time went cn
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 Sl2yo nee
cssary 10 keep the music up 10 its usual
standard.
when it was found. members Of the
congregation say. that the pastor was
helping 10 pay the choir out OF mis- own
salary tfN $500 which De had given vas
raised either by action OF the con8Teg ailoA
or by individual contributions.
Thereupcn. il is said, Mr.. Foster pre-
ferrcd charges thought TO be OF two sorts
first. a violation of the church cauons IN
misdirectinE the application OF the church
funds. second, ircauuous and lmuiudent
speeches. A committee Of thirty church
to investigate the charges against Rev.
Radciine L 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.
So far has the dispute gone that various
members Of the congregation already pre-
sume 20 talk Of Rev. Radcline's successor.
They are said to have determined on the
selection Of a prominent pulpit orator now
in New York City. In this connection, l-
may be observed that Rev. Radcliffe him
self received a call TO New York about a
wear ago but was persuaded 20 decline the
offer on the representation Of nearly all the
trustees I'm the New York Avenue congrc-
cation When a review is made 0f Rev
Rsdtlne-s term Of Office. it is believed
few local Presbylerians viii be inclined TO
back any charges against him. In this ir-
stance the adverse criticism is directed 70
material affairs solely. II is said that Rev
Radclines friends are all ready 30 make
answer. in this connection, that the church
finances have never been in better c0udi-
tion: that the congregation is frequently as
large as the building Will permit, and that
the reputation OF the church has been meas
ureaby 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
tiers. but said that at a recent meeting Of
members of his church it had been satis-
fsctcrilv settled