Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-02-25
PRESIDING ELDER LADD
Mas Done All in His Power for Much-Talked- Of
Lewiston Pastor.

Lewiston, Me, Feb. 24-Although
Presiding Elder \. 5. Ladd of the Lew
istun district said, Friday night, that
so far as he was concerned the HAM
mond Street Methodist church incident
was closed, at least until the next
meeting of the general conference. he,
yesterday, issued long letter in which
he saws that the time has come Tor
him to make a statement of the case
in which he says his duty has been one
of the most painful of his life.
MI, I.add saws in part: when | was
appointed presiding elder Of the Lewis
ton district. nearly two years ago,
was greatly pleased to find Mr. Wilson
was its Hammond Street church)
pastor I knew the attempt to unite
the two Methodist churches of this city
was not in harmony with the desires OF
many members of both churches. NJ
Wilson seemed to be the man for the
place and the hour.
Il think no pastor in these two cities
has worked harder. or been more fer
tile in plans. Everything, the hnahces
excepted. had seemed to run on beauu-
fully until last August. and | nave no
reason to think that the finances have
Jagged any more than under former
administrations.
About the last of August MI. Mef-
rill Mr.. Cannon and other gentlemen
all official members of the church'
waited upon me and urged me TO com
pei Mr.. Wilson to resign. | asked them
upon what grounds. They SAID there
We're numerous rumorS OF lndeScreuoh'
he was calling too frequently upon GER
tain female members of the chufch;
but they admitted that they could not
prove there was necessarily anything
wrong about it. yet it was common
talk on the street. and it was militia
ting against his usefulness.
Il could not see my way clear to ask
him TO resign because of such rumors,
and | was surprised to learn that some
others who had labored many years
for the good of the church, persons
who had made no Complaints TO me
had withdrawn their support. l feared
there might be some jealousy and AMI
mostly in the hearts of these persons
who frequently came to me with tnelr
complaints. so in every way possible
in my official capacity, | have stood
by this brother.
Il know his salary was not promptly
paid and therefore have not asked the
stewards to pay me one cent of the $40
assessed to meet the presiding elder $
claim this year. | have also attended
special services at this church when
possible.
when the matter of the correspond
encc with Miss Merrill came to my
knowledge | thought it my duty as our
book of discipline plainly teaches, to
bring the accused and the accusers
face to face.
He felt pretty sure that Mr.. and
Mrs Merrill would not expose their
daughter and therefore he would he
shielded but when this came to light
there did not seem any probable chance
to avoid a formal investigation. but
Mcssrs. PhcIan. Cummings and myself
were willing to give him the possible
chance for a transfer to another con-
ference if the authorities, in view Of all
he facts in the case, would consent to
such an arrangement, and if the mat
ter could be amicably arranged be
tween him ana his accusers. To this
possible settlement of the matter he
would not agree.
II want to say right here that Mr..
Wilson has at times seemed very pen
itcnt and has said to me. j am in the
fault, Whatsoever Il man soWeth that
shall he also reap.
Then again. he has felt exasperated
ut the attitude Of these people and has
said hard things about Methodism and
about the brother pastors who We're
called in at the informal hearing.
No a word in reference to his resiS
nation last Sunday. ! did not object to
the use of that word. but supposed nc
would understand that. according to the
law Of our church, it meant nothing
more or loss than suspension | strong
ly advised him to get some one to
preach for him last Sunday, but thought
il best not to forbid him. and personally
| had no objection 10 his preaching. but
thought it would be more in harmony
with the fitness OF things and better for
him that another should preach.
II did rot say to Mrs. Wilson that
thought the finding of the committee oil
the informal hearing unjust.
said this whole affair was a great in
justice to her, and who is most to blame
an Intelligent public must judge. ! arr
sure no one will justify any parties who
Unduly magnify mere rumors in order tc
shield themselves and their loved ones
'On the other hand. an Intelligent
public must Judge of the compare tive
guilt Of young lady under 20 and hcI
pastor. a married man of 40, when they
engage in a clandestine correspondence
"Wha. about the future of Hammond
street church? do not know. but | am
sure Il few noble men and women will
stand by it and form a nucleus for fll-
ture growth and work | am confident
that the conference will lend it all the
aid possible. but if it dies its appropriate
epitaph will be Blessed are the dead thai
die in the Lord
Mr.. Wilson will bear me witness that
] have never spoken an unkind word IN
him. | regret this whole affair moro
than | can find words to express
Mr.. Wilson has great abilities in Soma
directions. | wish him and his family
well have done what | could for them :.
Mr.. Wilson also issued another leorth,.