Richmond planet., 1901-02-09
Many Reasons Assigned for the
Trouble.
AMONG EXCUSES OF THR DISSATIFIBD ARR
Color Prejudice, Social Standing And
Devotion To Rector In CHARGE

IPnAadslphia. Pa Tribune Feb. 2, 'ol !
There has been considerable talk
concerning the call of a rector 20 81.
Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church.
judging from the many expressions
thers seems to be division of senti-
Ment among the membership. Il ap-
pears that certain element of the
congregation objects to the change for
no other reason than "becsuse." There
too, seems to be "lilly white" contin-
gent who fear to trust their spiritus,
welfare to another than q man whose
eomple xion 10 fair, very fair.
These conditions are actual facts
which We as 9 people should brand
with disapProval. st. Thomas is not
only the oldest Espiscopsl organiza-
tion Ia the United States, but it's mem
bership represents the best element of
eolored people in this city.
Fer the past i've years they have
been without . rector, in the strict
sense. Rev. Z g. knight, who il a
white man, has been the priest in
charge. Though Rev. knight has serv
ed them faithfully and accepts bly, dur
ink these i've years, IL can readily be
seen, when it is known that they have
had no representative in tie Episco-
pal conferences for so long . time, that
their progress has been backward.
Kew. Knight, as seting rector only,
could not represent them. Therefore,
the church could not develop. Rev.
knights duty hey ond conducting SER
vices we're purely Voluntarily, so we
are informed, and naturally did not as
sumo all the responsibilities OF q rec
tor urder obligations. Yet it is said
to his credit that his lsbors have been
unstinted and he enjoys the love and
respect OF the entire membership.
IL 10 SAID that many are incensed be-
cause OF Rev. Knights removal. As
We understand it the vestry are fully
justified in their actions, ss Rev
Knight has twice refused the call to
the rectorsbip and signified his will.
ingnses to give up the work as soon as
. rector could be called.
That any member or number of
members Of an intelligent body of
worshipers As compose st. Thomss'
Church should object to having q man
OF their own race, whose character and
ability have been proven to be above
reproacb, is simply appalling. Why
high positions in Church or State? Do
We not want to show to the world and
to all races OF men that they are the
equal In intelligence and administra-
eive powers OF sRy men alive? If these
are our motives, then why are We first
to deny them the opportunity to
dem onst-ate that for which we have
trained them?
We understand that the vestry of
the church, armed with authority.
obtained every evidence of Rev.
AeGuire's fitness for the position, nor
did they find it difficult task. His
recommendations are the best, his
ability unsurpassed and his character
untarnished.
Rev. Mcclure is now located in Rich
mond, Va, where he enjoys the pro.
found respect OF the white citizens.
who brought every IL iLf1uence to bear to
persuade him to remain in their city.
This recommendation in itself speaks
volumes
II there is such q class as oily
white" in st. ThomAS, the church
could we'll afford to be rid of tn am, for
6od has no use for them, as they are
only tare in the wheat. Those who
object because" are not even worth a
passing thought,
1t IS indeed a shame that the fair
name OF St. Thomas history should be
stained by the prejudiced acts of these
perKons who have signifled their inten-
tions to leave the church, but without
them the church's influence for good
will have . wider scope.
1t is said that the best families will
leave the church, That can't be true
The best man is the sticker; it is the
coward who runs.