The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-05
PROF. HERON IS OUT
NO LONGER A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Tried by n Council of Ministers and
Elders at GrinneIi. Ia, and
Unanimously Expelled.

DIES MONIES. Ia. June 4.-Prof George
D. Heron, formerly applied Christianity
professor in Iowa College at Grinnell. is
no longer a Congregationalist. He was
tried by a council Of ministers and elders
of the church, representing eight organiza-
tons, sitting at Grinnell to-day, on charges
Of conduct unbecoming a Christian and a
gentleman. Evidence was introduced 10
show cruel treatmet of his unusually loyal
and devoted wife, which finally resulted in
divorce proceedings and legal separation
y lengthy letter from DR.. Heron was pre-
scented in his defense, but at the close OF
its consideration the council decided the
charges were sustained and voted unani-
mously to expel him from the church.
j. p. Lyman, of Grinnell, presented the
case against Heron on behalf of ths
church committee. He read the letter
sent TO the twelve churches calling for the
council and the invitation TO Heron To par
ticipate and defend. DR.. Heron declined.
saying: Il am perfectly satisfied that the
hearing shall be ex parte." The man said
he did not present charges against Her
ron on his own motion, but the church
thought it was its duty to investigate his
divorce proceedings. his relations to and
treatment of wife and children in the light
OF the Christian minister
The Rev. ID. NJ. Vittum. of GrinneIl, was
the first witness. He said he met Herrons
wife at Grinnell in April. 1898. and ex-
changed pulpits with Heron. He was en-
tertained at the Rands and they talked all
the time of Heron. Mrs. Heron was loyal
all the time. devoted to her husband and
believed in his teachings. On his departure
TO Europe she told a friend: Il feel as
though 1 want TO die
Prof. Charles Noble, the second witness.
confirmed Vittum Mrs Heron was un-
usually loyal. Noble said he was very
strongly in favor of Heron at the begin
ming, but had changed since Herrons
book in 1892 was dedicated 10 his wife in
these words: ITO my wife, who has been
my most loving counsel" The Rev. Mr..
Vittum said the trial must be an exonera-
ton of Mrs Heron. She was innocent.
His church. he said, was ready TO expel
Heron without more evidence, but moro
evidence must be heard for his wifes
sake.
Professor Herron's letter TO the Council
is long, embracing about 5000 words. He
very courteOusly acquits the Council OF
any but the best possible intentions. He
maintains that the plea entered in the courts
of Algona was necessary legal form. He
says that he will make no defense: that
he is satisfied that the responsibility should
rest where il is He maintains that the
present marriage relation Is A bond and
a form of tyranny. He lays no blame upon
his former wife for the divorce proceed
blame Is attached 10 any one, must be at
tached to him and him alone. He says il
does not seem worth while TO suggest that
such a crisis might come TO life without
anyone being morally to blame. so he Will
let the responsibility ard condemnation rest
just where they are. He would not
count any one "A friend who would
undertake to defend him at the
pense of another. He asks to be
permitted to explain that he did not desert
his children. because no father loves his
children more than he does. but has long
held it as a principle that children belong
first TO the mother who. IN his case has
been their constant companion. He says
the council is acting in defense of what IL
believes TO be the sacredness of the
family institution, but on that point no
does not believe the present marriage sys-
TEN is sacred or good. but is rather tho
destruction of the liberty and love OF truth
which makes life sacred and worth while.
IF in trying TO be truthful TO the world"
he says, II have lost all means OF serving
H. then let il be so. The life which you
condemn me for not living was a lie. Yet
/ fruitlessly tried to convert IL into truth
In order TO be moral and self-denying &C
ccrding TO the standard of religion and
private ownership.
In speaking of Miss Rand. Professor Her.
ron avows his affection for her. and speaks
with indignation concerning the contumely
that has been heaped upon her.