The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-11
TURN DOWN PASTOR
Rev, Mr.. Thompson Persona
Non Grata.
Washington Methodisis moi Pleased With Con-
fererce Appointee and Write Will not
accept The Preacher.

Here's something rev in North Caro-
lima in the Methodist church-a leading
church, feeling that it has not been
treated properly. writes to the preacher
appointed by the Conference, and tells
him not to come-that they have nothing
against him, but do not propose to sub
nit to the treatment they have received.
Here is the story as told by the Wash
ington Gazette Messenger:
"A peal of thunder from a clear sky
would not have been greater surprise
than when the announcement came yes
terday that Rev. II. c. Beaman had been
moved from Washington to Durham
The officials of the Methodist church
here were not only dumfounded but their
wrath knew no bounds. Protest after
protest was heard against his removal
from all sides, including members of
other denominations and for about two
hours kilograms flew thick and fast be-
tween the stewards and the conference
officials at Wilmington.
"In consequence of the action of the
conference, The Board of Stewards were
called together at DR.. A. S. Wells office
10 take steps in the matter. The board
decided unanimously and so stated their
action to Bishop Smith and Presiding
Elder f. a. Bishop that they would re-
ceive no one next year as their pastor
unless it be Rev. Il. c. Beaman; that
10 remove him from our midst just at
this time would be a dire calamity, and
it would work a serious blow to Metho-
IN NTa ncrtn nd oil
wrote a nice friendly letter to Rev. Mr..
Thompson, who has been assigned to this
station, stating that the board had no
objection to him whatever and under
any other circumstances he would have
been received with open hands and
hearts, but that the Conference had been
unjust to them and they proposed not to
submit to it.
Why Dr. Beaman was moved from
this station is a mystery, unless it be
he sudden death of Rev. Dr. Norman at
Wilmington Sunday morning. Not only
we're the stewards a unit for the return
of Mr. Beaman and so stated in a per-
eonal letter to the bishop, but the entire
congregation were unanimous for his re-
turn.
This beloved man OF God has done a
fine work here and to move him after
only one year, and that, too, at the very
zenith of his work, will surely stagger
the work of the church here.
What the outcome will be we know
not. but if the Board of Stewards will
stick up and not take water no doubt
but what they Will come out under the
Wire ahead. We don't know who is to
blame, but somebody is
CAUSE OF THE CHANGE.
An influential Methodist, who attended
Conference at Wilmington, said last
night: '''The Washington people will find
that there was no desire to do anything
unjust to their church. Their request
for the return of Rev Mr.. Beaman was
respected. He was put down on the list
for Washington. The sudden death of
Mr.. Norman, pastor at Trinity church,
Durham, made change in the appoint
ments necessary. At that late hour, 1T
was not possible to make any change
that would be acceptable to everybody.
The probable reason why Mr.. Beaman
was selected for the appointment is prob
ably this: he was at Trinity church some
years ago and was held in high esteem.
AT the close of the two years, to the sur
prise of Mr.. Beaman and the congrega-
ton. Mr.. Beaman was removed from
Trinity church. There was some silent
protest to the change in Durham, but
everybody acquiesced. Now, when
Trinity church is suddenly vacated, there