The St. Louis Republic., 1902-08-16
TROUBLE BETWEEN
PASTOR AND FLOCK
Rector of Negro Central Baptist
Church Barred From Hold
ing Services.

The expected clash between the warring
factions of Central Baptist Church. Twen-
ty-third and Morgan streets. did not occur
last evening.
The tension In the relations between the
pastor the Reverend ]. L. Cohron. and the
deacons. who are opposed to his continua-
ton in the pulpit, has not been relaxed.
however. The armistice last night was en-
forced. 1t is said, by reason of the presence
at the church of a squad OF ten policemen
under Sergeant Gleason, both factions hav-
ing requested Police Captain Gaffney to see
that ample police protection was afforded.
The trouble in the Central Baptist
Church. which is a negro congregation.
dates back several weeks. when several Of
the elders preferred serious charges against
Pastor Cohron. There had been previous
differences between the pastor and some Of
his deacons. which resulted in the Reverend
sur. Cohron resigning his pastorate, his
resignation to take effect the last of this
month.
This was acceptable to his opponents. but
when he attempted to continue his minis
try in the pulpit and perform his duties as
pastor pending the expiration Of his term.
they objected and sought TO prevent him.
The objection resulted in row at last Sum
days regular evening services. when the
pastors opponents locked the door leading
IRON MS Sluul 10 lIle anu DTeNeukcu
him leading the services. His friends
wanted him to insist on forcing an entrance
TO the church. but he refused 10 do 50, and
The situation looked so squaIly for
a time. however. that police from the
Ninth District Station were sent over TO
At that time the pastor and his friends
announced that he would hold the regular
Friday evening service as usual last night.
The opposition declared that he would not
an6 would again hold
ices in the church. AS the pastor had
many stanch friends in the church who de-
in any emergency. and the opposition was
known to be determined to prevent him
holding services. the situation promised ex-
ceedinglv lively times. Realizing this. Cap
tain Gaffney detailed Sergeant Gleason and
ten men TO preserve the peace
II the Reverend Mr.. Cohron had any in
opposing deacons outwitted him by going
10 the church early in the day. barring all
the doors and stationing trusty men to see
that they were not forced
Pastor Cohron sauntered by the church In
the afterno3p. tried the doors. saw that ne
was up agAnst it. and retired to 10 consult consult
in the evening. the worshiPers OF the con-
gregation began to gather for the services.
to begin at O'CLOCK They were
curious. and at s O'Clock several hundred
negroes men, women and children, were
,gderIy' but speculative crowd. and the po-
ice had no trouble in preserving order.
AS O'Clock rolled around without the
pastor putting in an appearance. the wor-
shippers began to realize that he had aban-
ioried his Intention of holding services. and
many went home. A few of the sisters
who were faithful to him started to sing
1yrnns on the sidewalk. but after they had
;ung two, Sergeant Gleason requested them
% desist and go home. since 1t was appar-
mt that the pastor would not appear
The worshipers obeyed the request with
,ut dernurring The police remained or
iuty until 10 O'clock, but no disturbance of
my kind occurred.