The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-01
Rev. william Morrison Of Park
Da ptist Church Scores Flock.
one MEMBER STOPPED SERMON
Called The Pastor 10 Account for His Utter
ancss and In Tho Ensuing Trouble The
Police Were Called.

New York, Oct. 1.--when the Rev. VIII
church. Port Richmond. g. l., arose TO
preach his farewell sermon the congrega-
ton was expectant. Everybody knew
something startling was coming, but they
had no idea the sermon would be inter-
rupted or the police called In. But both
happened.
Your faith is spoken OF throughout
the world" began Rev. Mr.. Morrison.
choosing this verse. Romans viii. /. as
his text
when I was called to the pastorate."
said the clergyman. "the name Of this
the community"
You have driven other good men out
before me: you even commented on my
personal appearance"
In twinkling the congregation began
to buzz. Headed by william j. Grim
shaw, president OF the board OF trustees.
half dozen members stalked out.
AsTouNDED EVERYBODY.
Mr.. Morrison went on. uttering criti-
cisms that astounded everybody. Sud
denly William Wakeman, one OF the for
mer members. who had quit the church
after the Rev. Mr.. Morrison came, arose
and fairly ran down the aisle TO the foot
OF the pulpit.
stop, stop. he shouted. you have
no right TO say such things. Be quiet,
say; behave yourself here in the house
of Godr'
The clergyman paused I'm his sermon.
astounded. Half the congregation arose
10 see what would come next The Rev.
Mr.. Morrison leaned over the pulpit rail-
and commanded Wakeman to retire.
"I'll see you after these services are
ended he cried, 'and then we can settle
IT."
Wakeman bowed and strobe back down
the aisle with every pair Of eyes fastened
upon him But the interruption was long
enough TO frighten the pastors friends.
One OF them went to the nearest tele-
phone and rang up the police station.
Send policemen quick" he shouted
through the transmitter; there's trouble
at the church,
Five minutes later two biuecoats ap-
peared and took up their stations at the
church door. When the service was ended
the pastors friends crowded about him
with their congratulations and their cor
dial farewells, while the opposing faction
got out oA tle CHuTcH WITHOUT Iuftner
ado.
REBUKED CONGREGATION
II preached as / did," explained the
Rev. Mr.. Morrison. Ito rebuke the mem
bers OF the congregation who have been
opposing me for the past three years.
These were the very people who were
heartless enough to withhold my salary
when two Of my family were Ill almost
TO death I'm their effort to drive me out"
Although no longer the pastor the Rev.
Mr.. Morrison still occupies the parsonage.
This. he announces, he will continue to
do until his arrears OF salary are paid.
Then he proposes TO devote his time to
literature.
He came TO the church seven years ago
from Carmel. N. Y. The trouble began
when w. II. Moore. one of the trustees,
was defeated for leader of the boys bri-
gade. He blamed the pastor. W. Il.
Johnson. one OF the deacons, hacked up
Mr.. Moore. and then the church began
TO take Sides
When the pastors wife and son both
fell I'll Of typhoid fever the trustees took
this opportunity TO withhold his salary
Then the GOODNESS became bitter so the
pastor resigned. his resignation TO take
effect on Sunday.