Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-06-25
A MINISTER DEPOSED.

A MINISTER DEPOSED.
The Rev. Joseph A. Specht, rector of
Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church,
Upper Marlboro, Md, has been depos-
ed from the ministry of the Episcopal
Church as direct result of his al
legged elopement with Mrs. James A.
Hendley, young matron of Washington.
Through this action he is not only re-
moved from the ranks of the clergy, but
also debarred as communicate of the
denomination. This expulsion was
brought about mainly at the instance of
his wife, who complained to Bishop Sat
terlee of his relations with Mrs. Hendley.
1t has been learned that the erring wife
and her clerical associate are
no longer together. The young woman
is now at the home of her wealthy father,
James A. August, in Lewisburg, w. Va,
having parted with her companion before
the elOpement had hardly begun. The
young minister is believed to be in
Baltimore with his wife, who is reported
as having consented to reconciliation
in spite of all the startling developments
of the past few weeks.
The deposing of Mr.. Specht followed
closely after his ayerred relations with
Mrs. Hendley became known. One of
the first to learn of the elOpement was
his wife, and she lost no time in con-
veying the news to Bishop Satterlee.
After hearing the story the bishop sum-
meHed Nj. HeHdley with 4 view of
gathering more information on the sub
ject. The narrative was confirmed by
the deserted husband. Then immediate
steps were taken to depose the clipping
pastor
Even before Mr.. Specht returned to
Washington an investigation of the
charges had been begun by the church.
Letters requesting his withdrawal from
the church were addressed to him and
he was given a specified time to make a
satisfactory explanation, or formulate a
reply in accordance with the demand.
When the time limit had nearly expired
he complied with the wishes of his SUI
perior by Withdrawing from the church.
His name was then erased from the
records of the diocese.
1t has developed that Mr.. Hendley
had separated from his wife few days
before the elopement on account Of her
alleged relations with the minister. After
the parting, the young woman fastened
to Upper Marlboro, and there sought
shelter at the home of the minister.
While stopping at the clergyman's house
she helped nurse Mrs. Specht, who was
i'll at the time. 1t is believed the flight
was planned then.
Mrs. Hendley remained only a short
time at Upper Marlboro. After leaving
the town she went to Washington and
registered under her own name at a local
hotel. In the meantime her parents
heard rumors of her escapade, and her
father sent word that he would come to
Washington to take her to his home.
When Mr.. August arrived, the two
registered at another hotel.
At the same time Specht is said to
have become a guest of the hotel, al
thought this fact was unknown to the
Young woman's father. In accordance
with an alleged prearranged plan the
two met that night, and boarded train
for New York. Soon after reaching
that city they separated, Mrs. Hendley
went to the home of some relatives.
Her companion went to Canada.
Before the clipping couple were again
heard from by their friends, Mrs.
Specht informed Bishop Satterlee of
her husbands actions. Then the neces-
sary evidence was got together for his
expulsion from the church. Following
his withdrawal from the denomination,
Specht wrote a letter Of resignation as
pastor of Trinity Church. The COM
munication was addressed to the reg
istrar of the parish 1t merely announ-
ced that he wished to retire as leader of
the flock, and closed with blessing.
No reason was offered for the basty
action, and the congregation was for
while compelled to draw its own con-
Specht has a large circle of
friends in Washington. He was gen.
orally known to certain class as the
sporting minister on account of his
remarkable habits. He showed a keen
londness for fast horses, and often ex-
pressed an interest in the races. His
for a minister, was decidedly
unenviable. He studied at the Theo
logical Seminary, near this city, several
years ago and while there eloped with
young lady and was married. He then
left the Seminary and continued his
studies in Washington. His father,
who died some time ago, was reported
to be wealthy. He lived at Gunston,
Fairfax county.
GOOD ADVICE.