Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-19
Make Recommendation.

After careful consideration of the
above statement the deacons decided
upon the following recommendations
which were submitted to the members
of the congregation last night and
adopted together with the petition pre-.
pared by the twelve members. The
recommendation of the deacons fol-
low:
The deacons of the South Side Baptist
church met ut the home of Geo. Thomas.
JOS South Ransom street. with fourteen OF
the members of the church who are accus
ed of not being loyal to the same, nj ii
business meeting on February ., 19Gi.
There was a motion put before the churclt
to eXpel the members. then an amendment
to the motion WAS put and carried that
the deacons have two weeks to investigate
the troubles and report to the church, Wi.
liam Dcmpster being chosen as chairman
of the investigating board, we proceeded
with the meeting. A paper was read stat
ing their grievance and the charges
brought against them. The deacons Were
unanimous in their decision that tht
charge brought against these members
WAS not sufficient to eXpcl them. We u"
| lieve that no member can be expelled be-
cause he will not vote with the majority
I in retaining 4 pastor. We believe alSc
that the members We're justified in eN
pressing themselves in reference to I;
change of pastor. If they thought that {:
change was best for the welfare of TIL
church, all members have the liberty Il
express their opinion on any topic ,ha
may be for the advancement Of thI
church. We believe also that their mo
tives We're pure, with no personal griev
ancc against Rev Hastie We also found
| in cur investigation that the spirit of thcs'
members was such rs could he admired by
any church. They We're willing to abilt
| by the covenant of the Baptist church ans
also ready to fall in line with the church
| both financially and spiritually. bat MOI
| to be compelled to vote contrary to Wl!a'
they thought would be the best intereS'
/ of the church.
wherefore. after due consideration W
| recommend that the church should take
| further action on the motion to expo
members, We also advise that there be II
| personal or insinuating language in recnr,
| to the affair either from the pulpit or from
the members. We have no desire to stol
the mouth of the pastor or take his liberty
| from him in the preaching of the goSpc!
{! We say let him proclaim 1t with all tn
4 wisdom and power that God has giyei
/ him regardless of whom it cuts. We alS'
believe that 1t would be Just and right tina
these members should get another hearin
before the church that the church ma.
know wherein they stand. and that thi
paper, signed by fourteen members an
which was presented to the deacons. shoul
be read before the church and that thcS
papers. if endorsed by the church. shorl'
be published i'll the Ottumwa newspaper
for the enlightenment Of the public. Tia
they may also see that there is real tro'
BILE existing in the church but only ms
understanding. Now it is the earnest Dc
sire of the deacons that there shall b
unity in the church and that brotheri
love may continue so that the work o
Gcd may prosper. And let nothing he don
through strife or vain glory but in lowi
ness OF mind let each esteem others bette
than themselves
W. DEA1PSTER.
j. NJ. ARNOLD.
c. w. ToLLES.