Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-01
AID OF COURT SOUGHT
COLORED BAPTISTS IN SPIRITED
CONTROVERSY.
Arguments and Evidence For and
Against Making Restraining
Order Permanent,

Apparently the greater portion of the con-
gregation of Metropolitan Baptist Church,
located on r street between 18th and 18th
streets, observed Good Friday by attending
hearing before Justice Gould in EQUITY
Court No. 2. The hearing, which began this
morning, was in progress at a late hour
this afternoon. 1t was based on the tenn
porary restraining order issued against
Simon P. w. Drew and others, at the in
stance of Anderson Hogan, trustee, and a
number of the deacons of the church. The
compliments claim that Drew, who, they
say, is an undesirable person, is seeking to
have himself elected pastor of the church.
When the proceedings were instituted a
week ago counsel announced that a restrain
ing order was desired for the purpose of
preventing riot at the church last Satur-
day and Sunday
Attorneys J. H. Ralston and T. L. Jones
represent the compliments, while Attorney
Fountain Peyton appears for the respond
ents.
The Answer Filed.
Simon P. w. Drew, William Howard,
George Robinson, William H. Strothers
and James Chapman, the respondents, in
their answer assert that the complainants
were suspended from Office as trustees and
deacons at regular meeting of the church
held the night of March Is. 1t is denied
that according to the usages and customs
of the church the deacons have the care
and control Ct the church property and af
fairs. Further, the answer sets forth that
the respondents ARE not bound to answer
the insulting, abusive, offensive. scandalous
and impertinent matters set out in the COM
plainants' bill, as the same are not mate
rial" 1T =
The respondents, in regard TO the allega-
tons say that all references to the pri-
10 nt,aro rtor of tr0r rae dpnfS mr. anu
of them. are absolutely nntrue' 1t is de-
clared that Drew Is q man of fair educa-
ton, has pursued a course in theology, is
regularly licensed and ordained minister
of the Baptist faith. is Of good moral char
acter, is an energetic, eloquent preacher,
with advanced ideas, and is. qualified in
every respect to fill with credit the Office of
pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.
Continuing, the compliments say that as
compensation for his services 1t was agreed
to give Drew the entire collection of
single Sunday. The congregation, it is
stated, expressed its appreciation of Drew's
ability and the worth of his services by the
generous contribution of $780,
Became Dissatisfied.
The respondents add:
This dumfounded the compliments and
they became dissatisfied. The news went
abroad; many of the other colored min
listers turned green with envy and jealousy
and declared that Drew must be sent out
OF the city When 1t became known that
in less than three months Drew had added
go members to the 800 already there, and
had raised about 81 500 in money and had
a promised subscription list for about
81 200, these respondents believe. 1t was too
much for his jealous rivals, and the board
OF Baptist ministers undertook to pass reso-
buttons of condemnation against him."
1t is further said that the restraining
order recently issued by the court has
n ~rt$ S<xoen u,fc 80 kt<>
church property and its affairs, and that
the compliments, who are suspended by
a vote Of the whole church, are running
affairs in an arbitrary and despotic man.
ner. The mortgage debt on the church
property, with arrears of interest, 1t Is
said. amounts to $4,000. The push and