The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1904-02-27
Mr. Nelson Makes Reply to the Ac-
tion of and Publication by Former
Pastor. Rev. J. A. Watson. and
His New Flock.
Ventiates the Conditions That Brought on the
Trouble and Denounoes the ExMinisters Ac-
tons in no Uncertain Tones Thinks He is
Disrupting the Church.

~ .
| Another turn at the church trouble in
the Mount Zion eolored Baptist church,
brought on by misunderstanding be.
tween its former pastor and a portion
of the congregation at least, is taken.
by a signed communication being hand.
ed to this office for publication as a
reply toan article published several days
ago setting forth the fact that Rev.
Wptson and considerable following had
Withdrawn from the church and organ
lied a new church known as the First
colored Baptist Church of Clarksburg.
The communication is signed by J. II.
Nelson and is as follows:
q am a member of the Mount Zion
colored Baptist Church, Of ClarlSsburg.
and am not extremely partizan in my
views with respect TO the late disturb
anee which has arisen in connection with
the dissolution Of pastoral relations be.
tween that church and Rev. ]. A. Wat.
son. ], however, desire 70 say one word
in defence OF the church which stands
and has stood for many years as the on
y colored Baptist church in this section.
and viii probably continue on the even
tenor of its way with small regard for
the breach created and fostered by this
expastor and few adherents over
whom he seems TO exercise some influ-
ence.
''rhe facts, briefly, are these. Our
congregation became dissatisfied with
Rev. Watson, for reasons which, out of
respect to his Office, l do not care here
to discuss; they met persuant TO notice
from the board of deacons and dismissed
him with the notification that his em-
ployment was at an end; he refused to
%; after this followed some litigation
nioining upon him TO refrain from fur
ther disturbance Of our church worship;
final settlement was then made, with
him in which liberal concessions were
giyen by the congregation. represented
by its deacons in view of the fact that
le promised to retire from their midst
nd give them no more annoyance. This
he did not do, but has gathered small
following out of our church, and by
very means in his power he is endcav-
lring to SOW the seeds Of discord and
.onfusion among out people and destroy
,m church. In this action of his he
has. in effect, disobeyed the order Of the
egal authorities, ignored his promise to
the congregation, despised- every principle
II decency and order, brought contempt
upon his Christian profession and ex-
hibited himself IN hostility to truth.
honor and religion.
Vow we are informed in a late issue
II the Telegram that at meeting held
watson's house. composed of hand
fnl Of disaTected and misguided members
II onr congregation, certain resolutions
we're passed, which, after much palaver
md profanity about the guidance OF the
Holy Spirit, and indulgent cooperation
of the other members OF the Sacred
trinity, proceed 10 charaeterize our old
aud faithful Baptist church and congre-
cation as corrupt and disorderly body
mid make use Of other opprobious and
Insulting language against our people.
while / do not apprehend any SER
ions damage from this quarter, still !
am irritated by the bad temper and
malicious. interference Of this ex-pastor.
and cannot refrain from giving some
expression to my views in relation to
his most rcprehensible conduct"