The sun., 1905-12-04
THE WESTMINSTER SECESSION.
1870 MEMBERS OF ONE CHURCH
DECANTED INTO ANOTHER.
Front Pews at DR.. Dunleld's Reserved for
the New Members Taken In on Letter
From Dr.. Lee's-PastOr DufIield Makes
An Address Of Welcome 10 Them.


From Dr.. Lee's-PastOr Dunield Makes
an Address OF welcome TO Them.
More than 1870 members Of the West
minister Presbyterian Church, In West
Twenty-third street became members OF
the First Presbyterian Church yesterday
afternoon. They transferred their ale
glance because OF quarrel covering more
than two years, that has divided tho West
minister Church up into more factions than
there are generals In the Portuguese Army.
When the Presbytery Of New York, at
It's last meeting two weeks ago, voted to
uphold Pastor John Lloyd Lee Of the West
minister congregation the session, or ruling
body Of the church and about half the
members decided to transfer their allegiance
to the First Church. They made overtures
to the pastor Of the First Church. the Rev.
Dr. Howard Duffleld, and these were favor
ably received.
Out OF curiosity many persons went to
the First Church yesterday afternoon.
Six rows Of pews clear across the front
Of the church were filled with the members
Of the Westminster Church. As they came
in they we're met by several special ushers
from among their own membership, ap-
pointed to pilot them TO the seats set apart.
j. W. Stanley, the silk merchant, was the
chief and he greeted with handshake
those who came with him from the West
minister Church. Among the first to arrive
was Robert Sample, a son Of former pastor
Of the Westminster Church.
When he had welcomed "any Of any COM
munion or Of no communion to share with
US in participation In the Lords Supper
the Rev, DR.. Duffleld made statement
of the Westminster Church case, He said:
About two years ago large number OF
persons connected with Westminster Presby-
,erian Church West Twenty-third street,,
amounting to almost so per cent. of It's entire
membership, became convinced that condi-
tions had developed which were prejudicial
to the highest prosperity OF the church. As
loyal Presbyterians should, they pettioned
the presbytery to examine into the situation
and If possible adjust the difficulties, Tn
happily the presbytery failed to render the
desired relief.
Affairs soon reached stage so acute that
a number of the petitioners. including elders.
trustees and Sunday school superintendent,
were eXcommunicated. The appeals to the
presbytery Of those thus disciplined were
tried by a judicial commission Of which !
was a member, After patient and thorough
investigation the commission unanimously
decided that grievous wrong had been
inflicted. and that all who had been excluded
from the communion must be at once re-
instated in full possession of their rights and
privileges as church members and officers.
This was done: but meantime the differences
of opinion had become so intense. the cleav-
age in the church had be ome so wide and
deep. that the authority Of the civil courts
as we'll a. the episcopal power Of the presby-
terry was repeatedly invoked. Every issue
thus raised was decided in favor Of the orig
lnal petitioners. But while they were techni-
cally vindirated they remained practically
unbenefted.
Although by the final report OF the presby-
tery's committee they were lntrenched in
their position and given strong vantage
ground for tho continuance of their struggle.
they resolved in the interest Of peace to add
another sacrifice to those already endured
for the Master. and In His name to withdraw
from their church and seek some other home.
All honor to them for their fidelity to the
principles Of Presbyterian order and for
this crowning evidence OF their loyalty in
their desire to remain within the jurisdiction
OF the presbytery. All honor to them for
their untaltering adherence through these
weary months to what they believed to be
the solemn obligation to their church and
to their Lord. All honor TO them for the
costly surrender they are now making in
relinqushins their church home In order
that they may put an end to strife and may
cause their lives to tell in largest service.
We welcome them to our church. to our work.
to our hearts.
The choir sank Rock of Ages and then
tn Rev DR.. Duffield went through the
formality of reccivin seven new mem
bers on confession T faith. They came
to the front Of the church. 1h,n were
read the names Of the on hundred and
twenty and moro members of the West
minister Church who had letters. As each
name was rea its owner arose. Finally,
when the reading was concluded, line
was formed and each one of the ex-West-
minsterites lassed in front Of DR.. uffield.
he shook hands wito each one and quoted
to each line Of cripture. Among those
in the line we're several who have taken
the leading parts in the Westminster iffi-
Guilty. Sixteen others who left the West
minister Church have joined other uptown
Presbyterian churches.
Interested observers up In one Of the
galleries were four still constant members
OF the Westminster hurch, close friends,
1t is said, OF Pastor Lee.
Pastor Lee had communion service
yesterday morning at which he received