The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-07-21
PASTORS
CHARACTER
WAS BAD

The board OF managers OF the Rhode
Island Baptist State convention has is
sued statement making public facts re-
lating 20 the case Of Rev. Edward A.
Johnson, pastor OF the First Baptist
church in Newport.
Extracts are as follows:
"As there has been much misunder-
standing. and. IL is feared. much misrep-
resentation, about the action Of the Rhode
Island Baptist State convention in the
case OF Edward A. Johnson, who holds
the position OF pastor Of the First Bap-
tst church In Newport a brief statement
OF the facts seems necessary.
"In the autumn OF 1894 everal members
OF the church, having heard reports re-
1ectmg upon the moral character and
ministerial standing OF the pastor, and
involving his conduct in Newport as well
as In his previous pastorates, and having
had their confidence shaken in his in
tegrity, asked counsel OF several ministers
In the denomination az 10 what course
they should take. Having listened TO
their statements ministers s-ln--a a
fraternal spirit sought n personal inter
view with him, haping he might be able
IL possible 20 answer the charges and ex-
onerate himself. Two interviews were
had not with him alone. as desired but
with him and officers OF his church. in
which the charges were reviewed, and he
had every opportunity offered him TO
meet and retutc them II was hoped that
the painful matter might be adjusted
without publicity. and the peace and
prosperity of the church be preserved
'''rhe interviews and correspondence
which followed proved unsuccessful; six
months were consumed I'm patient and
anxious effort His statements were posi-
lively contradiCted by abundant evidence,
which had been received. The aggrieved
mebers were then advised to present the
facts I'm their posseion 10 the church
and ask for a mutual council TO investi-
gate the whole matter and reach a just
decision. This proper request the stand
ing committee OF which Mr. Johnson Is
the chairman. refused 10 grant.
This refusal led 10 the necessity Of
petition to the board OF the Rhode Island
Baptist State convention by S members
OF the church. all of whom had been
earnest supporters OF the church, some OF
whom were its officers. for the appoint
ment OF judcious committee to invests
gate the conduct and miniterial standing
OF Mr. Johnson. As Mr. Johnson was
delegate 10 the convention for the cur
rent year. and the convention is charged
with the duty Of publishing a list OF ac-
credited Baptist ministers IN the state,
and by so doing Is regarded as indors-
ing them, such a course was certainly
within its province.
They had several meetings, examined
all the written testimony and listened TO
some oral testimony bearing upon the
charges. They invited Mr. Johnson 20
appear before them. This he declined 20
do. but did meet two members OF the
committee by the request. He had every
opportunity 10 answer the charges and
defend himself. Ten counts were al
legged against him OF falsehood and con
duct unbecoming a minister OF Christ.
covering his entire ministerial career
from the beginning until now, three Of
them pertaining 10 Newport. These ten
counts were supported either by abund
ant documentary testimony from men
eminent IN tho denomination. by oral tes-
timonv IN reference 10 insults recently Of
fered 20 female members ~ his congre-
cation or by a sworn affidavit. Some Of
this testimony Is not suitable for puhli
cation All Of Il is open for inspection 10
those who have a right 20 examine n.
After careful and impartial iuvestiga-
tlon the committee was compelled 20
make the report and recommendation
possible IN view OF the overwhelming evi-
dence. and the board OF the convention.
having listened TO the report and heard
the evidence in part. unanimously adopt
"a tho report and by It's formal vote re-
fused any longer 10 recognize Mr. John
son a. an accredited Baptist minister and
expelled him from the convention az un-
worthy Of fellowship and cqphdencc."