The Washington times., 1906-09-05
GOSSiping Congregation
Responsible for Domi-
mes Resignation.
GIVES SCATHING REBUKE
In Defense of Better Half
Former Washington Resi-
dent Quits Charge.

Gossip about his wife's clothes caused
the Rev. William Clews. formerly Of this
city. 10 resign the pastorate OF the First
congregational Church in FairmounI.
Ind, several days ago. Mr Clews left
Washington last December 20 20 20
Fairmount and accept the pastorate OF
The First Congregational Church In
March of the present year. Ife has been
married but a short time and this was
The first church of which he had ever
had charge
The Rev. Cl,ws is about thirty-nve
years old. He was born in England.
bur came TO America shortly after az
talning his majority and graduated from
the Moody Bible Institute OF Chicago.
After graduating he returned to his
home 10 visit relatives. In the winter
OF 1904 Ee came 90 Washington. taking
the room in the Eleventh street house.
Shortly after his arrival i'm EhLs city he
started the Bethany Chapel Ia the Ten
derloin district. al Thirteenth and G
streets northwest
Returned With Wife.
In April. 1904. he bade his friends
good-by and returned 10 England. say
ing he intended wedding the girl OF his
choice and remaining with his mother
for a few months and then come back
to America Last September he called
at the Eleventh street house for room
for himself and wife but ould NOT b.
accommodated. lie obtained apH
ments elsewhere. and continued his
work iu the little brown wood chapel
south OF the Avenue Last winter he
received a cali from Fairmount, and
went 20 the Indiana city.
The congregation Of the church is By
no means wealthy. Most OF the u en-
hers are retired farmers or trades peo-
pie. who annot anord 20 pay their pas
tor q large salary. The church was
small. and the CouEreE cation was. too.
when MT Clews took up his work. But
he did much 20 better both, and work
ed earnestly and sincerely.
On last Sunday night, after his wife
had come 10 him with tears I'm her eyes
and told him Of stories that had been
circulated about the poor quality and
quantity Of clothing, Mr. Clews an
nouuced his intention Of resigniug.
This he did, with no other pastorate IN
sight and regardless of the conse-
queuces To the little nock for which he
had labOred.
Declared Himself Openly.
After delivering his usual sermon, Mr.
CIews paused for some time on the pull
pit. as il endeavoring 10 decide wheth-
er or not he would declare himself 10
the congregation. and finally his
thoughts found voice lie said, 81 wish
to announce TO the members OF this con-
gregation that I herewith tender my
as pastor Of the First Con-
gregational Church Of this city" Reach
ing the vital part OF his speech. Mr.
Clews began 10 swell with Indignation
and spoke in strong clear voice. anger
flashing from his large. brown eyes.
III is because members of this
church have persisted in talking about
me and my wife and because they have
said that Mrs Clews' clothes were nOt
good enough for the wife of minis
ter Mrs. Ciews has been more UNI
happy throughout the past six months
than az any other time In her life. 1
realize that / have a duty to perform
toward God and man. and this con-
eregauon especially, but want il
understood that when it .
comes 10 serving. caring for and pro- /
tecting any mortal my wife comes first /
and I wish 20 TeiJcrGtc that / herewith I
tender my resignation
This sudden 0utburst from the meek /
OOking mild-manneTed pastor brought /
-he congregation 20 their feet, SO TO /.
speak, and necks were craned- and some 4
placed their hands 10 their ears 10 near F.
more. But their was no more To be 4
heard The Reverend Clews descended 4
he steps of the pulpit walked through {
he sanctuary. and left the First Con-
5regational Church for all time.