The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-16
NEWPORT CHURCH
DEF|ES BISHOP
SECOND TIME

Because the stewards and trustees OF
his congrega tion favored the retention Of
their old minister at the Mount Zion A. NJ
Il. church, Newport, Rev. William III.
Thomas was compelled to hold services
i'm the church yard yesterday, the doors
OF the edihce having been locked against
him.
Rev. Mr.. Thomas succeeded Rev G. n.
Gibbons. who had been pastor OF the
church for three years and was transfer
red by Bishop Henry NJ. Turner at the
recent conference In this city.
lie is not the first minister OF his de-
nomination, however, who has had this
experience at the same church, the trus-
tees having barred out Rev. Reverdy c.
Ransom, two years ago, when the latter
was sent there 10 succeed Mr.. Gibbons.
Rev. Mr. Thomas is the son OF the late
Rev. William H. Thomas, who was pas
tor OF Bethel A. NJ. T.. church I'm this city
about ten years ago and was also trans
ferred thence 10 the Newport church that
has now barred out his SON.
IL does not appear that there Is any per-
sonal objection TO Rev. Mr.. Thomas who
served as pastor i'm this city very accept
ably for three years; but his predecessor
at Newport, whom Bishop Turner sent 20
Springfield, has SO ingratiated himself
with the stewards and trustees that they
have twice defied their bishop within three
years on his account and locked its doors
on ministers sent 10 succeed him.
The bishop is the supreme authority in
the A. NJ T.. church and makes appoint
ments after consultation with the pre-
siding elder Rev. DIR. J. +. Sampson OF
Asbury Park, n. j.. has been acting I'm
that capacity for some time and presuma-
bly, recommended the transfer.
There were reasons aside from the fact
that the bishop Is said TO have received
a petition asking for the appointment OF
another minister.
"One OF these was said 10 be the fact
that Rev. Mr. Gibbons. who is West
Indian, bitterly attacked the mayor Of
Newport some time ago and congratu-
lated himself on the fact that he was
not an American citizen. Another was
the steady decline Of the church during
the past four years In influence, I'm mum
bers and I'm ability 10 do it's share OF the
work required OF churches in this con-
ference.
During Rev. Mr. Gibbons pastorate
the church has not raised as much money
as IL had been raising. and he has re-
ceved less money as salary than other
said minister acquainted
with the facts today The congregation
has dwindled too; ana there has been
factional fight there.
only two years ago. after Mr.. Glib
bons had been there year. the bishop
him to New Bedford, and
Boston, TO take charge of the church.
Mr.. Ransom was locked out just as DR..
Thomas has been, and finally was sent
to New Bedford, and Mr.. Glbons trans
ferred back to Newport. Having over
ruled the bishop at that time, the church
apparently thinks that IL can repeat the
trick now; but IL is making grave mis-
take
THE experiment was tried here some
years ago. when Bethel church was
barred against Rev. Dr. Yocum: but the
congregation had a genuine grievance at
that time and It's protest was sustained
In the Newport case, however, the
church has nothing against Rev. Mr..
Thomas. who is Christian gentleman
and worthy son OF his father; and the
action OF the stewards and trustees will
certainly be overruled.
They have sent a petition 10 Bishop
Turner, stating their side OF the case;
have seen fit to repudate his action. Nc
bishop would tolerate
such insubordina ton"
Rev. Mr. Thomas did not return &
Providence this morning. and when
of the News Democrat
saw his wife this morning at the parson-
age on Cushing street she was surprised
to learn Of the action Of the church yes
terday. II expect Mr.. Thomas home be-
fore Friday" she said. I'VE have not
yet decided when 10 move our household
goods TO Newport"
Prior TO going 20 his boarding place at
Newport last night, Mr. Thomas said he
did not intend 10 make any fight for the
position OF pastor OF the church; and Dr.
Gibbons Is not making any fight either.
so far as appearances go. as he went 10
Springfield on Saturday to take charge of
his new church.
The Newport church is regarded as one
or the most desirable In the New Eng
land conference ranking next 20 Boston
and Providence. Ii pays about 1920 per
year when IL has popular working pas
tor.