Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-04-27
CRAPSEY'S DEFENSE
Judge Stiness of Church Court ~. Defines Case.
TESTIMONY OF PASTORS RULED OUT
Rectors Have to Determine Whether the Statements of Accused Amount
 to . Violation of Doctrines of Christ or Not.

BATAVIA, N. T., April 27. - The trial of Rev. Algernon S. Crapsey of Rochester before an ecclesiastical court of five rectors of Protestant Epis- copal churches is nearing its close. Dr. Crapsey stands charged with heresy and violation of his ordina- tion vows, the evidence against him be- i ing book of sermons printed over his name and the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal church. | The prosecution abruptly ended it's | case. and the defense endeavored to present the testimony of number of prominent clergymen as to whether or not Dr. Crapseys sayings constituted heresy, but the court ruled the testi- mony out on the ground that no man could qualify as an expert in doctrine and on the further ground that the witnesses were called to express opin- ions on subjects which were before the court for decision The lawyers for the prosecution and defense will sum up today.
 The widespread interest which is at- tracted to the trial was attested by the greatly increased attendance. The most interesting incident was an exchange between Judge Stiness, for the prosecution. and Edward M. Shepard, for the defense. This fol- lowed the placing on the stand of the Rev. Joseph Alexander Leighton, chap lain and professor of philosophy in Hobart college, the first witness called by the defense. After Dr. Leighton had read the full text of the present. ment against Dr. Crapsey, MT. Perkins said to him:
 ''In your opinion, is there anything contained in the specifications which is contrary to the doctrines of Christ as the Lord had commanded and as this church had received the same?"
 "I object" emphatically announced MT. O'Brian of the prosecution. T do not understand that the witness is i'm personating the doctrine of the. Prot estant Episcopal church."
 At this point Judge Stiness, former chief justice of the supreme court of Rhode Island. spoke for the first time.
 My associate" he said, has request ed me to define this case to the court. I do. This court has to determine two things-first. whether Dr. Crapsey made the statements cited in the pre- sentiment There is no proof neces- sary. because this is admitted by the defense. Second, whether these state ments amount to violation of the doc trines of Christ. It is not a question whether that doctrine is true. The great question is, Are these things said by Dr. Crapsey in accordance with the doctrines of the church?'
 RaT Mir. Alexander testified that he sat in his place at the chancel and took notes of what Dr. Crapsey said. This is what he heard:
 Jesus was born of parents belong ing to the middle class. He was born of simple father and mother. He was the son of a carpenter. The fact that the early Christians predicted a miraculous birth of Christ is to be re- garded as one of the greatest misfor- tunes that has ever befallen mankind"
 Had you heard him preach on simi- lar questions before?" asked Mir. Per kins.
 "Yes, I heard him lecture for twelve consecutive Sundays, and it was most painful to hear"
 Lawyer Perkins tried to draw an ad- mission from the witness that he got evidence against Dr. Crapsey so he could get the rector dismissed and se- cure his place. Mir. Alexander lodged the point.
 It was said that the Rev. Frederick J. K. Alexander. formerly Dr. Crap sey's assistant, who testified against the accused clergyman. will he dis missed as curate of St. Luke's church, Rochester as a result of his testimony.