New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-12
NO PEACE IN PLYMOUTH.
Trustees to Meet Beecher's De-
scendants Defend Scientists.

Following the action of the members of the
congregation Of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, in
voting that the board of trustees-rescind its
tease OF the church for May 16 to the Christian
Scientists, the board has decided to hold a spe-
Gal meeting after services this morning. The
lease of the church to Judge septimus j. Hanna,
the Christian Science reader has. it is said.
divided the congregation.
The Christian Science publication committee
issued two statements yesterday. one by Alice
Beecher Hooker Day.. niece of Henry Ward
Beecher, the famous pastor of old Plymouth.
and the other by Margaret Beecher White. a
granddaughter. Both declared their belief that
if Mr.. Beecher were alive he would subscribe TO
the teachings of Christian Science.
at has long been a very strong feeling with
me that Henry Ward Beecher, who was a
deeply loved and tenderly revered uncle of
mine, II with us would be an hrnest fol-
lower OF this great spiritual light which has
come to this age in the teachings of Christian
Science" Mrs. Day is quoted saying. And
Mrs. White. when asked, DO you think that
Mr.. Beecner would allow a lecture to be given
on Christian Science in Plymouth Church If he
were here to-day?" replied
II am positive that my grandfather would not
only allow a lecture on Christian Science to be
given in Plymouth Church. but would be glad
to hear it himself"
Dr. Newell Dwight Hills, pastor Of the church
and General Horatio c. King one of the lead
ing members of the congregation, say that they
and their followers will call an indignation
meeting Wednesday If the board of trustees
persists in trying to stand by its contract
with the Scientists. They admit however, that
they are unable to control the board in any
way AT least two of the trustees are not mem
bers of Plymouth Church, but the trustees have
absolute power in the control of its affairs.
S. V. White, chairman Of the board. was in
conference with DR.. Hills yesterday morning
and. it is said. made clear his position in the
controversy. Mr. White says that it would not
be the act of a Christian to break a contract
made in good faith. DR.. Hills. in a statement
issued shortly after the interview with Mr..
White, said: Il have made my earnest protest
and there is nothing more TO be said I wish,
however, 10 correct one Misrepresentation. The
income Of Plymouth Church last year was
$4,000, or that amount 1 do not believe more
than $500 came from the renting of the church
to outside parties.
mo consent from the mother church at Bos-
ton could by any possibility induce me to go to
that church and attack everything that Judge
Hanna loves. in building dedicated to Mrs
Eddy. If the Christian Scientist lecturer will
speak patriotism. on hospitals, on art. sell
ence the rights OF childhood. music. literature
any subject calculated to promote the inter
ests OF the people Of the Republic, l will not only
welcome him but buy ticket and gladly listen
The church rented TO the Christian Sci
sntsts last February during my absence and
/ never heard OF II until yesterday"
General King said yesterday: Pm going 20
fight 10 the last ditch Why. it's about as bad
renting the church to May Pepper They
might as well rent Il 70 Spiritualists and other
fakes 10 these Christian Scientists. Their
whole cult is built fraud, and I think such
people should be in the penit entiary."
Mrs Pamela Leonard. head of the First
Church Of Christ Scientist, issued orders yester-
day 10 the publication committee Of the church
to continue advertising Judge Hanna's lecture AT
Plymouth Thursday. Mrs. Leonard Is con
fident that the contract will not be broken. She
said that II made during her absence in
New Hampshire. We have not yet decided
whether VIII enforce the contract in the
event OF the trustees trying 10 break it," Mrs
Leonard said. but my did not draw the