New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-15
NO TALK IN PLYMOUTH.
Christian Scientists Release Beech
er's Church from Contract.

There will be no Christian Science lecture de-
livered from the pulpit of Henry Ward Beecher
in historic Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, to-mor-
row night In the midst Of the meeting of the
board of trustees last night a messenger arrived
hotfoot from a meeting of the trustees Of the
First Church OF Christ. Scientists. in Lafayette
avenue. which requested the resembling of the
much discussed contract with Plymouth for the
use Of the church auditorium. The messenger
brought letter from John Josten, who has
acted as the agent of the Scientists
Frank NJ Brooks president of the Plymouth
board of trustees. soon after receiving the mes
sage told a Tribune reporter that the board was
unanimous in its decision 10 live up 10 its con-
tract with the Scientists. Notwithstanding the
difference OF opinion that existed In the church
over it, but voted to comply with the decision
of the Scientists
Though the Scientists put no conditions In
their letter We will give them back the rent
that they deposited with us-between $50 and
S6o' said Mr. Brooks. I'VE have taken no
action as to their other expenses. such as the
cost of their advertising. etc They made no
mention OF them in their letter We know
nothing about the reasons OF the Scientists for
this action. Our relations with them have al
ways been friendly. and suppose that they
appreciate our spirit in wishing TO abide by
the contract as a moral obligation.
Mr. Josten's letter was addressed to Henry
Chaplin. secretary of the Plymouth board. 1t
reads:
We are duly in receipt OF the decision of your
trustees agreeing that First Church or christ
Scientist Of Brooklyn. shall have the use Of
Plymouth Church for lecture on the evening
Of May 16 and desire TO express to your our
thanks for this action your part
We fully appreciate the responsibility that
devolves upon YOU as the governing BODY or
your church. and that your decision practically
reflects the unanimous opinion OF the board.
Al the same time. in the face of this, there
still appears To be opposition on the part or
some members. together with the fact that your
pastor does not agree with you IN the stand
you have taken
The principle OF Christian Science is love, and
it's teachings bring out harmony at all times
and never diSCord. and II a lecture delivered In
Plymouth Church becomes matter Of general
dissensiOn among your members, this would DO
much TO reverse the true object OF the lecture
Believing that the cause OF justice and love
will be better served by CanCelling our contract
the trustees of church have instructed its
committee TO request that be permitted 10
withdraw from any further consideration Of the
question or the use of your church building on
the evening Of May 16 We feel that you have
demonstrated the integrity of your contract
and we now beg to notify You that we cancel
same without condition or qualification
The Christian Scientists would not talk OF
their plans last night.
Plymouth members were angry yesterday by
the appearance of placards on fences and bill
boards advertising the lecture The placards
bore IN large type: plymouth Church CHenry
Word Reecher's Old church," The members Of
Plymouth construed this attempt 10 bring
the connection of Plymouth forcibly into view