The Washington herald., 1908-02-16

1T is true, I'm making reforms in my
church. and that we have announced the
services of the choir boys will not be re-
quired after The end of the present month.
If the boys are going on strike to-mor-
row morning. it will be all right. l viii
make no attempt to stop them. nor will
any one else, for it makes no difference
If they leave this week or a number of
weeks hence. The boys were notified they
were 20 leave The decision 10 let the
boys go was passed by a unanimous vote
of the board of trustees, and with the full
consent of Bishop of Bishop Satterlee."
This statement was made TO a reporter
for The Washington Herald last night by
Rev. J. Henning Nelm. rector of the Pro-
Cathedral Church of the Ascension, when
asked if the boys of the surpliced choir
were 10 strike this morning. DR.. Nelm
was not aware the younger members Of
his choir were to take such decisive ac-
tiOn.
Tells of Their Franks.
1T is true the boys are mischievous" "
he esaid. but what boys are not? It has
been said object to their pranks, but
do not What if they do make new mem
bers Of the choir crawl through the coal
cellar on their hands and knees. blind
folded and in the dark? Is this not a
sure sign they are fun of life and spir-
its? l love the little fellows for their
boyish acts but I find Il necessary to
dismiss them from the choir, and they
viii have 70 go. This act may cause
criticism, but I find IL necessary in my
reforms. and do 1t with the full approval
of my bishop"
Latham Humphries. aged fifteen years.
living at l221 o street northwest. and
member Of the PrO-Cathedral choir,
said il had been arranged that when the
choir assemblies i'm the vestry room this
morning to don their surplices in the
basement of the church. and form for
the professional, the members will not
appear, and the professional viii have 10
be made without the boys When tha
professional starts, the nine boy men,
bers of the choir will march in a body TO
the main auditorium, he said
Sorry for Deserters.
He added; 'If any of the fellows break
away from our ranks, 1t will be a sorry
day for him. We expect that at the close
Of the month, when DR.. Nelm's order to
throw the boys out goes into effect, a
number of the ladies of the choir will
quit in sympathy with us. We can see
no reason why we should be thrown out
by DR.. Nelm. The surpliced boys choir
is one Of the established institutions Of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and we
do not believe Bishop Satterlee will stand
To see us thrown out"
In reply to a query as TO what the boys
would do i'm the event Bishop Satterlee
decided TO back up Dr Nelms, the little
fellow said why, there are a number
OF surplced Episcopal churches in this
city that need boys. and we will join
those chOlrs. whore we are needed. But
We would rather stay with the old Pro-
Cathedral"
DR. Nelms. late rector Of ST. Matthews
Protestant Episcopal Church, PhiladeI-
phia accepted the rectorship of the Pro
Cathedral Church OF the Ascension about
a month ago. He has been in the minis
try for three years. and is said 10 be
scholar pulpit orator. and practical busi-
ness man. In the three years he spent IN
The Philadelphia church. it is said he dis
played marked ability i'm putting that
church on its feet financially and
spiritually.
Prior TO entering the ministry, he
practiced law for eighteen years with
success in Kentucky, Baltimore, Hnd
Philadelphia. 1t is understood he came to
Washington to build up the Pro-Cathedral
and since he took charge of the parish he
has been planning reforms. financial
measures and means 20 enlarge the con-
gregatiOn and number of communicates
II is thought his decision 10 do away with
the bays Of the surplced choir is among
other things ia the way Of reform.
Bishop Not Informed.
When the Right Rev. Bishop Henry Y.
satterlee, who worships at the Pro-Ca-
thedral was informed the boys were to
strike, said:
Il have no statement To make or no
opinion TO express. as I do not know the
facts of the case. 7 have not heard OF
such action being contemplated by the
boys"
II is understood the boys will present
their case TO the bishop. and ask him to
reinstate them. forcing him to choose be
tween the choir and the rector. but Il is
thought, as he favors their dismissal
their plea will find little favor.
The Pro-Cathedral Church Of the As
censiOn Is one of Washingtons fashion
able Protestant Episcopal churches. To-
Gated in the best residential section. It's
membership Is composed of some of the
best-knOwn members Of the executive,
legislative. judicial diplomatic, financial.