The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-10
Reconciliation of Congre- gation Is Effected. BAPTIST TABERNACLE WILL UNITE WITH THE CHURCH
 4- Rev. Henry W. Fancher Called to
 Pastorate.
  Four of old Deacon. Have Resisned - Committee Named Last Night to Press Charges Made Against Former Pastor.

Rev. Henry W. Fancher, together with his congregation. known as the Baptist Tabernacle, were last night received Into membership by the con- Rregation of the Adams Avenue Bap- tisf Church; the name of the church changed to the Second Baptist Church of Montgomery, and committee ap- pointed to select tribunal of Bap- tist ministers to press charges pre- ferred against a former pastor of the Adams Avenue Church, Rev. John Bass Shelton. The meeting was most harmonious
 The congregational meeting of last night was the outcome of a long wrangling dispute between two fac tons of the church. the one led by aoherents to the old regime and the other by Rev. Henry Fancher, pastor of the church after the resignation of Rev. John Bass Shelton.
 Several months ago and but a few months after Mir. Fancher's acceptance of the passionate, the internal dissen- tions of the church became so violent as to force the resignation of MT. Fancher, who. followed by a large number of the members of the old church, formed a new church. The Baptist Tabernacle. The new church held their services at the county court house. Yet even this did not heal the breach
 On an occasion several months ago. and several weeks after the resigna- tion of Mir Faneher and his adher- ents. trouble arose in the congregation during prayer meeting led by Rev. John Bass Shelton. At the attempt Of the former pastor of the church to lead the services a protest was made by some members Of the church with the result that the police of the city were called to the church to prevent actual personal encounters upon the floor of the main auditorium. He police stood at the doors and listened with amused smiles and watchfui eyes during the remainder of the time the congregation was in session. No arrests were. however. made.
 As a result of this interrupted pray CT meeting charges were preferred before Justices of the Peace by lead CTS of the one party against leaders of the other. Both of the charges came to trial at the court, resulting in the discharge of both leaders
 Stil the controversy ragged Propo- sstions for a complete reconciliation were submitted and were as prompt ly rejected. Counter propositions were submitted and suffered a like fate. Mutterings were stiIl heard until az desperate measures were needed, the congregation practically forced, 1t is said. four prominent church officers to resign their places upon the Board of Deacons.
 There remained but. two of the former eight officers of the old church, and these two. tired of the long wran- gle, invited Mir. Fancher and his com gregation to the Adams Avenue Bap- tist Church on last night that the breach might be permanently healed The meeting was entirely harmonious, ali proposals being received by unan- innous vote.
 MT. Faneher on being asked if he would accept the pastorate of the church replied in the affirmative. but only upon conditions. He stated that he would accept provided that the name of the church be changed and that present officers of the church re- sign and that a new Board of Dea- cons be elected by. the congregations MT. Fancher was then informed that there were but two of the old dea-