Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-11-06
Will Follow Inquiry Into
Mrs. Scissors Teachings
Say Prominent Members Of
Christian Science Church.
0,enIy Stated That Her "Exonera.
ton" Means Very Little.

Roston Nov 5.-While the future con-
duct of the mother urch regarding the
actions of the members of the First
Church of Christ Scientist of New York
in accepting the report of the committee
which inquired into the teachings and
practices of Mrs Augusta +. Stetson is
not known here, two of the leaders in this
city believe that the action in New York
yesterday will produce good results.
Alfred Barlow. chairman of the COM
mittee on publications, said:
LAS | understand the situation the opin-
ion of the New York church concerning
the findings of the mother church does
not in any way affect these findings. AS
a matter of course, it is not within my
jurisdiction to foresee and foretell the
future conduct Of the mother church in
respect TO the New York situation. 1t is
to be hoped that in time all concerned
will agree that the mother church is COR
rect in its findings; that is, that all will
agree with the mother church as to what
constitutes the true teachings and prac
tice of Christian Science. Christian Scien-
lists will wait trustingly and patiently
for that end.
directors of the mother church is to
maintain the purity of Christian Science
and prevent the PRONUNCIATION of an adul-
teration in the name of Christian
Science"
Judge Clifford p Smith. first reader of
the First Church of Christ Scientist in
Boston. the mother church of Christian
Science, said:
THE reports made by the committee of
inquiry of the First Church of Christ
Scientist. New York City, was natural
product of Mrs. Stetson's teachings and
was forecaSted by the conduct of the
/ committee throughout their inquiry. In
view of the fact that Mrs. Stetson has
heretofore dictated the whole vote of the
whole church, it appears that the con-
gregaton has made rapid strides toward
freedom from her influence. The motion
in her favor was carried in the meeting
last night by only a small majority and
by means of the most dsorderly meth
DDS 1t is significant. also, that the vote
was not taken until after the meeting
had been in session six hours and about
one third of the congregation had gone
/ home The disclosures made at the meet
ing cannot fail to produce good results"
Mr.. Barlow tonight made public a
statement by Virgil o. Stricklar. Mrs.
Stetson's successor as first reader of the
First Church of Christ Scientist, New
York, in which Mr.. Strickler denounces
the methods which he alleges were used
by Mrs. Stetson's friends in securing the
vote of that church in her favor.
'''Thp - Mr. StricllIpr "yy1
taken at late hour. when fully one
third of the congregation had gone home
The meeting had been in session about
six hours during the greater part of
which time it was little less than a brawl
Mrs. Stetsons adherents were determined
that detailed statement Of what went
, on in the secret practitioners meetings
should not be disclosed. Their efforts in
this behalf We're disgraceful. Towards
the close of the meeting a rising vote was
taken, upon the affirmative of a motion
offered by one of Mrs. Stetson's adher
ents. An actual count showed 436 voting
in her favor. the vote on the other side
Of the question was not taken. because it
was discovered that the man who offered
the motion was a member and an officer
of another church. The vote was signifi-
cant. however. as showing the maximum
strength of Mrs. Stetson in the church.
When it is remembered that the church
has approximately 1000 members and vot-
ing attendants it will he seen how small
a part of them voted for Mrs. Stetson
firmly believe that if fair vote were
to be taken today. an overwhelming ma
iorty of the total voters in the church
would declare their allegiance to the
mother church.
THE vote yesterday will be of no benc-
fit to Mrs. Stetson. 1t does not restore
her license to teach or practice Christian
Science. Her status has been fixed by the
decision of the board of directors With
respect to the members of the congreea-
ton, their status will be fixed by them
selves according to the course they elect
to pursue"