Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-11-19

Boston, Nov. 1S--An order or cX-
communication against Mrs. Augusta
L. Steison Of New York, for many
years regarded as one of the most pro-
mirent and powerful members of the
Christian Science denomination, was
issued today by the board of directors
of the Mother church Of this city, the
supreme governing authority of the
organization. IN their order the dlrec-
tors stated that conference Of more
than three days had convinced them OF
the truth Of the charges against Mrs.
StetSon, namely, that she had worked
against the interests of the church and
of the members of the church, VINO
were not her followers, and that she
had persisted in teachings and prac-
tees which are contrary to Christian
Science.
Accommodation is form which
is rarely resorted to in the Christian
Science church, and in view Of Mrs.
Stetson's influence and prominence to-
days action of the directories was re-
garGe in church circles here as the
most drastic in the history of the de
nomination. Mrs. Stetson was former
" first reader of the First Church of
|,
and until her suspension today was
the pastor emeritus of that church, at
salary of $4,000 year,
In answer to a Sumons by the board
of directors. Mrs. StetsOn came over
from New York last Sunday and on
Monday appeared before the board in
| the directors room at the Mother
| church on Falmouth street. The ses-
| sion was secret no one being present
| except Mrs StetsOn, her counsel Wit
| ncsses and the directors themselves.
| The conferences continued for three
DAYS. Il total of moro than e hours.
| They were concluded Yesterday and
| Mrs Stetson returned to New York
last night.
The directors met again today and at
go p. M, they made public their
findings in the case.
"A complaint against Mrs. Augusta
T.. .Statson of New York City was fled
with the board of directors OF the First
Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston
on November 6. She was Immediately
| furnished with g copy of II and copy
| Of the following orders. 1t was ordered
| hy said board that the evidence IN sup
mort or defense of the complaint should
| he nresentcd in the form of aiildaVuS
| or documents. except that any evidence
given or statement made By the COM
p,ainant or the accused should be
| given or made orally and in the pres
encc Of the directors: that the accused
should have the right to the assistance
of counsel and that the case should be
heard commencing on Nov. Is. 1909, at
10 a. N.
The hearing commenced at that time
and was concluded on Nov. Il at l..
M Mrs. Stetson was present during
the trial with her counsel, Mr.. liayne
Davis. The evidence in support Of the
complaint consisted of the aIiluaNl'S
of y persons. five letters written by
Mrs StotSOn to her StudehlS ana Il
composilc letter written by some nf
her students and approved by her' ne
anidavits in defense Of the complaint
consisted of one affidavit, two letters
and Mrs. Stctson's personal testimony
and statements.
After considering the evidence an"
| Mrs. Stetson's statements made TO the
directors. it was their unanimous con-
clusion that the charges against her
had been proved and were true Mrs.
! Ctotson's name was to he dropped
! from the roll of membership OF Sald
church.
The offences proved against Mrs.
Stetson were of two kinds;
l. Working against the interests OF
fine members of this church who are
not her followers and against the inter
ests of this church.
Persisting in teachings and prac-
tices which are contrary to Christian
Science.