The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-01-19
CHURCH DISSENSION
GROWS MORE ACUTE
Two Factions in Lutheran
Memorial Congregation
to Hold Meetings.
TWO QUESTIONS
ARE INVOLVED,
Minister Butler Insists Action of
Resigned Vestrymen Is
Untenable.

q new aspect to tho troubles of tHe
Lutheran Memorial Church came to
light this morning. There are 10 he two
separate congregation meetings, and
each faction or the congregation zJlFdi-
ly declares il will attend the meeting
called by fits leader
One Of these meetings was called Tor
February ], by Anton Heitmuller before
mis- resignation, and that of his two
colleagues. T. r.. Barclay and Fred g
II. Wurdeuaus was accepted oy the
congregation last Sunday morning. the
other was called for THURSDAY, Febru-
arv s, BY the Rev Dr. J. g. Butler
pastor OF the church, on Sunday morn
ing. after the action of the congress-
ton made il necessary 10 elect three
new vestrymen.
Upon two questions hinges me as
Cendancy OF one or the other faction
one is as 70 which faction musters the
greatest strength at its meeting. the
other is as to who was president OF
tbe church council before Heitmuler
resigned.
A Third Problem.
A third problem which presents diff
The present time, there is "a governing
body In the congregation. The insur-
sent vestrymeu claim that their resigua-
ton leaves the church without anybody
that can act with authority until new
vestrymen are elected at the meeting
called by Mr.. HeimulIer for February ].
Three members and the pastor, they
declare. are necessary to constitute
Quorum before any business can be
transacted. Since their resignation left
only two members. they claim that
these members are pOWerIess 10 act until
the election of at least one additional
member.
Dr. Butler, on the other hand, de-
cIares that the disseuters have over
looked the name OF George r. Ryneale,
il. who was, some years ago, chosen
as an elder emeritus position entail
ing a life membership ina the Eestry and
carrying with II a vote, which ls enough
TO make up the necessary quorum
Until such time as the congregation,
az a meeting called by me- president eT
UfiCiO or the church council, shall elect
SUCCESSORS declared DIT. Butler this
morning, these three members and
are cOnstitutiOualE empowered TO direct
the affairs Of the church.
Ready to Return.
George RyneaIe, jr.. the vesJIymau
IN question. is no longer in washington.
but Or. Butler iuumated that he stood
ready 10 come TO this city the minute
his presence is needed TO lend ofhcial
sanction 10 the proceedings of the rem
nant OF the church council.
The meeting called 5y All Hen
muller Dr. Butler said els absolutely
without authority and all the more
zfFTra he r. TTr8ar q F4rarrrE.ar sa
the church council. AT no time was
lie president OF that body. 7 am presi-
dent eE 0ficl0 of the council as long
IS I am pastor OF the church. and the
meeting ] call VIII be the one officially
recognized by my congregation. and be-
lore the synod. AIr. Heitmuller was
elected president pro tempoge OF the
council at a meeting Of that body when
4 fEas absent, and on that slight
authority ] suppose he bases has claim
10 the presidency
Members OF Ire council declare tuar
UT. Butler abseuted himself from tho
council FOR the purpose of delaying the
passage of necessary measures, and that
the action of aiecliug another president
was made necessary log his absence
viii Spring Surprise.
Both An Heluuller and lII Wugde-
man declare that the outlining of amy
plan OF campaign awaits tle return 10
Ina city OF T. r. Barclay, the third
member OF The council. WHO rendered his
resignation or sunday. Both declare.
however, that they are prepared 40
spring "a surprise which will result .u
an Upheaval lu tue condition of affairs
at Lutheran Memorial Church at sIe
meeting calico Igr February T.
we want Dr. understood declared
ar Heltmgl.er "t.at n- are NOT max
ms this night against DU. Butler Fac.
OF as appreciates the work le bias dom.
Tor this church during his long .as.a.-
ater Dur f.eTe arc certain -.I4-s -.H
want and Tor which wo are prepared 90
make demand az Gals time & mI
statement o. our position win Doc forth f
corning iH dls time"
IT. is understood that Jna council wi.
base It's case ou the claim that f... ace
c6ptaUce OF The resignation er the three
CouuCllmeu WAS NOT conducted af a.
properly called congregational meeting.
SEe proper time for the congregation Nd
take action eu the matter. r.af claim
Wil be al the acu1gsga tluHal meeting
called Tor that purpose af J.e same
riue the resignation was rendered
Ridicules Course.
'The unwuungue-s Or these gentle
men 10 step ont of Office said Df.
Butler, iu conclusion. after they ask
ed JOB their letter of resignation. that
action boz take. at the earliest possible
date. is iauElsuIa. Ne complied with
their regHe-. az the earliest oUpor. lu-
o. and submitted 10 tD fHr rrugrn-a-
.5ou The verdict .yae aE-rn he.m.uE
"'Tlo contention that 7 did not sub
mit ilc Ie- -Hat.5us on january .H bee
cause 7 wished Go Valt 10 whip u#
friends In lIuF- Us also IulIar- TING pa
rer was handed T1 mae ae } entered fne
pulpit and. IKE amy other man, aI4
not W.=a 90 arf hastily presented
.neir letter 90 lae congregation at The
next anf earliest opportunity