Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-03-07
ALLIANCE HOLDS
BROYLES PASTOR
Claims that Custer Proceedings
of Second Baptist Trus-
tees Illegal.
CONGREGATION is DIVIDED
Investigation by Committee Shows
That Minority Is Now in Control
Torn by Discussions.

Rev. R. A. Broyles is the rightfuI
pastor of the Second Baptist church
(colored), Sixth avenue and Tenth
street, according to the verdict of a
committee appointed to investigate the
troubles of that congregation by the
Rock Island Ministerial association. A
few months ago Broyles was ousted
from the pastorate and Rev. Frank
burden of Des Moines elected his sue
cessor burden continues in charge.
At the meeting of the ministerial al
lance this morning at the Y. NJ. c. A.
the special committees report w2s I'M
animously adopted. Here it is in full:
LAS a ministerial alliance we have
been asked by one of our number to
inquire into and express an opinion
upon the troubles in the Second Bap-
fist church (colored). The matter
was referred to a committee which
now presents this report.
DeplorabIe Conditions Found.
1--WE, as a body. scarcely need dis
claim formal authority over any
church whose pastor holds member
ship with us. But several reasons
seem to justify US in taking notice
of the deplorable conditions in sale
church. What affects the honor of
one church affects all, and what
touches the welfare of one minister
touches all his brethren. Besides,
most OF us belong to bodies that have
part in mission effort amongst the
colored people in other parts of our
country, and it would seem thai
Christian work amongst that race if
our very midst should as well claim
our attention.
Your committee planned its work
with view to securing all the facts
in the case without bias. We sent
invitations to all members of the
church to meet with US in confer
ence. and heard all privately that in
dependent testimony might be given.
We found substantial agreement as
to main facts, from which we believe
we have reached just and right con-
illusions. And we have no action to
recommend further than the adop-
tion of our report.
Outside Interference.
he greatest JTOuDle III TIE salt
church, beyond the presence of a few
unruly members, has been too much
interference from outside to aggra-
vate conditions and not enough inter
vention to give helpful counsel and
to lend the strong hand of decision
A poor, weak. wrangling colored con-
gregation should not be exploited,
laughed at or despised, but is rather
to be pitied and helped. And thi:
only we seek to do.
THE statements have been made
with reference to the members of our
alliance that some are pronouncedlg
against Brother Broyles, that others
are prejudiced in his favor, and that
the affairs of the Second Baptist
church are no concern of ours. We
think none of these things is true.
I'VE have no desire to assume
authority we do not possess, we will
not presume to PREJUDICE the matter
that is before the court, and we re-
fuse to be drawn into any further
fruitless controversy in this case; so
we intend that the adoption of our
should close our connection
with this incident.
Torn with DissenSIOns.
From the facts before us we find
81. That r. A. Broyles is duly &C
credited and entirely worthy of our
recognition as a member of his own
church body, as a regularly ordained
minister of the gospel also in that
as a faithful pastor, and an
upright Christian gentleman. Ref1ec- /
lions cast upon him in these partic- /
ulars by his enemies are without
good reason.
-. We find that the Second Bap- !
list church is sadly torn with dissen- |
sions, but the larger and better part .
of its members are stoutly loyal to .
Pastor Broyles, while charitably dis f.
posed towards their erring fellow .
members. And the minority now in .
control of the situation are not unit
ed amongst themselves.
g. We find that the meeting at
which the pastor, superintendent and .
other officers of the church we're sum-
narily dismissed, was irregular, i'm
properly and unlawfully called and
and all it's actions there
fore are null and void
a. We find that the arrest and
Imprisonment of Rev. Mr.. Broyles the l.
lay after his improper dismissal to
prevent his occupying the pulpit was