New-York tribune., 1911-01-31
BISHOP SUSTAINS RECTOR
Dr.. Burgess Likewise Suggests
Court Redress for ACkley.
CENSURES VESTRYS ACTION
News Conveyed to Clergyman in
Bed May Cure Him, One
Adherent Says.

Bishop Frederick Burgess. Of the Protes
tant Episcopal Diocese Of Long Island. de
cided the controversy yesterday between
the Rev. William n Ackley and the vestry
of ST Andrews Church. 5Oth street and
Fourth avenue. Brooklyn. After the ves-
try had shut the rector out Of the church
the Bishop was appealed TO- His decision
was based on canon law, which provided
that while the vestry Of r church could
call rector. II had no right TO dismiss
him
The action of the vestrymen in excluding
the rector. the Bishop wrote. merits the
severest condemnation" was mot in ac-
coriance with their duties" and was as
well "prejudicial 10 the interest OF said
church" The decision concluded with the
words:
Il further declare that II Is in the best IN
terest Of the said church that the said Rev.
William n Ackley shall continue as such
rector thereof"
Mr.. Ackley has been rector of the church
since June. 1924. Trouble began for him
after he broke his leg. November Is. 1909
On March 81 1910. the wardens and vestry-
men met, and resolved that as this injury
was interfering with the work OF the cler-
eyman, the parish required an assistant
rector" who would relieve the rector or
part Of his duties and, incidentally, of part
of his salary.
At another meeting. held April 20. the
rector refused 10 accept these proposals.
and was asked 70 resign within four days
The rector refused 20 comply. The vestry-
men then presented charges against Mr.
Acklev 10 the Bishop and asked him 10
remove the rector.
As the charges were not in regular form,
the Bishop refused 70 consider them. The
vestrymen decided finally 20 take matters
into their own hands. They met September
and formally discharged the clergy
man. The next Sunday. September 10 Mr.
Ackley found the church locked against
him when he went there 10 conduct the
morning service. He was forced TO mold
services on the steps. which caused much
scandal in the neighborhood. and he re-
fused to accept the action Of the Vesuy-
men as legal. A number Of his parishion-
ers met a couple Of DAYS later and adop'eu
resolutions Of confidence in him.
MI Ackley then asked the Bishop 10 IN
tervene. In his memorandum the blshoP
declared that the rector Of the churon To-
ceived the keys without any reservauon'
and that he had a good cause Of aouon ioI
damages against the vestrymen who locHe1
him out. under the laws of this state.
n Chttick. one Of the stan'hes'
.,,,-o-,srs ~ Mr.. Acklev among the ves-
-rvrner. hurried 70 the rectory last nlgnI
with a COPY Of the decision of Bisnon BUT
cess in his pocket Mr Ackley's wife ana
his nurse propped the rector M IN MS
hod and then escorted Mr. Chittick 20 the
sickroorn on account Of the prec7rions
condition q Nj Ackley's health, Nr 'nlt-
.ick was brief and to tho point
He outlined the decision ~ Bishop hu'-
ross which sustained the right Of Mr..
Aekiav N retain his parish and prea'h
from, lis 9il'rit The nerves ~ the clergy
man Who lad worried constantly about
the conflict going on about him. gave Wsl'
and his emotions overcsme him. Tears
came 10 his ewes When he had mastered
tie weakness DO said feetir that no was
sarfetd that. ,ustioe had been done and
t-at tns oupcme could not have been
better
1lf Cmttck returned 20 hie nome. No.
F4r t-tr street. confident that Nr Ackley
would stand a better chance for recovery
fir-e to Intervention ~ the Bishop.
ur George ChaHee. warden ~ the
church and one.'f NJ Ackler's most Bit
ter antagon SITS. said a. his home SO 32S
eth street. last night that 20 was within
the power ~ the vestry 20 appoint rec
tor % the church when "A condition such
90 confronted Mr.. Ackleys churCl exists.
He ala not however have ANYTHING to say
when he was asked ~ De believed that tho
vestry had a right 10 dismiss d rector
from his charge