The Washington herald., 1911-08-13
CLOSING OF CHURCH
RESULT OF A RIOT
Strife in Congregation to Be
Settled in Court.
ROW AT PASTORS ELECTION
ColOred Edifce in Vermont Avenue
Sealed and Locked as Outcome of
Betty Hill Struck Umbrella Over
Deacon Causea-Estho's Head.

DisorganZed by internal strife in the
congregation, the members of which in
dulged in riot Friday night which took
six policemen to quell, the doors of the
Vermont Avenue Baptist Church (col-
ored), were sealed and locked yesterday
afternoon by the trustees to await ac-
ton by the District courts.
The trouble has arisen over the election
of a new pastor to take the place of Rev.
George Lee, who died two years ago. A
meeting was called for Friday night. and
the two factions, which style themselves
the Taylorites and the Willisltes-those
being the names of the pastors whose
candidacy was to be voted upon-met to
have harmony" meeting.
Everything went along smoothly for a
few minutes until it was found that a
preliminary election OF officers of the
church had gone almost unanimously in
favor of the Taylor party. Then the ad-
vocates of Pastor Willis arose In wrath
and declared themselves incensed beyond
measure, and declared that a previous
election. three months ago, had desig-
mated Rev Willis as the true and lawful
leader cf the flock.
Struck mt Deacon.
A point of order was raised by Deacon
William Causea-Estho, a leading light
IN the congregation, and a stanch Tay-
Tor man. Just as he got up to make a
motion, Betty Hill, a Willis follower,
made smash at him with a silver-head-
ed umbrella, cutting the deacon's head
and throwing the audience in an uproar
hurry call was sent to the Eighth
precinct, and both parties were taken
in custody. In Police Court yesterday
morning the deacon went free, while
Betty was fined $50.
According to the deacon. the previous
election was Illegal, and, therefore, Rev.
Willis was put out of the running The
deacon said the election was not ac-
cording to the Hitchcock Baptist Manual,
although ii was claimed by the Willis
faction that he was chosen by a ma
jority of the members.
The matter was taken into the Police
Court several months ago, Deacon
Causea-E -Estho said, and the courts de-
Cided in favor of the Rev. Taylor back
erS The Willis faction, he said, claimed
the court had given them the church.
under condition that harmony should
prevail.
According to members Of the Taylor
faction, they object to having Willis as
pastor on the plea that he has caused
trouble in several churches of which ne
had charge in Virginia. This the Rev
Willis emphatically denied last night.
II am sorry our meeting broke up in a
riot" said Rev. Willis, and 1 am sorry
Sister Hill forgot herself and struck the
deacon over the head with her umbrella
But | believe they are wrong in fighting
my claims to the pulpit. l desire TO
serve them with the Word of God, and
to promote good feeling and good will
among the members
Rfdiculed by TayIorites.
This friendly sentiment was ridiculed
by the Taylorites. who reiterated their
statements that Rev. Willis was not the
man for the Vermont Avenue Church.
a unanimous vote elected Moderator
Eldridse Hawkins as senior deacon. and
he will see about taking the matter to
the court for adjustment. He declared
the pulpit vacant amid the squabbling
Friday night, and said he was sorrowful
when he saw the cOmbatants being hauled
away to the police station.
As the matter now stands there will be
no service until the five trustees see fit
to rend asunder the big locks on the
church doors and invite the congregation
TO harmony" feast, or until the court
again decides which faction is right.
Deacon Causea-Estho showed the ef-
fects of the blow over his head last
niEht, being bandaged literally