The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-08-21
CHURCH SERVICE
STRANGELY UPSET
Man Who Wanted To Take
Minister'S Place Is Sent
to City Jail.
HIS MIND UNBALANCED
James Hicks Informed Startled
Congregation That He Had
10 Preach.
Announcing that he had been dele
rated 10 preach and save souls from

Announcing that he had been dele
gated 10 preach and save souls from
sin. James V. Hicks. OF zoo Nicholson
street, Fulton. delayed the services
In the Fulton Baptist Church last
night for fifteen minutes before he
was taken out and finally removed TO
the City Jail as q person suspected
of being of unsound mind,
The services had not begun when
Hicks entered the church. But mis-
peculiar actions and his profession of
faith and his inclination TO preach
salvation from street corners bad
been remarked for two weeks. and
when he walked In several of his
friends tried to persuade him to go
home He answered them by saying
that he had been especially instructed
TO preach and pray, and that he was
going to carry out the instructions
CONGREGATION Not Alarmed.
The Rev II. Frederick Jones. Of
els Denny Street, pastor OF the church,
was in his waiting room at the time
that Hicks came i'll. But he was in
formed OF the fact that Hicks had
entered and that there might he trou-
bic. Standing at the foot of the pull
pit he informed the congregation that
there was a very i'll man in the church
alarmed.
Hicks. however. had taken his reg
ular seat. In few minutes he arose
and began preaching. saying that he
had been sent to preach the doctrine
OF salvation. The church was full
from door to pulpit. and at first the
congrega tion sat still. wonderstr
Finally as Hicks walked out of the
pew and up towards the pulpit, there
-,
though there was no sign OF outbreak.
He walked to the pulpit and took
chair at its base. He was still preach
ing in a loud. strong voice. and the
congregatio sat still. listening.
AS the man continued to preach
without giving sign OF ceasins. sew
eral OF his friends held hurried con
sultation. and finally one OF them went
UP to Hicks and told him that his Wife
was very anxious to see him at home.
He consented to leave, and still sing
ing, praying and preaching, he left
the church on the arms of his friends.
Sent TO City Jail.
Mr.. Jones entered the pulpit and an
nounced that the services would not
begin until assurances of the safety
Of the demented member had been re-
ceived There was delay of fifteen
minutes The friends returned, and
told Mr.. Jones that Hicks had been
taken home There they called in the
police and Hicks was placed in the
custody OF Policemen Spur and stone
lie was taken direct to the City Jail.
Hicks. It is said. had shown signs
OF dementa for two weeks. He was
formerly an employe in the Gas House
in Fulton. but had been out of employ
nent for several weeks. 1t IS believed
that his lack of position and his deep
interest in religious matters had un-
balanced his mind. Mr. Jones heard
OF his condition. and warned Mrs
Hicks to keep his revolver and razor
from him. Hicks has been a consist
ent member Of the Fulton Baptist
Church for six or seven years. and was
held In high regard by his pastor and
fellow members, He Ia the father of
six children.