New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-21
Plans Already Under Way
for Adjustment of Pas
tors Difficulties.
"GOD BLESS YOU"
is BRYAN MESSAGE
Creditors and Church Trustees
Want F. L. Ferguson to Take
Charge of Affairs.

Overtures on the part Of representa-
tives of the Rev. DR.. Newell Dwight
Hills. pastor Of Plymouth Church,
BROOKLYN. for an amicable settlement
of the differences between the minister
and his former business manager,
Frank L. Ferguson. and plans for an
adjustment Of his financial obligations
to his creditors, followed quickly yes
terday the dramatic appeal OF the pas
tor TO his congregation at the sunday
services.
Although DR.. Hills and Mr.. Fergu..
son. who was chairman of the board OF
trustees of the church, parted last
April because of a disagreement over
the pastors business affairs, some OF
the trustees and creditors feel that MI
Ferguson is the best man TO clear tne
present complicated situation because
Of his thorough knowledge OF the MIN
ister's speculative ventures. 49,,
II is said also that some OF Or. M
ls's creditors were not as well satished
with his admissions 10 the congrega-
ton, or as favorably impressed, as the
rank and file of the members OF the
church may have been. 1t IS under
stood that they feel he should have
gone more into detail as to his imam
cial troubles, and pleaded his case more
forcibly from the business side, instead
of from the moral point Of view. Sew
eral essential points were withheld, IL
was said. and unless further public re-
traction is made in regard TO his al
fairs the storm may continue TO brew.
Creditors Are Hopeful.
Inquiry yesterday developed that the
minister's total liabilities may reach
5000 900. instead OF 100000, as at first
supposed. Despite this, however, the
creditors are hopeful OF realizing in
full on loans secured by the timber
land bonds held by DR.. Hills, amount
ing to 100000. The reputed unsecured
debtors for the remaining 100000 can
be paid, it is said, by the sale OF IN
terests which DR.. Hills is reported u
hold in other valuable and unencum-
bered timber lands. and still leave the
clergyman an ample competence for the
future. There has been no suggestion
that DR.. Hills has thought, or been
advised, to take advantage of the bank
ruptcy law.
One Of the largest personal loans in
volved is for $4,000 from the Arouckle
FAMILY, WniCn J. Sdlu " NC tNNA SN
The Arbuckla family founded and built
the Arbuckle Institute, adjoining Plym-
outh Church, at a cost of several hum
dred thousand dollars, and have been
generous contributors to the support
of the church.
DR.. Hills kept to his study at the
church yesterday, during which time he
was in conference for several hours
with his counsel Frederick w. Hin
richs and Charles Tressler Lark, of
lockwood e. Ha'dane, of 60 Broadway.
Mr.. Lark has recently been in the West
and is said to have discussed with DR..
Hills severa offers TO purchase parts
Of his timber lands. Mr.. Hinrichs
went to his summer home, at Wood
stock, Conn. without comment on the
progress of plans to relieve his clients
situation.
DR.. Hills declined to make any
statement, excep, to give out a tele-
phone conversation with ex-Secretary
of State Bryan. in which the latter
commended him for the stand he had
taken before his church.
Mr.. Bryan ended the conversation
with: But one last word-do not for
one moment allow this to interfere with
your work il Plymouth Church or in
the country. Goodby, and God bless
YOU"