Evening journal., 1917-03-31
Rev. George A. Cooke Placed on
Retired List at Own Request

successful
"That il was the Judgment OF the
select number that the Rev. l'oher'
Watt. In his administration, had been
meeting with conditions such as every
other district superintendent meets
at times that he had used his best
Judgment in the circumstances and
that there was no evidence that he
had held malice toward the defendant
in the rulings which he had made
and that therefore. there was no iusti-
fication either for the charges made
against DR.. Watt or for their pub
ncation
THAT the evidence adduced was
ample justification for the bringing
of charges against DIR. Cooke In the
form in which they were made.
"The select number were greatly re-
lieyed that the case did not come to a
final vote, and that they thereby were
relieved Of performing duty which
would have been very painful TO then
and to tho defendant. II was at this
juncture that the following letter from
the Rev. George A. Cooke was sub
mitted to The select number.
DIR. Cooke Asks Retirement.
"Seaford. Del, March 30. 1917
"Dear Brethren What may have
done during the past few years
toward q reformation I'm our be-
loved Methodism has been done IN
good faith for tho good OF the
church and the glory or God.
~ have passed through a year
OF intense agitation that has put
mo under a great strain.
"Under he pressure OF clrcum-
stances that were unusual, I may
have said and done some things
iaht wer eunwise and that have
resulted harmfully TO the church.
There is much that ! regret and
deplore. If ] have wrOnged any
one. or IN my conduct has i'm any
way brought roproach on the
church. I am sincerely sorry.
IF the matter can be so adjust
ed that the Conference can recall
the trial committee and extend 10
me forgiveness for alleged Of
lenses. ! shall be satisfied TO take
retired relation. if that is the
pleasure Of the Conference.
"(Signedl GEO. A. COOKE
Recommendation Adopted.
THE select number then unanl
mously voted to suspend furtcr hear
ings and TO report the situation 4
The Annual Conference.
'"rho select number recommends.
"1-That they be discharged fror
further consideration of tho charge
against Rev. Georgia. Cooke.
% That these charges be dis
missed
"S-That all papers in the case b
placed in the custody Of the socretar
OF the Annual Conference.
"4-That this be accepted as Tn
final adjudication Of this case. so thf
there shall he no appeals nor attemI
TO continue the agitation.
"5.-That under these condition
we recommend that the request
tho Rev George A. Cooke that his r
lation be changed from effective
retired be granted
y6-That special committee
appointed to prepare a statement
be given TO the press covering {
present situation.
"The report of the committee W
unanimously adopted by Conferen
and the relation OF the Rev Geor
A. Cooke was changed from effecti
to retired"
The Conference then adopted unal
mously the resolutions presented
the Revs. c. +. Wyatt and w.
Greenfield. and the Cooke case WI
history.
Dr. Cooke was not present dur;I
the executive session.
DR.. Bickley's Statement
Preceding the session. as the mil
listers gathered i'm the church. the
were reports whispered around hi
the matter had been arranged sati
\factorily TO all concerned, and tn
the morning would develop some su
prises. especially for the public,
which the developments would con
as a startling revelation.
That there was much Of truth
these rumors developed. when, II
mediately after the ordination 50
vices, the Bishop made the announC
ment of the Rev. DR. George III. Bic
ley's forthcoming statement.
Amid q solemn silence. which 1
pressed every one within the walls
St Johns Church. Bishop Mellow
preached the final stage OF tho tr
of the Rev. Mr.. Cooke. when he az
ed the Conference TO give it's utm
careful and sympathetic attention
n statement which after careful q
sidoration he had requested Dir. Ri
ley. of the Philadelphia Conferen
who presided over the deliberate
OF the select number. 10 make TO
Conference. The Bishop said that
felt that in Justice to all concern
tho statement should be made pub
~ before the Conference went i
executive session.
DIR. Buckley said: "The select nu
her for the last two days has gi'
diligent. sympathetic and careful G.
sideration of the charges prefer
against Brother George A. Cooke.
have come to the Conference {
morning to ask for an executive s
sion in order TO present a propc
ton which comes TO us, and Wh
may be considered in executive s
sion alone.
I'm view OF the fact that these p
ceedings have not come TO n d.
mite conclusion. and in view OF
vide publicity which has been gi'
~ the press and public TO this
fortunate matter. We have felt that
Would be just and right that {
statement should be made publ
80 mat every one should know
acuy how the matter stands
The select number has recci
and carefully considered all tho
dence of both sides. including car,
consideration OF the evidence
scented at the sessions OF the com
Zee on investigation. and that z
by the additional witnesses called
Brother Cooke was given an
avery opportunitv TO present eNiden