Evening journal., 1919-04-21
DIR. h'LLNOYLE TO
FIGHT Decision
Petition from His Church
Asks Presbytery TO With
draw Resignation Request
MAY TAKE CASE To
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
stan Correspondent.

Stam Correspondent.
LEWEs, April 2i.-Breakcss ahead
was the outlook when the New Castle
Presbytery convened here --,.Is this
afternoon. There promises TO be a
spirited flght over the case Of Or. John
McElmoyle. for many years pastor OF
the Presbyterian Church at Elkton,
Nd His friends have come TO his as
sistance strongly and they with the
pastor say the case, II necessary, will
be carried 10 the General Assembly
the highest body in the church 10 pro-
tect Or. McElmoyle's ministerial rights
At the last session OF the Presby-
terry held at NliddletOwn the body said
that Dr.. McE.mOyle's resignation would
be desirable. Although the Elkton
church is not represented officially to-
day by lay delegates, Robert d. Fra
zer and James Mclntire officials Of the
church, came 90 Lewes with Dr. Me
ElmOyle 10 present a petition from 50
per cent. Of the congregation call ng
on the Presbytery 10 withdraw the re-
quest made for his resignation. DIT.
McElmoyle has already appealed to
the synod against this decision
on the train coming 20 Lewes this
morning, ministers and laymen were
getting promises for and against the
Elkton minister. As stated, the case
may be reached this afternoon. but
there is a possibility that II will go
over until tomorrow, which is the final
day OF the Synod Presbytery meeting.
There is a report that it may be heard
In executive session.
Il was learned today that the Pres
bytery has the authority 20 dissolve Dr.
McElmoyle's pastoral relations at once
should it so decide. In that case he
would appeal TO the Synod and then
carry his appeal 30 the General Assem-
bly, should the synod decision be ad-
verse to him
10 is alleged that the principal trou-
BILE Is between two factions Of the
church which trouble 70 is said has
been brewing for years. When the
matter was first brought up at Middle
town there was much said about the
large number Of marriages that DR..
McElmoyle had been performing under
the Maryland law. His friends, how
ever, contend, that the marriage ques-
tion is only "a handle" which is being
used in playing church politics against
the Elkton pastor and that IL was not
the real trouble. The real trouble they
say is a factional fight.
The presbytery az MiddletOwn In
taking the action that it did is sad to
have based its decision 0n alleged lack
Of harmony in the ElktOn church and
thought a change OF pastors would be
beneficial. A peculiar point IN the
fight was learned today. The Presby-
terry was given the authority by the
members TO appoint a committee 10
appear before the synod 20 defent its
(Presbyteryl action. Il now develops
that Dr. McElmoyle was named
member 81 that committee. Other
members OF the committee are the
Rev. l.. +. Smiley of Wilmington, chair
man. Judge William :. Prickett. also
OF Wilmington. and former Attorney
General Robert c. White, OF George
town. ETANlN
This afternoon a new moderator VIII
be elected, but no names had been men
toned up TO 1 o'clock.
Commissioners 10 the General Assem-
bly,. 10 be held at st. Louis. in May,
two ministers and two laymen will be
named tomorrow
No names have been mentioned as
candidates for this honor. Tonight
there will be an address on the New
Era movement.
Lay delegates present from Whining
ton and vicinity this afternoon are:
Morris d. Crossan, West; Frank Nc
Coy. Westminster: Thomas Smythe,
Greenhin; James Sterling. Elsmere; J.
II. Burns. Central; j. W. Jones, First;
j. Chandler Pyle. Hanover, and VII
lain Stewart, Eastlake.