The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1921-05-06
DISMISS CASE
AGAINST YOUTHS
IN CHURCH CASE
Burning Bush" Scandal Aired
in Mandan Justice Court /
Charges Not Sustained
PUT UNDER PEACE BONDS
Husband Who Left Wife Says
He Saved His Own Soul
Through Deserti0n

Justice Center of Mandan today dis
missed the case against Otto Geisler,
Ray Henry, and Alex Schollert, aris'
ing out Of the controversy over the
alleged acts of Rev. Hubbard, pastor
Of the New Salem ''Church Of the
Burning Bush
Mrs. Lennie, the woman in the case,
testified that she had always lived
happily with her husband until Rev.
Hubbard's advice which it is alleged
broke up the family circle. r
A large number of character wit
nesses appeared for Mrs. Lennie and
the sympathy seemed to be all on her
side and against Rev. Hubbard. Those
concerned in the squabble were put
under bond to keep the peace.
Some side-lights on the Burning
Bush Church, its troubles and the un'
popularity of it's Pastor. the Reverend
Hubbard, among certain of the New
Salem townspeople, were shown today
in Justice Center's court at the hear
ing of Otto Geisler, Ray Henry and
Alex Schollert,, who are charged with
having threatened bodily harm to the
preacher and some OF his more ardent
membership.
Draws Crowd
A number of interested spectators
were in attendance at the city hall,
where the case is being tried, ana
showed a more marked interest in the
glimpses of Burning Bush dogma at
forded by the testimony, than in the
charges against the three boys, who
are young and not particularly intlml-
dating in appearance. States Attor-
rey Connolly rested the case for the
state this afternoon, and Major Han
ley, who appears for the defendants
moved a dismissal of the case on the
grounds Of insufficient evidence. The
court, however, over-ruled the motion
and the hearing was adjourned until
ten O'Clock Friday morning, when
the witnesses for the defense Will tes'
tify. -&4s"-.
One, Lennie, testifying for the state
under cross.examination by the de
fense, admitted that he had left his
wife after living with her ~ years.
four children being born to them III
the meantime, because according to
the tenets Of his present faith ne
considered that he was living in sin
On further questioning by Major Han
lev. he naively admitted that by Sc
doing he had saved his own soul, Du'
that hers was unfortunately lost
WAS it not your fault that she lost
her soM?" said Mr.: Hanley.
"Yet, it was my fault answered
the witness. "Then can not you
helm herr" To which Lennie return
ed that no one could help her. In
response to other questions along this
line, he reiterated that his soul was
safe, but he appeared convinced thai
there was no chance for that OF his
wife.
William Norton, a sixteen, year olo
boy made rather clever witness fol
the state, and held quite stoutly to ms
ground that the accused lads shoulo
not have said a loud Amen Glory Hal
.leluiah" in the vestibule of the church
because, he said, they were only II
mockery. He testified, however, thai
loud amens and hallelujahs were moi
uncommon in the Burning Bush
Church, especially "at the beginning
and the end.'' "And when %do they
Jump" said the defendants attorney
but Attorney Connolly objecteI to
this and the court sustained him.