New-York tribune., 1921-09-29
Science Church
w all Project
Laid to Spite
Mrs. Stetson, Former First
Reader, Obtains Injunc-
ton to Prevent Erection
of Barrier Next to Home

Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson, who, de-,
spite her communication ten years
ago from the First Church of Christ
Scientist, in which she had been the
Iirst reader, continues to expound
the doctrines preached by Mrs. Mary
Baker Eddy, obtained a temporary in
Junction yesterday from Justice Was
servogel, restraining the church trus-
Gees from going ahead with plans for
the erection of a ffteen-foot wall
alongside the home Of Mrs. Stetson, at
7 West Ninety sixth Street.
The wall, which Mrs. Stetson's at
torney calls spite fence" would
necessitate the removal of an orna-
mental iron fence on the easterly side
of Mrs. Stetson's residence. which ad-
joins the church. The alleged pur-
pose of the construction is TO extend
the wall Of garage in the rear OF the
church to the sidewalk.
William H. Taylor, of IL West
lSinety-sixth Street, one of the trus-
tees of the First Church, who contrib
uted $125,0O0 toward the erection of
the ediice, opposed the resolution
adopted on May II by the trustees
for the building of the wall. Mr..
Taylor also has made an affidavit in
support of the proceeding brought by
Mrs. Stetson. saying it would work a
great and irreparable injury to the
property OF the former first reader.
Injunction Halts Workmen
Workmen appeared in the area of
legal battle yesterday, ready to begin
the job. They departed, however, when
the temporary injunction was served
upon their foreman. Thus matters will
stand until tomorrow, when Justice
al ~
injunction permanent.
Mrs. Stetson built her hcme in 1905
on land she bought fron, the church for
$4,000. She and the church entered
into sort of covenant providing for fu-
ture improvements which could be made
by Mrs. Stetsou only with the consent
of the church. While the fence stands
on q coping, which admittedly is on
church property, it is contended by
Mrs. Stetson that it was placed there
under agreement between the church
and herself.
The church trustees first sought the
consent OF Mrs. Stetson for the con-
struction of the wall. Mrs, Stetson
said that the proposed action would
violate the terms of ne- agreement
with the church. She said the plans
for the wall was case parallel to an
material organization" to change the
architecture of the Mother Church in
Boston. This plan was disapproved
by Mrs. Eddy, said Mrs. Stetson. THE
spiritual animus that enabled her to
defend her spiritual concept will pre-
vent any desecration Of this tribute
to Mary Baker Eddy, First Church of
Christ, Scientist, New York City, or
punish the OFFENDERS she added.
Fears for Church Property
1t is the contention of Mrs. Stetson
that the proposed wall would distigure
the church property.
Mrs. Stetson submitted to the court
copy of a letter she addressed to
Mrs. Sheldon, clerk of the church. yes
terday. She says that the irst com
munication to her from the board Of
trustees about the proposed wall was
the time she was excommunicated.
She said that the proposed construc-
tion would make the approach to the
front entrance of her residence a dark
alley and added. AT that time l was
stunned by the ingfatitude and venge-
full animus evidenced by such a pro-
posed action on the part of those who
had only recently gained control of
the First Church, and in the nom EN-.
OF crushing dlscouragement and with
out having in mind my rights, | wrote
my reply, which was not accepted nor
acted upon by YOU / was weary of
the struggle with the material minded,
which seemed endlenss and hopeless.
But now, having come through the
surging sea, having met the waves of
opposition by my emergence frorv the
material organization, ir response to
my leaders, request to begin to build
up on wholly spiritual foundation, /
am strong to press toward the redemp
tion Of my birthright."
Mr.. Taylor. in his affidavit support
ing Mrs. Stetson. says the wall would
be violative of the rights Of Mrs Stee-
son, that it would serve no useful
purpose and would constitute an archi-
tectural monstrosity.