Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1925-06-13
DIR. STRATON RIDICULED
BY new JERSEY PASTOR
Questions His Right To Degree OF
Doctor Divinity Calls Church
Fakir's Paradise

III. Jonn Rodcn otratOn, pastor III
Calvery Baptist Church, New York,
who recently appeared before an au-
dience in the Baptist Church of Po-
comoke City, seems to be having
troubles of his own.
A brother Baptist divine, Rev. Ell
mer w. Howell, Of New Roselle, N. J.,
is questioning the right of DR.. STRAIT
ton to his degree Of Doctor Divinity.
DR.. Straton says he received it from
Ewing College, of Illinois. Rev. How
ell apparently investigated, and re-
ports that Ewing College has no rec
ord of such degree.
DR.. Straton seems to hold another
sheepskin; one from Shurtleff College,
Illinois, but the reports of the press
do not say whether these confer the
degree in dispute.
Mr.. Howell mas offered a new name
for DR.. Straton's Church in New
York, namely, Fakir's Paradise, and
DR.. Straton responds with the retort
that should it be SO called an annex
be built for the Ananias Club, and
that Mr.. Howell be a charter member.
He also seems to be making light
of theological degree, comparing
it to the curve in pigs tail, declar-
ing this may contribute to style but
doesn't mean more pig.
This is not DR.. Straton's only troub-
lie. A New York paper tells of his
being in the Supreme Court with his
wife where he heard, with a smile, a
terrific attack made upon him by
Harvey Field, counsel for those trus-
tees of the church who are opposing
by every means the Straton scheme
for combination hotel and church
or the church site on Fifty-seventh
street.
Justice Tierney was non-plussed
and bewildered. He asked:
"Do your clients feel that this pro-
ject of DR.. Straton and his associates
involves dishonesty?"
The lawyer replied:
"That is exactly the contention of
my clients"
The Justice said:
'It seems incredible. Surely, you
dc not think DR.. Straton and the 9TH
ers expect to profit financially. The
very thought is astounding. I can
not believe that men would be so
covetous of gain or luxury of living
that they would use the church AS
their tool"
Field said:
II find it hard to believe myself,
but nevertheless it is true The affi-
davits speak for themselves"
Mr.. Field contended that the trus-
tees he represents feel they are NOR
ally responsible for church property
worth $1,5O0,000 and that DR.. STRAIT
on and the others are trying to get
control.
IF they do, he said, the property
will be put in jeapordy.
Counsel representing DR.. Straton
deplored the tactics of the complain
ing trustees, whom the lawyers refer
red to as "malcontents and trouble
makers" whose motives were "sinis-
ter and improper" They said the
only right course to be pursued was
for the church itself to decide all
points at issue and questioned the
jurisdiction of the courts, designating
as ridiculous Mr.. Fields suggestion
that receiver be appointed.
Justice Tierney reserved decision.
DR.. Straton's appearance here was
we'll received. His lecture was enjoy.
ed by large audience, and the Doctor
made a splendid impression. Those
who heard and met him will regret
that he is being subjected to criticism
and annoyance. But he is big man,
and doubtless he will prove himself
in the right.