The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-08-04
Anonymous Letter Warns
Minister to Quit Town
by Aug. 13.
TWO CLIQUES AT WAR
Feeling High in Spencer as
Older Members Bolt
Baptist Church.
BY CHARLES E. CARLL

| full pastor, the Rev. Frank Dewey
McFadden, from threatened danger,
faithful members of his Baptist
Church today united to stand con-
slant guard over him.
McFadden was threatened In an
anonymous letter mailed to him in
July from Franklin, warning him
to get out the pulpit of the church
cor else" The unknown writer
typed the letter July 13 and gave
McFadden until Aug. 13 to flee from
this little town.
But instead, McFadden declares
he will not desert his charge and
is prepared, with the support of his
friends, to face anything that might
occur.
According to plans being made to-
day, citizens will start a vigil Sun
day evening before he begins his
nights preaching and will stand by
until Tuesday, Aug. IA.
Flock to Guard Pastor
They will guard him, his parson-
age and the church through Sunday
night, all day Monday and night
into Tuesday, when they believe
that the danger, if any, will be
passed.
The receipt Of the letter is a cli-
max to events that have led to par
tial disruption of the church
through a battle between the older
and younger members.
McFadden has sided with the
youngsters. This has offended some
of the older members, and about
fifty "bolted" to hold services weekly
in the basement of the courthouse.
This occurred after a fire in the
church last July when the interior
was destroyed, Plans for raising
money to reconstruct the edifice met
with disapproval, with the young
| people declaring their rights to a
room in the new structure which
had been particularly selected by
older church members.
Asked to Resign
This was followed by a committee
waiting on Mac" as he is known
to his young followers and asking
his resignation. He refused to leave.
And in the fact of what may
come, he says: Il will stick to the
last. will not leave now"
w. E. Treadway, deputy prosecu-
tor for owen County, has the mat
ter of letter writing in hand. He
has held a court of inquiry, ques-
tioning several local persons, but
has been unable to learn anything
definite.
Two girls, Miss Mary Starnes, II,
and Miss Mary Bolen, 18, church
members, examined all the type
writers they could find in Spencer,
but this did not produce any clew.
Girls Go Sleuthing
The girls canvassed the town in
three days and although refused ad-
Inittance to many houses, Treadway
said they obtained 100 tipping sam
pies. Out of this number only one
bears any similarity to the one used
in writing the threat letter.
1t is proposed, if State authorities
are unsuccessful, that the matter be-
turned over to the Government for
investigation.
Feeling is high here over the mat
ter and it is discussed on all four
corners of the town square and in
homes. 1t is considered in a serious
light.
Some residents say they will be
highly insulted if called before
Treadway in the investigation.
Even the Ku Klux Klan ghost has
been dragged out Of the cabinet be-
cause of the remarks and accusa-
tions of Catholicism that were con-
tained in the letter.
McFadden Tells Story
"The hard feeling originated some
time ago." McFadden admitted. It
tried to handle the situation, but so
far have not been successful. 1
have done all can for the young
people and have gained much men,
bership from their ranks.
"I understand young peoples
work has been stressed here before
and I presume that was why was
sent here.
"I am of the opinion the tipping
samples may uncover something
I'm taking precautions, but I'm not
losing a lot of sleep. imagine that
Il the circumstances become too
serious we could depend on law en-
forcement agencies, in addition to
my friends who have volunteered
| helm"