Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-20
ACCUSED PASTORS
PROTESTS CHANGE
!. PLANS FOR TRIAL
Alexandria Chosen as Hear
ing Site in Compromise
Move.
MOVE FOR VENUE CHANGE
PROMPTED BY SECRECY
Defendant Opposed fredericksburg
as Site Because of IncOnven-
fence to Witnesses.
MOVE FOR VENUE CHANGE

An attempt to move the ecclesiastical
trial Of DR.. william A. Shelton, pastor
Of the Mount Vernon Place M. Z.
Church South. to Fredericksburg, va,
has been abandoned, The Star learned
yesterday, as result Of the vigorous
protests Of the accused pastor.
1t was understood that by way Of
compromise, those officials of the church
responsible for the hearing have de-
cided to hold 1t In Alexandria, Va, on
September ~.
The bishop Of this district, DR.. Il. d.
Mouzon of Charlotte, N. c., was the
man who suggested moving the trial
to Fredericksburg. Bishop Mouzon has
refused to make public any details of
the case and he Is known to be DESTROYS
Of avoiding all possible publicity. 1t
was understood his suggestion that the
trial be transferred was prompted by q
desire to hold the hearing without
newspaper representatives or other per-
sons having no oficial connection being
present.
Trial Handicap Seen.
Although DR.. shelton has consistently
refused to comment in any way on the
case, it was learned from his friends
that he opposed moving the trial to
Fredericksburg because of the difficulty
that would be encountered In transport
ing witnesses that distance.
It Is not believed there win be many
witnesses whose testimony viii bear d.
rectiy on the charges brought against
the pastor by his former secretary, Miss
Carrie "A. Williams, 5322 Forty-first
street, but it Is known that q great
many members Of the congregation
stand ready to testify to their faith In
DR., Shelton's character.
1t was pointed out that It might
work q hardship on some individuals II
they should be required to travel con-
siderable distance to give their testi-
mony, and that as q result. DR.. Shelton
might be- deprived Of opportunity to
make complete defense to the charges.
Favor Open Trial.
The efforts OF the church officials to
hold the trial secretly has aroused some
comment among the members Of the
congregation.
It is felt by some that the best IN
terests Of the church and of the parties
Immediately concerned would be served
BY an open trial or full disclosure Of
the evidence. This would be even more
true, 1t was commended, In event Of an
acquittal In view of the fact that pub
LEFTY has been given the trial by Of
fcials of the church.
Miss williams refused to comment in
any way, but friends OF DR.. Shelton
feel that In view Of his denial Of the
charges, the evidence supporting and
refuting them slnould be disclosed. They
also feel the standing of the church In
the community may suffer by any 1T
tempt at concealment.
Unless the church officials make an
other change in their plans, the trial
is expected to open in Alexandria Tues
day morning.
Elder 10 Press Charge.
Rev. e. ". REGISTER. former presiding
elder of this district, viii prosecute the
charges. The defense viii be represent
ed by the Rev. j. j. Rives o. the Francis
Asbury Church; Rev. H. H. Sherman
Of the Board Of Christian Education,
and Raymond B. Dickie, a local attor-
ney. The part Mr.. Dickie will play IN
the church trial has not been disclosed,
but it Is believed he viii advise the de-
tense on matters Of legal procedure.