St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1956-09-21

NNAA ~ AfoNNAAtfNANf A"fH aA''N Ah't' -
a recent Sunday morning service
his appointment was for the con-
ference year despite the news
reports from the conference in
dicating his assignment here was
for three weeks only.
A year ago a similar situation
arose when Bishop George w.
Baber rcassigned Jones for what
he said would be only n few weeks.
The minister was supposed to be
transferred TO the Chicago AME
conference, members OF the church
said, but after six weeks alb
sence from the church visiting
other conferences he returned for
the full conference year.
Patton's Resignation
There was talk OF dissatisfaction
among church membership im-
mediately after Rev, Jones took
over his duties. First open indi-
cation was the resignation OF John
M. Patton, church. civic and fra
ternal leader, as church treasurer.
After his resignation, Rev. Jones
dropped him from the trustee
board. Patton had been church
treasurer for many yeara He
would not comment on the reason
for his resignation but some Eiem-
beers said Patton would not APP
prove Of certain policies OF Jones.
st james, with a new building
reconstructed five years ago, had
a large Indebtedness, but the mem
bership was one Of the most frugal
in the Twin Cities and II buchled
down 10 pay OFF the large debt.
However. after one years pas
torate Of Rev. Jones n number OF
the leading parfshioners asked
that he not be returned TO ST.
James In 1855 Then followed the
mpasse already described In that
the pastor was assigned for only
few weeks, but remained the full
conference year.
This year members made u
known 10 Bishop Allen, newly as
signed Fourth district head, that
they wanted a new minister.
The open break between Jones
and a portion Of his congregation
developed before he left for ths
conference early In September be-
cause some officers objected 20
money In the church building fund
being withdrawn 10 pay church
conference claims Others had
their salary checks garnisheed for
church notes due
Members were alarmed because
the mortgage holders threatened
foreclosure because no money had
been paid on the mortgage for five
months This information was for
warded 10 Bishop Allen but as Of
September II, the bishop has not
communicated with the member
ship. Mrs Clarinda Cox, cores
ponding secretary Of the church
conference told this newspaper.
Since Rev Jones' return four
church meeting have been held
at homes OF members with an av-
eragc attendance Of 10 members 10
make plans TO deal with the
church's precarious financial prob
lens and 10 insist that Jones be
assigned elsewhere.
At the first regular church
meeting following his return when
Mrs Cynthia Foster and others
tried 10 question him about church
finances, Rev. Jones repeatedly
told them he was no longer their
permanent pastor and that they
would have 10 ask the new pastor
the questions addressed 10 him
Following the meeting Lester
Boyd TIA st. Anthony Av, and
Mrs. Foster. 1888 sherburne, re-
ccivod letters from James Sulli-
van, ST. Paul city prosecutor in
forming them that they had been
charged with disorderly conduct
at the Sept church conference.
Corporation counsel Marshall
Hurley said the city prosecutor
sent letters 10 Mr.. Boyd and Mrs.
Foster following receipt Of letter
signed by eight trustees and stew
ards which charged that Mr. Boyd
had 10 be restrained from per-
gonally assaulting Rev. Jones on
Sept. 5 and that Mrs. Foster had
agitated the members by state
ments made at the meeting.
Boyd denied any attempt 10 do
bodily harm 10 the minister. lie
said Jones had repeatedly and I'M
lawfully denied him opportunity
as a member Of the congregation
10 speak at the church confer
enoes. He said at the Sept. 5 meet
ing he was again denied the floor.
He said az the close Of the meet
ing he started outside 10 speak
10 Rev, Jones but that other MEM
bers asked him not TO do so.