The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, February 19, 1896, Page 8

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1896 of uneasiness if he challenged their right affect the moral character and ministerial motion brought up in reference to the calling . o hing as set £ llenged th standing of Dr. Brown. That is to say the [ of this council, and no such thing as s to procead with the investigation. The Tutetion 18 ralueas 2 forth in theso! lag remarks has, ever been pastor disclaimed ‘any such intent but in- Firsi—Has he been guilty of fmmoral con- | hinted at in any of our motions, Th> moral sisted on his right to know everything duet, such as necessarily affects his standing | character and mi isterinl st THE CHURCHES, First Session of the Body That Is to Try Dr. Brown. HEARING OF TESTIMONY that had been done at Monday’s meeting. The secretary then read the minutes of the proceedings, showing that the maiters discussed had been confined to the course of procedure in the trial and that a com- mittee of two had been appointed to re- ceive and formulate charges. Dr. Brown objected vigorously to this last, but when assured that no action had been taken | withdrew his remarks. The pastor then sprang another little alarm by asking Dr. Pond if Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper had not approached him with evi- dence calculated to influence his mind. | He intimated tbat if this was true he | would certainly object to the reverend gentleman continuing a member of the council. Dr. Pond, however, cleared the atmos- | phere by admitting that Mrs. Cooper had | done the things suggested by Dr. Brown, | but that he had not even considered them, botn'as a minister of the gospe) and an honor- able man and member of this community Second—Has bis ministerial standing, with reference not only to the other churches of this country, but with reference also to his standing e a minister in this community and 10 this church and people, been in any wise af: fected by these so-called Charges and rumors? In other words I deem it to be the duty of the council under the letters missive to consider and pass and_advise upon every matter, thing or point which if Jeft unsettled can or would in any degree reflect upon Dr. Brown and materi- bear upon his usefulness in this com- v or elsewhere as & preacher of the woid of God Dr. Brown i< entitled to and should be pre- sumed innocent until proven guilty belore this council, and no point should be omiited which is vital to his usefuluess here, in the eventof this presumption being found to be one of fact. You must look to every possible result in favor of or against Dr. Brown, and be prepared to make every metter and thing per- 5 were the only things mentioned. [ Jations with them. Iam sure that the chur would rise in indignation if you were o inves- tigate my pastoral relations.” Dr. McLean—This is the crucial point on which everything turns and needs to be de- cided now. It may be well for the council to deliberate with Dr. Brown, Mr. Woodhamgand the commitiee of tive to sscertain just what the church desires us to do. The church has the right to interpret the matte A motion to lay the whole matter on the table was carried, and another motion to consider only the qaestions of moral char- acter and ministerial standing shared the same fate. : Rev. Dr. Hoyt moved that the council adjonrn to_the librery to deliberate with the committee of the church, Dr. Brown and Mr. Woodhams to ascertain what was i the minds of the committee and the taining to these alleged charges, accusations | ohyuroh when the letters-missive were consequently his opinion was not in the ;r::nulm;ngg?:x:;;;ixxrc{‘e:: and translucent | G reeq This was carried, and after an Teat St = s the ligl s er day. ' AR a quart The Pastor Ob“ebts to the Inter. ‘fl’t‘!‘fii‘t‘ f the day came when Attor- Thers have been rumors prevalent to the | € utive session of one and a qua Je event of y cax - pretation of the Letters- Missive. | MISS OVERMAN IN ATTENDANCE A Committee Appointed to Receive Charges—Many People Fail to Gain an Entrance. The ecclesiastical council called to pass on the charges of immoral conduct resting against Dr. C. O. Brown, pastor of the First Congregational Church, began its | something to say on this point, though Dr. | | | s | thav if things grew out of the main charges | | | | | Mooar seemed more vigorously opposed | vestigatio ney Woodhams as representative of the church gave his interpretation of the let- ters-miss| He referred to the Overman incident and the Stockton episode, and son. Dr. Brown objected to the second clause of Mr. Woodbam’s statement relat- ing to charges current in the community. He said it was a dragnet and should not have been inserted. ~ The attorney repliea reflecting on the character of Dr. Brown | they should certainly be investigated, be- | catise 1o one wanted any after-talk Nea every member of the council had than an to limiting the scope of the in- . He said that three points were involved in the fetters-missive; first, the moral effect that Dr. Brown influenced the selection of the churches and members composing this council. The facts are that Dr. Brown did not influence in any way the action of the board Portiand and Los Angeles churches were sug- gested by Dr. Biown, but events show that that suggestion was not acted npon. Tt is believed that the ouly other suggestion made was with reference to the Sacramento church, in which case the members of the com- mittee had already and in advance of Dr. Brown's suggestion decided to invite that church, and upon the recommendation of other ministers of this City, together with their own impressions of the fitness of that selection. These rumors are utterly without foundation, and I belfeve that this ehurch is entirely satisfied with the selection made, and that 10 more representative selection of churches and delegates could have been made for the purpose of forming this council In conclusion, I wish to make it clear that I am not here to make any formal charges, nor to particularly represent any so-called faction hours those engaged in the conference turned and the couucil adjourned until 7:30 . M. : When the evening session opened Rev. | e ber thereof, and was not : : ying the | of deacons or aiy mem. 5 Dr. Hoyt lead in prayer, asking th i i n pre t'the session of the board at = pEny : | how it came about that Dr. Brown paid e e e en i this ‘regard. The | guidance of Jesus Christ in the approach $500 to secure evidence against Mrs. David- ing work of the council, The minutes of the aflernoon session were read, corrected and adopted, and then Moderator McLean spoke as follows: It is not the province of this council to con- sider what is the best kind of investigation to hold. The charter of our existence isin the letters-missive. We have simply been trying to define the language of the letters-missive and get at what was expressed by those who drew them up. I hope this will be entirely understood. The letter may be defective. I do not say thatit is. But that we have noth- ing to do with. We can_only do the thing that our churehes sent us here to do. Rev. Mr. Tenny then read the report of what was decided upon at the conference before the aiternoon adjournment. It way as follows A o orshade of opinion in this church. Thechurch official existence yesterday at 2 o’clock. lfifflclwr‘or ’l_lr- Bm“;;”f"fjmld‘ his mml elected me to represent it as 0 u'[ho!]e,nnd’u i | e Ats w“,”enm! “.m}, 'hfm"“c’fi r urs consume jisierial standing; and third, his pastoral | my hope to be able to stand fairly and im-| wity the committee of the church wnic A e s DonsImes D O bt ne itk ok i partially for every kind and character of opin- | Waew the lesiesmmiceiver with Mr. Woodhame, resolutions ana counter-resolutions and an | * g 'S N hour's argoment for and | ion and belief existing in this church that | e anthorized representative of the church, almost endless interchange of ideas, in|against Mr. Woodhams' sug-estion. in needs representation or spokesmen \'fzmxr‘ifmf and Dr. Brown, the pastor, it appears, which Dr. Brown was not infrequently | which Dr. McLean, Dr. Brown, Dr. Rader | council. My duty is to see, 50 far a; First—That the question of esking the coun. ard either in protest or commendation, the council perfected a permanent organi- zation, limited the scope of their investi- | and Rev. Mr. Tenney took an active part, | the council adjourned to the library to ar- | | nve at some conclusion satisfactory to all. | The deacons, Brown and Mr. Wood- my power, that justice is done to pastor and people in'this trying hour. The church has placed me in this position, gentlemen, to assist you in your deliberetions and in the examina- tion of the various matters that may be pre- cil to investigate the pastoral relation of Dr. Brown to the church was not discussed at the meetings of the church which authorized the calling of the council. 4 Second—That Dr. Brown himself sigred the gations and then adjourned to meet to- | hams were asked to participate in the de- i o : : Sented for your consideration while in eessio™ | letters-missive with tne understanding that 44 day at Jo'clfocx. J | ¥etations s me"?mm,ion of three. The Accused Pastor, His Wife, and His Most Important Witness. Miss Mattic Overman Is Sitting on ;r‘;fiv:;*:‘3;;““11;3::7;’2“",00‘\1,2]“:3)&?.}:,,:';; ot such investigation was not {n the tcope of the Long before the hours named in | quarters of an hour the council returned | Mro STRY ay the smile of divine favor rest upon’ and | council. 3 She letters-missive for the convening of | to the lecture-room, Dr. McLean apnounc- | , e el Dol 4 illumine that course which we shail pursue. | hir1That tho neturel end ordinary inter: the council people began to gather |ing thata committee of three had been ap- {Sketcned yesterday by a “Call” artist.] On motion of Dr. Williams the state- | five would include this s a partof its work, at the Mason-street entrance. They | POIDted to correctly interpret the letters- | ment was received and ordered filed with | therefore, 7 it S e i e solve C 8 ter) - clamored for admittance, but two big | PLSIVe- | Resolved, That the council interp: volicemen gently, though persuasively, | At the evening session Mr. Tenney, proceed to business. What is the first business | t ° letters-missive, and if that istobeadopted | papers of December 31, 1895, to have written the scribe of the council. 5 S- ve 1 only for the investiga- . . . Rev. Mr. Hatch introduced the fol- | ters-missive as celling only 5 i i bk e jasivelys | chairman of the committee, made a report | that comes before us? The moderator pre- | S the basis of your procoedings, I protest | as follows: qu‘_f,‘l’g, tion of ém)alE-[m;fi:;:‘l-||r(‘rle‘:::“1;x[nlrlxl;'(‘:;m;x;ll;lpl;:’_\l refused to hearken to their appeals. The |in effect that the letters-missive called Sumes it will be the reading of the letter- againstthem. N N D v dsony 2 affecting his e . = « 5 v e " 2 sole ol der ol be ey .| Mrs. Da son’s statement was not read, & i s 1 P ing. protestations of the auxious ones came | for an investigation only as to the moral | Missive. The sole charter under which this ribe Hatch—By the same accident that in- | Resolved, That, as respecting certain am- | ministerial standing. rirst in whispers, then in sidetalk and in a clamorous demand that the e open. But the guardians of the gates prace had other orders. In the meanwhile2 o'clock had arrived, and in the lecture-room where the council character and ministerial standing of Dr. | Brown. | The pastor had gained the first point, | and the smile which lighted his face when | this announcement came showed that he did not undervalue its importance. Messrs. Hoy fer and Williams were | council can act is the lette; is ve. No other matter can be taken up except what is men- tioned therein. by the scribe. Scribe Hatch then read a copy of the letter-missiv The First Congregational Church of San Fran- | e, as follows: That letter will now be read | was used infor serted the word “charges” in the letters- missive the word ot into these minutes. It ully. Tt was thought that som, harges or offer information aatter would be proper to refer one would ma and that th to & committee, Dr. McLean—We are discussing & matter of an unofficial body, The proper time to rais | | | | however, the council being thoroughly familiar’ with the subject-matter, The peaker then continued : A very importent branch of the so-called Overman incident deals with the alleged Over- man letters, which were published in our morning papers early in January of this year. biguities 'in the letter-missive, the council acopts the interpretation of those who issued the letters-missive in considering the scope of its investigating power. It seems there are two lines presented here from the suggestions of Mr. Woodhams. First, the question as to the alieged immoral conduct and ministerial standing, and, second, as to the pastoral rela- This report was adopted and Dr. Pond moved the appointment of a committee to receive and formulate any charges against tke moral character of Dr. Brown. In ex- -planation of the motion he said: “I mean to receive from any source 'hese e s = f - = 4 ch charges or information as . iy NSy 4 the point is whe 3 ) These letiers as they appear there—bald of any | {i5ic'and such things'8s would tend to vitiate | Whatever suc e sons were gathered, including the princi- | SUch charges as members of the church | WigREAs, Severalcharges affecting the moral | Dr. Pond—Tne idea was to have the com Lrigsidds teatle s (SRTLARR B i o el A TN aisloniensaed, and ths: resolation | . The amotion: was adopted and it was B 30 g P and outsiders might desire to prefer | character and ministerial standing of our pas- | mittee place before the council— | imagin ons of miany peoplé. aithongh they Andedias Tollonst decided to have the committee consist of pals of the great scandal, and those who against Dr. Brown. tor, the Rev. C. 0. Brown, D.D.,are current in | Dr. Brown—If that clause is withdrawn I |imag ? WEBLLG 2 have battled most earnestly and fearlessly € good of the ureh. Brown, accompanied by his wife ana Overman, was among the first to enter the room. They looked calm and confident, and apparently in good humor a chair just be- hind that of Dr. Brow and across the aisle and one row back of them sat Mrs. and her daughter Miss Hattie. ied a chair on the . John W. Ellis | e rs. Cooper. Mr. Hoyt as chairman announced that | the committee would meet immediately after the council and again this morning at9 o'clock, prepared to receive and lay before the council all matiers pertaining of the council may be briefly termed a de- cided victory for Dr. Brown. He carried | every point that he made, and was sus- tained in all his objections. Persons hav- | ing charges to prefer against him must | this communi cast through he has requested t we, therefore, ty and heve the Ful»h( s respectfull been spread broad vress; and whereas, hurch to'call a council, tobe convened at the earliest possible day invite your attend- | | | | | | i ance by pastor and delegate at & councit to be | to thoroughly investigate all matters pertain- in&nmruo 3 Vishing y fraternally J. H. BARNA Dr. Brown—] v yours, nd advise us accordingiy. 1 grace, mercy C. 0. BRowx 1 wish before the b , D.D. RD, Secretary of Committee. ness of the | a certain person with evidence and n statement shall withdraw my objection. ButI have one more inquiry to make and that is to inquire of the Rev. Dr. Pond, who becomes now one of my jurors, whether he has been approached by a5 to the innocence or guilt of the person ac- | his appointment as & juror in this matter? Dr. Brown—It covered the period while the joint committee appointed to investigate this matter was in session. I think I have the right to raise the question whether his mind has | been biased. | are endowed with every conscientious motive, | Dr. Brown. | has and it is not to be wondered that some have been unable to reconcile the astonishing though ambiguous statements contained in these letters with the innocence of the Rev. But a complete refutation of auy charge or intimation whats<oever contained in that. notwithstanding anything contained in them, he is an innocent man. The second or so-called Stockton incident ap- pears in one of the daily papers of January 1, 1896, where Mrs. Davidson is reported to the following statement with reference to Resolved, That as respects the letter-missive the council adopts the interpretation of those who issued the letters-missive, as shown by the statement of Mr. Woodbams, and considers that it shall investigate the moral character, ministerial standing and pastoral conduct and Before the amended resolution was voted upon Dr. Brown arose and spoke as follows: May I ask what my rights are here? Havel not the right to be fieard at any time without the consent of the council? three members, Before the committee could be appointed Dr. Brown made the following remarks: Ishould iike to ask this question. Whether the motion now passed is in 1ts nature manda- whether this tory committee must receive « & to Dr. Brown’s character. held in the lecture-room of the church on | cused. g these letters Is promised, and it is expected on | PRStoral relation of Pastor Brown. charges of any kind from any person, uo matter “: the u;‘oln.l‘:m:»\\mi‘». Nagle arrived a | " The result of the first day’s proceedings | Tuesday, Februnry 18, 1836, at 2 o'clock . ., | Dr. McLean—Does this cover the period since | {poss IEtEerD s promised, and 1¢ 1s expected an what his character? moments later, takir : Dr. later. The moderator then asked for nomina- tions for the committee. Dr. Pond ana Dr. Moore were named, but both declined McLean—The limitations will be made esen v of im, i | r . Pond—My mind has not been biased by . 5 son i v o- | to servi Dr. Hoyt, Dr. Rader and E. C present a copy of the same to him, in or- | council proceeds to make inquiry with regard | , Uf Pond—; the same Dr. McLean—The council will have to de- | to serve. Dr. Hoyt, Dr. Rader a; . C. 'd came in shortly after the |} ey roceny ‘0 inquiry with regard | o vhody. A number of persons have expressed 2 = e I e ol G Sakls i ted. conyBil ieoriyenell. tabinEie seat e DL qe; that he may be able to make a proper | to lh{c l_.refinu‘u;‘]x»coi my :Imm. l]'mm ¢ | théir opinfons to me that Dr. Brown was inno- | had known Mattfe Overman some time, when agdgexm;, ’lnr]ees\:‘;n‘;xmm g}hfl?&hu’a‘ie".’fifi‘nb? D\flll\lfl!‘l]l::; l(l;xtl;‘l':]r:rge\:‘ re finally selected b8 3 SO e is enjoy al e rights a de- PORSS 2 . s council | yno was ever sai me v to | e . ¢ & =i 3 o S of the council to limi define earnest whispered conversations. fendant in logal proceedings and to offer | ¥as held vesterday afternaon. 1 would ke to | 1€ Was ever hind a moment. "o #1OW 10 | iniore than over that ho was & base hypocrite, | Dr. Brown—I want the council to consider g T sl axdaiine Miss Overman, who, for a time, was the £ know if sich meeting took place. ¥ : It wae nothing less than an attempted assault ona as the ac- 5 < t !1 the obs: vers, w 'probably such testimony in rebuttal as he may have. In a word, Dr. Brown has drawn first Moderator M e —Thers wa no meeting of . Brown—Dia Mrs. Cooper callon you with ence? Mrs. Stockton. He was caught in the very act, | eused per: that I stand before you, not oni n. but as My own _coun: That is charges and the character of the testimony it : o did ot o st : | however, and forced, under fear of exposure, to | the claim I would set up. Touching the sec- | 1S proposed to consider and substantiate? 00K Ty aber of the pas- | plgoq, 2 aber bR nao s o exiatenceun 1 o Fond—She catled and conversed with mo | give up the sum of $600. ond resolution 1 am of the positive opinion | Dr. Freeland—That is the duty of the come le party. She WAS mervous or | «This is the happiest day of my life,” he | Dr. Brown—I wish to state that this council | 2P0t the matter. 1 | These matters immodiately became public | that the church has not delegated to you any | mittee. B 2 jriul of the coming ordeal, or if the Tun- | qid, " o1 am SORBAS b e though | has no right to hold eny meeting Iknow my | (DryBIOWR—"DId she express any opinion as | | ToCt, TRT SIS, TENTED AR, becatme PUbH | Lih e O eatinate what 16 corered by ‘thy | - Dr. Tenny—I object to thatinterpretation. nell leters, i she will be called upon gave her y uneasiness, her out outward evidence of it. ssed in a handsome d wore a neat little bonnet to explai face reen tr X before the council came to order | Mr, Halleck, pastor of the First b of Tacoma, entered the room, and I am aware that perjured testimony will be | offered.” The council will meet to-day at 2 and r. 3. It is probable that morning ses- sions will also be held after to-day. S THE PROCEEDINGS. getionalism. Dr. g0 forward? Dr. Brown the member ‘was to meet in | rights end the meeting thet was held yesterd afternoon is & thing unprecedented in Congr No, sir. fcLean—Does the moderator understand that you challenge the right of the council to But I was told by one of of the council that the council 1 Deacon Barnard's oftice. ¢ 1 have never before known of u meeting of a counc | the representativ Dr. Pond—Yes, that you were guilty. I did not weigh the evidence. Dr. Brown—I want to say to Dr. Pond that I am perfectly satisfied. I was accused by one of s of the press of being in- strumental in securing the meeting of yester- day for my own purposes. Dr. McLean—I think that it is due to Dr Brown and to the council to say, if the ques. letters-missive. The council judges it would | clusion and determination of the allegea main papers, and in the course of their aissemina- tion throughout the community have gath- ered the usual burden of sensationaiincidents, and have been the occasion of countless other and additional rumors of different and various kinds, some of which will no doubt dissolve | into the thin air whence they came on the con- charge and accusation concerning Dr. Brown. And this main anddetermining fssue is whether cnarges and rumors? Iatter part of the resolution. The second part of that resolution would place in youf hands a dragnet that would enable your body to go into the Herron and Strauss affairs. 1 ask you to consider my posi- tion. 1do not believe the church has placed any such power in your hands. Dr. McLean—The council would like to know from whomever itcan whatit is expected to do. We bave asked such a_definition from Mr. Woodhams, and I distinctly challenge that in- ¢ 3 of u tion should be raised as to what agency he had | A nd X ue i g 9 HAtor's Yoot 5 AL L = ehi . Snonid-be. | 1 e he had i construct - 3 c| o spoke a few encouraging words to eachi.| Dr. Brown Is Belng Tried. stated here, that [ may know that my rights iseive, that hehad o oo jor fhe let | iolated any divine 1aw, 0f FuleoTdnty : i other | | understand. that Dr. Brown challénges (he H i D t f Mr. W db alleck succeeded Dr. Brown at Ta- The Pastor’s Protest. were not in any way inferfered with or in- | o2'the other. The statement has been made | WOTdE has he been guilty of the sin imputed to | interpretation of Mr. Woodhams. coma, and is in one sense an old friend of | |, T e ao e ; that ho selected the council and framed the | MM by these various matters and alleged | Dr. Brown—Mr. Hatch rightly interprets Mr. the principally interested parties. romptly at 2 o'clock Rev. Dr. W. C. | “'pr. Pond—I move that the secretary of the i Prompt to the minute the members com- posing the council filed into the lecture- Pond called the council to order, every member being present and seated on the nformal meeting held yesterday be directed to read the minutes of that meeting. be proper to have other quesiions asked and have thematter settled. On December 26, 1895, Dr. Brown prncured the arrestof Mrs, Davidson on the ch arge for terpretation. i Mr. Woodhams—Ido not see how my inter- Dr. Pond—They are to receive the charges ™ ecretary Hatch—There was no organization tto; Vood S— ink - | which she is now in custody, and this in the | pretation can be considered as a dragnet to from the library. Temporary or- | platform of the lecture-room. Dr. Pond | yesterday. The meeting was catin pization e ),,(1‘”,;;fi’:{“,i",l”‘f,',‘,“n’: e esathor- | face of the positive knowledge clearly and for. | draw into this investigation the Herron and ganization was effucted by eleoting Dr. W. | way'chen. elcoted Semporary ehatraan Dr; McLean, and after a while ' secretary | uiive. of the church. 1 have conversed with | ¢iblY Lrought to' his attentlon that such a | Strauss incidents. 1 have stated what the < ond chairman and " Rev. George B. i By GO Ha % 3 * | was chosen, who was instructed o note dowh | the deacons in regard 0 this aaticr and 4o | course would bring down upon his head an over, | charges are that are expected o be heard: Hateh seribe. Rollcall showed the follow- | 1€ B¢t . . Hateh temporary secre- | for the use of the council what passed infor- | tiy, deAcons it regard prepared a statément in | Whelning avalanche of counter charges and | There are other rumors that have grown out members present: tary. Without loss of time Rev. Dr. J. K. mally at this meeting, and these were the min- | sacoer’ 12, portion of my statement are | fccusations of the character that have sctually | of these two incidents and which ‘were ev Iymou > " 3 McLean was chosen moderator, and Rev, | utes that were noted down. [Reads] these rumors that Dr. Brown had infiuenced | ¢0me into being and enjoyed a lively and e nhl Gl T 1\Flllo‘l B E outn Church, Sen_Francisco, Rev. Dr. | 2 % 4 3 It was decided, first, that when the council | the appointment of the conncil and the fash. | harassing existence since theat fatefui day. letters-missive. 1f there are matters brought Nilams Deacon S. F. Bufford; Bethany ! G.H.Hatch scribe of the council, ana 8. | wag called to order it shonld he calloq 1810 | SoSing ot The 1otieh m Inaroe Immediately following the arrest Dr. Brown | in that donot pertain to these main charges |.r‘lx~:>r4‘,v]Ll;r W, Caroad and | F. Bufford assistant scribe. mally io order by the oldast settled pastor, in | "5,y an “Tho! corisultation Held yestan | mude and secured the publication in the San e i s Zfinffi'nfl&?&u'{"flnyf e, rd Congregation; ch, SR >, this case Dr. Pond. seriby ) tem. shall 2t 0 yester- | g, se 3 X 95 do conce o 8 v ¥ and J. D. McKee; First | Rev. Dr. Pond then suggested that the | (8 3¢ Dr, fond. A scribe pro tem. shall | 4,5, et inany e b ot enytun e e e o ey e ol ; LD A, Freeman, J. M. | doors be opened to all who wished to at- | effected. It was voted that the opinion of 1ne | 118 al exictence borgo raben Jtshould | ™'y Brown also denfed that he had ever paid | tigated. 0 Paven; Flymouth-azenne Chureh, Oskland. | tend, but this met with objection from Dr. councils that of n majosuy of the ‘Chiirchs | Ciure us v large majority of the mem. | Mi=. Stockion the sum of £600 gz any sum | M Hatoh-T would smend by making it resd First Church, Alameda, Rev. W. W. Scudder | Brown, who expressed the belief that the | [ERIRARICE 10 £RE COB by & majority of fuar. | Ders hed never before been called upon for this | ;\‘lklleng"efl‘c:g:xfl‘nl,n\lhgrp‘;l?yose]mrp:)\\a:;ld"gs(l‘xnpnfiael | main charges which would tend to affect the e s odges Tirst Chureh, Berkeley, Rev. | church members and the pewholders | Viduals, and that a quorum is 10 be taser oo | Kind of work. | whatsoever concerning Mrs. Stockton, and | existing pastoral relation. That would prevent frddiny N e should first N. H , Wil Ithen went into permanent , electing Dr. J. K. McLean A. L. Barker assistant moder- B. Hatch scribe and Deacon | be accommodated. He de- wished to act on the suggestion of Dr. Brown, and it was decided to open the | doors for this occasion only to all comers. | A suggestion was made that an assistunt | | cording to the custom of the church. stenographer. The next meeting that the thy oftrol of th whom it plenses during the sc vote was that it was th e room where it Voted | he sense of | council shouid have full council; that the sessionsmight be held in the | the church before the couneil. ects, 1o admit | ons of the At this point Attorney Woodhams was which he'did. He also filed a copy of the resolution empowering him to represent On the moderator asking for the next matter to be acted upon Dr. Pond made a | supports his statement by & long affidavit of but that such effort had been unsuccessiul. With reference to the payment of the $3500 | to Mrs. Davidson Dr. Brown claims that he | peid the money for the double purpose of se- curing positive and conclusive evidence of Mrs. Davidson’s guilt, and at_the same time to the council going intoanything old or that did 0T ST, D8 A0 that the expense of the council should be ed to presen orge D. Gear to the cffect that said Mrs. | DOt pertain to these matcers. u ockton, Rev. R. H. Sink manded this finally as a right. | divided among the churches participating. i‘é;ild‘,,;f‘,‘w‘L‘,',fihfufif(?,'if,lf“°ft§fLecf,l:“f";°" locikion hiad sought 1o biackmiil Dr. Brown, | . Dt Mooar—There are three distinet points to ; First Church, San: Jose, Rev. J. 2 Moderator McLean asked if the council | and that Mr. Woodhams be asked (o seouresy | P 5 g SIS GO n Ros: be considered. First, the moral character of Dr. Brown as & man, then his ministerial gtand- ing in general, and, third, his pastoral rela- tions to this particular body of Christians who compose this church. There is & doubt &bout the third point, to which I understand Dr. CALICO DEPARTHENT! v i i p issive | Secure the name of the woman for whom Mrs. | Brown objects, 3 istant scribe. With this for. | scribe be eleoted, and Hogt, Mooar, Barker | lecture-toom of the First Congregationa; | MOtion that the scope of the letter-missive | seoure the name of th tas agent, as is | Dr. Brown—Iam very sure that in the re- mality completed the doors were opened | and E. C. Williams of Oakland were nomi- | Church. sufonnlibe interpreted by Mr. Woodhams as he | Dividson B the reckipis o orasasanh s n) | vs wiade by M. Woouhams' he: does ob and the anxiot awaiting throng al- ed. On the first ballot Hoyt received 4 | _Voted that the committec of the rch | understood it. lowed 1o pour thems Toom. ve Five minutes later there was not a ant seat to be had. Dr. McLean read the one hundred and twenty-second psaim, followed by an earnest, fervent prayer, in which he in- voked the earnest blessing of Almighty God on the First Church and the delibera- tions of the council. The moderator then announced the organization of the council, concluding with the remark that the sole charges to be considered were embodied in the letters-missive. The first sensation, if such it might be termed, came when Dr. Brown addressed the council saying that he questioned their right to meet before the appointed time. He had read in the newspapers that they had held a long consultation the evening before and he wanted it distinetly understood that he protested against such action. Dr. McLean then asked with some show es into the lecture- votes, Mooar 4, Barker 8 and Williams 3. No one having received a majority an- | other ballot was taken, which resultea in the election of Barker. Dr. McLean read a passage from the Scriptures and led in prayer, invoking the aid of God in the deliberations and de- cision of the council. He then remarked: | This body has now been rightly and for- | mally established and is therefore ready to | | | should be req the church. Voted thatno attorneys as attorneys should conduct of the case; no eting be given out, ex. procedure have been that the sessions of the shall be held each day at 2:30 r. . a be admitted information of this me cept that methods of discussed ; .M. of my church my church have never charges again Church on fiv me, and there The word ‘“charges” uested no: (o raise any objcc into the will show that the st me. e votes have tions 10 the proceedings of the council, and that g committes of two be appointed | charges against the actused pastos Voted that the scope of the inve | to be determined by the letters and missives oy interpreted by Mr. Woodhams, who represent: to formulate ation is council nd 7:30 Dr. Brown—There is one statement in th Teport to which I should e AL objection—that & commity appointed to formulate charges. nter a very serious ce 0f two should L The records members of made or presented any The First Congregational was overwhelmingly with Dbeen no charges made. was occastonally put i1 Dr. Mooar—I presume I would be willing to vote for the substance of the resolution but I ctto the form in which it1s stated. It is | stated as though the letter-missive would be interpreted by Mr. Woodhams. We would like | to hear what he has to say on the matter, but itis the province of the council to interpret the letter-missive as it thinks proper, and I should not like to be restricted by his inter- pretation Mr. Woodhame—I do not wish to place any restriclion on the action of the council, 1 should prefer to give my interpretation first and then let the council bind itself. After some further discussion the mat- ter was laid on the table, and then Rey. Mr. Tenny made the follow: ng motion: 1move that we hear Mr. Woodhams on the letter-missive, leaving to our own determina. ion what the scope of the investigation shall be. . The motion received a unanimous vote, Mr. Woodhams—I would like to present at this time the complete statement that I have prepared. I think it is necessary to present ine entire stutement to cover the matter under discussion. A motion to this effect was made and carried and Mr. Woodhaims then read the following statement: Gentlemen of the Council: As the duly elected representative of the officers and mexm. bers of the First Congregatioual Church of | San Francisco I desire to make the following general statement concerning the matters that it is thought ought to come before you for con- sideration and determination. Your investigations and conclusions will bear upon certain alleged charges, accusations | or rumors affecting the g0od name, iutegrity, | moral conduct and ministerial standing of the pustor of this church, the Rev. Charles O, brown, D.D., and the case assumes &n import- ance far beyond the usual ineldents redquir- ing the convening of & council, not merely on account of the prominence and long record of | thi | speedy clearing away of every imputation of | the pastor of the church. There have been many rumors currentin community and eisewhere of so-called | divisions and dissensions within the church, aid to be the result of this unfortunate affair. Therefore 1 think it only just to say that the members of this church have in general merely held to their constitutional rights. Congregationalists we woll know do not think it wrong for one tohold and express his honest opinions and convictions. With re- spect to these alleged divisions and dissen- sions the fact is thatopinion and conviction differed as to the course that ought rightly be pursued in the matter, and if in the anxiety of the hour expressions passed inaicative of a | dissenting mood or bitter spirit we should not | fail to consider the ordinary eharacter of hu- | man nature and make the proper allowance for the conduct of our brethren. It was natural, and perhaps on that account not to be mentioned, or deplored, that In the | course of events the small spark firs¢ kindled should have been strongly fanned by the furious treatment which the case has received from extraneous sources, until it reached s blaze of considerable proportions, and became a serjous menace to the welfare of the church and its peoble not, likely to be despised if con- tinued for any considerable ength of time in the future, for the consciences and feelings of Christian peoplo are especially tender and easily susceptible to such attacks as have been | mude upon their faith, so that they are unable | to endure delay and pecessarily demand a :rongdoing on the part of one of their num- er. The larger proportion of the church were seemingly willing to permit the case_to take what seemed to be a ratural course, although they were laboring under great distress on ac- count of the virulence of the charges against They recognized that the matter was not an ordinary one, since | the prime offender was resting in jail on n grave charge of criminal import; and they were lm‘pre&aed with the argument that the rights of the people of the entire State de- manded that no stone be left unturned where- by & conviction of this person might rightfully be had, it it should be fully disclosed that she represent the First Congregational Church. [ have been present and participated in every e se s e NEW TO-DAY. What's that! We are now showing a large and varied assortment of NEW SPRING WASH GOODS, Comprising Dimities and Lawns, at 1236, 13¢, 173c, 20c and 25¢ a Yard. Choice English Novelties, Ducks, Cheviots, Madras Suit- ings, Honeycomb Cloths, Galateas and MANCHESTER CHAMBRAYS, French Plain and Figured Organdies, Batiste Fancies, Grenadines, Colored Piques, Piain and Figured Dotted Swiss, etc., ALL BEING SOLD at POPULAR PRICES FANCY WASH WAISTS ! We have just opened our new spring stock of WASH WAISTS . i 4 i s prefuineas of sne pastorsitacked s minister | waa gior e axtortion havicd sesms;| 48 Others “just as|in all the latest styles and Bifected, but capoalelly O heaien e gixoh | Ber: rhey were willing also that the pasior of | materials — Lawns, Dimities, 3 sk , 'l ¢d | this church shou ave emple time and o) N 3 Tieiftents s olaraeter of and multitudinous | portunity in which to clear himsei o a grave | 1 th MAN Percales, Batiste, Ginghams, 3 alfeged hatges, acoumations o pmein 1¢ | charge oF mutter of pamor, which affecied not | PO as the =| ote:; stc the unusunl fuct that one of the principaie . | H1on€ his immediate reputation and reletions | Three of the Prommnent Figures in the Council to Investigate the Moral Character and Ministerial 74?/7" LEAN Standing of Dr. Brown. rrol'ensedly Pious woman, now awaits trial be- ore our Buperior Court upon the serious charge of extortion and the levying of biack- mail upon the prstor of this church., The direct charges, so far as any charges can be said to exist, have reference to 1wo cases or incidents and are not made to this church or | any of its officers, but to the general public and principally through the medium of the | public prints. They first emanated from one Mrs. M. A. Davidson, now in custody, as above | stated, on the charge of extortion and black- | mail, and who is said to have been in custody for & considerable length of time in the East for a criminal offense. The first case or incident to arise was the so- cailed Overman case, with reference to which Mrs, Davidson is reported in one of our daily to the people of this church but attacked the | very foundation of his life of usefulness and service us a minister of the gospel. There are meny others who held conscion- tious opinions, and were opposed to any delay, and those opinions have the respect of ever fair-minded person. They feltthat the church and the cause of Christianity was being vitally injurec by the delay, and thatonlyan imme- diate determination ot the matters or rumors in circulation in_the community would con- duce to the welfare of the church directly affected, and of every person concerned or in- terested in the cause of Christianity. However, there was one point” which alt seemed to have had in mind, and that point to investigate and decide upon matters current in this community, of a very grave and serious nature. The letters missive declare that these matters TELL cigat? « Not on your life! There may be a few country dealers not yet supplied with Mantells; pense it unsatisfactory. THE WERTHEIMER CO.,, &, F., Distslbutors, Prices ranging from 85¢ to $2.50. SE HABLA ESPANOL, G. VERDIER & cCO., SE. Cor. Geary and Grant Ave. e Tobewbie to put before you the nature of | was reached when this council’ was ealled by | f °0 We'll send them MR. WO0DHAM S 0 DERA T these so-called charges it is necessary, as you | vote of the church, and you gentlemen cony. | O% 8pproval —to be will see, to quote largely from Mrs. Dvidson’s | pose that council called by Pastor and peopie | returned at our ex- purported words on these matters. ' BRANCH HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.