Pastor Asked to Leave (Maybe)

New York, 1895

Woodhaven and Ozone Park News

Francis Matthews, the lay pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational church at Brooklyn Hills, says that the deacons of his church have not asked him to resign. On the other hand, Deacons Sprague, Glover and Velsor say that they asked the preacher to get out. They also add that he agreed to do so providing that they would withdraw a petition asking for his resignation, because it might injure him in his business. The pastor also denies that he is a scolding preacher, and that he ever preached at the members of his congregation. Deacon and Mrs. Velsor say that the clergyman was in the habit of preaching about card parties at people's homes, and severely criticising them. While he did not name the offenders, he left an impression as to who the people were. The row in the church started soon after Mr. Matthews took charge of the spiritual welfare of the flock. He was dissatisfied with the way the ladies' aid society of the church was run, and called the members to account for it. This angered the women, and one by one they left the church.


Organ Concert

The organ concert under direction of Howard Watson at the Presbyterian church on Wednesday evening was a success. Prof. Triglar rendered some excellent selections on the violin. Among the others who took part were Prof. Cadmus, Frank Von Neer, Miss Hornby and Mrs. Chas. Comstock.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, May 10, 1895, p. 8.