Editorial November 27, 1909 Issue

DROPPED FROM MEMBERSHIP

Editor

A complaint against Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson of New York city was filed with the Board of Directors of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, on Nov. 6, 1909. She was immediately furnished with a copy of it and a copy of the following orders. It was ordered by said Board that the evidence in support of defense of the complaint should be presented in the form of affidavits or documents, except that any evidence given or statement made by the complainant or the accused should be given or made orally and in the presence of the Directors; that the accused should have the right to the assistance of counsel; and that the case should be heard commencing on Nov. 15, 1909 at 9 o'clock a.m.

The hearing commenced at that time and was concluded on Nov. 17, 1909, at 4 o'clock p.m. Mrs. Stetson was present during the trial with her counsel, Hayne Davis. The evidence in support of the complaint consisted of the affidavits of twenty-seven persons, five letters written by Mrs. Stetson to her students, and a composite letter written by some of her students and approved by her. The evidence in defense of the complaint consisted of one affidavit, two letters, and Mrs. Stetson's personal testimony and statements.

After considering the evidence and Mrs. Stetson's statements made to the Directors, it was their unanimous conclusion that the charges against her had been proved and were true. Mrs. Stetson's name was then dropped from the roll of membership of said church.

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