TWO PREACHERS SHOT WHILE IN THE PULPIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11544, 1 December 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

TWO PREACHERS SHOT WHILE IN THE PULPIT.

FACTION TROUBLES IN A NEGRO BAPTIST CHURCH. Columbia, S.C., September 29.—As the climax to a war of more than a year's duration between opposing factions in the coloured congregation of Belmont Baptist Church, situated in the backwoods of Newberry County, the regular pastor of the church, the Rev. Young Reeder, and a visiting preacher and supporter of Reeder, the Rev. Henry Williams, were shot in the pulpit by assassins last night, Reeder receiving a death wound. Part of the congregation had notified the preachers that if they attempted to preach last night they would be killed; but they had appointed to hold a big prayer meeting, and they determined not to flinch. A big crowd was gathered at the church, every member of the congregation being present, with many visitors. The two preachers came in together on time, and when the church was filled began the service, opening with prayer. This was followed with the singing of a hymn, and succeeded by another prayer. The congregation was kneeling. Reeder was praying aloud, his advocates punctuating the prayer with fervent " Amens." In the meantime several members of the congregation had slipped out into the night. There was an open window behind the pulpit. On the sill of this window the muzzles of several pistols rested for a moment, then all flashed together. Reeder and Williams fell, Reeder being shot through the middle of the back. Friends of Reeder seized ten members of the congregation, and they are now in gaol, charged with the shooting. They have had several rows in the church. A month ago one broke out during the Sunday service, and many heads were broken. The women fought as fiercely as the men. Reeder has been the favourite of the larger part of the women in the congregation.