Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 168, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 July 1912 — Christian Minister At Keinpton Falls From Grace. [ARTICLE]

Christian Minister At Keinpton Falls From Grace.

Rev. J. A. Parker, pa3tor of the Christian church at Ketnpton, and former pastor of the church at Monticello, has fallen from grace. The following account of bis escapade Is from the Monticello Journal: It seems that through a trap laid by his wife Rev. Parker was caught in a compromising position with Miag Nellie White, also formerly of this city, who has made her home with Rev. and Mrs. Parker- flor several months. It is stated that Mrs. Parker has long suspected that alh was not well in her household and kept watch

on the actions of her husband. Last Monday she left the house to visit a sick neighbor, but returned to secrete •herself under the bed and later discovered Mr. Parker and Miss White In improper conduct. Following the discovery that her husband was false to her, Mrs. Parker left on the afternoon traip Monday for the home of her father in Newpoint. Miss White left at about the same time and has not since been seen about Kempton. Mr. Parker remained at .home and nothing was known of what had happened until Thursday when Mrs. Parker returned with her father for her household goods. Rev. Parker came to Monticello three yearß ago this fall from Arapahoe, Nebraska, and after m "trial sermon was engaged by the Christian church as pastor. He filled the position very acceptably for two years and then resigned to enter the evangelistic field, where he met with marked success. His wife and little daughter "companled him in nearly all of his work. Later they were joined by Miss Nellie White, who entered the church here under his ministry and became an active personal worker. Last winter the members of the Christian church at Kempton wanted to hold a revival meeting and they secured the services of Rev. Parker. A series of meetings were held and they were so successful and the evangelist made such a favorable impression that they afterward secured his services as their regular pastor. The pastor and his family then moved from this city to Kempton. T.hte affair, has caused no little comment here. While many are rejoicing over the downfall of both the preacher and the girl, the majority condemn the man and the part he took in causing the girl to depart from the paths of' rectitude. T,he heaviest blow falls upon" the churches where he has ministered and the towns where he has been. They must carry the burden of shame for his betrayal of trust No remorse of his will help them. Neither will it lighten the load of sorrow that his wife will have to carry.