“Greensboro Preacher Confesses to Dual Life,” from the Monroe
Journal, Sept. 25, 1917
Rev. J.H. Bennett,
Well-Known Methodist Clergyman Is Suspended Following Astounding Revelations
Made of Immoral Practices
Rev. J.H. Bennett, for two years pastor of the Greensboro
Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, was suspended from his pastorate Sunday
pending investigation into the charges of immorality against him, says
yesterday’s Greensboro News. He has
confessed his guilt of the charges, which were whispered for some time, his
stewards hearing in its entirety the tragic and sordid story of his dual life.
The presiding elder, Rev. J.H. Barnhardt, yesterday morning
made the formal announcement to the people of the suspension of the pastor. The
deposed leader departed Saturday night for Salisbury, leaving the city because
of the breaking of the storm which was forecast.
One of the most dramatic moments in the life of the church
occurred when Dr. Barnhardt broached the subject which lay on the
consciousness of all. There was absolute silence in the crowded church. Dr.
Barnhardt’s reference to the misdemeanors of the pastor was not lengthy. He did
not go into details but the story had spread and everybody knew. The presiding
elder said Mr. Bennett had been suspended pending an investigation of the
charges of immorality. He continued with a view to clearing up and doubt, to
say that he understood Mr. Bennett had confessed to his officers and that there
was no reasonable doubt of his guilt. It was recognized that the investigation
Dr. Barnhardt referred to could be only a matter of form.
“I would rather have buried him,” said Dr. Barnhardt, his
tense voice the only sound in the large auditorium.
The presiding elder extended his sympathy to the betrayed
congregation and admonished the people how to act in the calamity.
The charges were like a bolt from a clear sky to the people
of his church and of the city generally, where he had been highly esteemed. It
is alleged that Mr. Bennett was discovered by policemen in a house of
ill-repute in the southern part of town, and under circumstances which left him
no recourse but admission to the truth of the situation. This occurred about a
fortnight ago, but no police report was made of the incident, and the minister
was not summoned to the city court for trial under the Guilford County morals
act, which is said to be broad enough to justify charges against him. He was
instructed by the men who discovered him to appear the following day to take
the matter up with the chief of police, and he obeyed these instructions.
Although a certain amount of secrecy was maintained by
persons in position to know of the case, the rumors were circulated and reached
the ears of one of the officers of the church. The stewards’ action followed,
although the control of the pastor lies in the hands of the presiding elder,
his superior officer. It was agreed that Mr. Bennett must discontinue his
duties.
Saturday night Mr. Bennett was asked by a reporter if he had
admitted his guilt of the charges to his stewards. He evaded the question for a
few moments, and was asked flatly if he was guilty as charged, and after a
pause he declared the stories circulated were false. “I have to go by places
where immoral people live in my ministry,” he said, “and the circumstances
might have been suspicious.” He was asked if it was true that officers caught
him in the home of a negro woman named Dick, and he said he had no recollection
of such an incident; and, declaring he would not be led into saying something
he ought not say, he ended the interview. He admitted all this to his officers.
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