Charlotte Observer Explains How Minister Caught in Brothel Could Have Avoided Arrest, Publicity, June 19, 1926

Dr. Chappell’s Mistake

Charlotte Observer

The circumstances which is to be regarded as particularly unfortunate in connection with the arrest of Doctor Ashley Chappell in the Memphis brothel, is that he did not immediately make his identity known. If he had done this, explaining to the offices at the same time the circumstances under which he was found there, and asking that he be taken, not to the police station, but to some of the visiting Church officials before whom he might have laid his case in frank statement, it is possible that unpleasant publicity, with the inevitable stain of scandal, might have been avoided. For if Dr Chappell had strayed into the neighborhood and had sought the temporary services of a home for the purposes claimed, knowing nothing of the character of the section, an immediate statement from him would have satisfied both the officers and the churchmen. Allowance must be made for the natural confusion of mind precipitated by the shock of arrest and herding with a lot of common criminals, and for the natural first thought of protection of his name and that of the Church. Nevertheless, Doctor Chappell made fatal mistake in resorting to momentary evasion of the consequences. Even if he had stated his name and profession when first arraigned at the police station, his representations might have been accepted and the officials might have developed inclination to deliver him from the embarrassment which encompassed him.

There are a great many people who will share Doctor Boyer’s faith in the embarrassed minister, but at the same time, the world in general will be inclined to scoff and to jeer. It is a story, as Doctor Boyer maintains, of “unusual circumstances,” but the error of Dr. Chappell in undertaking to cover up the incident, is the circumstance of troubled contemplation. The affair should have truthful proclamation at the earlies possible moment.

From the editorial page of The Concord Daily Tribune, June 19, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-06-19/ed-1/seq-4/

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Stories in This Series

Rev. Dr. Chappell cleared by fellow ministers, returns triumphant to pulpit

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4934689628465213641

Community and church convinced Rev. Dr. Ashley Chappell, arrested in brothel, will be found innocent in church trial

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/1538195782401204593

Arrest of minister is “unfortunate,” says Hickory Record

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/7285046020540013526

Dr. Chappell’s mistake was how he handled arrest, says Charlotte Observer

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/6261857839660054437

Memphis Police Commissioner explains how Rev. Dr. Chappell was discovered and arrested in brothel

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4378423803409010640

I’m embarrassed but innocent, says Rev. Dr. Ashley Chappell

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4570916935553323164