Asheville, June 18—Statements by two physicians which will be relied upon to defend Dr. Ashley Chappell, suspended pastor of the Central Methodist Church here, against charges of immoral conduct at Memphis, Tenn., during the recent general conference of the Southern Methodists, are in the hands of a prominent member of the accused pastor’s congregation and will be turned over to Dr. H.K. Boyer of Shelby, who will lead in the defense before the church court which will be convened July 20th at Statesville.
The statements were made by Dr. M.C. Millender and Dr. Carl V. Reynolds, the latter former president of the North Carolina Medical Society, and are in the hands of Wallace C. Davis, president of the Central Bank and Trust Company, of Asheville. The statements declare Dr. Chappell is a sufferer from inguinal Hernan, it was learned tonight. Both of these physicians state that if the truss should slip at any time, in one of these cases it would cause great pain and possibly death, since the intestines would be allowed to buckle or force themselves through the body wall. Both are emphatic in stating that Dr. Chappell’s statement of his actions is entirely plausible insofar as his physical condition is concerned.
Congregation Rallies
Rallying around the standard of their pastor, members of the Central Methodist Church and their friends today advanced to the support of Dr. A. Chappell, who is facing charges of immorality following his arrest in an alleged house of ill-fame in Memphis during the Methodist general conference there last month. Dr. Chappell will be given a hearing at Statesville before 13 chosen ministers of the conference on July 20th. The decision of this although it must be passed on by the annual conference. [something missing or out of order in the original newspaper article.] Dr. Chappell issued a statement to the press today, asking that his friends stand by him until full light can be thrown on the matter, and reiterated his innocence of any wrong doing.
Case Broadcast
Publication of this case was made this afternoon in Asheville for the first time after papers in other cities of the state had printed it this morning. While the rumor had spread largely in the city, thousands were taken by surprise and all of those approached refused to lend credence to the charges.
On the night of his arrest, May 8, Dr. Chappell claims he was taking his regular evening stroll, and wandered into a disreputable section of Memphis without knowing it. He maintains that his truss, which he is forced to wear by a severe rupture, slipped, and he stepped into what appeared to be a store doorway to readjust it. He there met a negro woman, and asked to enter, stating his predicament. Shortly afterwards, while he was rearranging his clothing, he says, the police raided the house and arrested him, along with several girl inmates. He claims to have been mistreated by the officers making the arrest, and for that reason refused to give his right name. However, within a short time his attempt to make bond divulged his name, and the story was printed in Memphis papers.
Wife Is Loyal
Dr. Chappell saw newspaper men today, but refused to make any statement above what has been given. His wife, however, expressed the utmost confidence in her husband, and declared that he was being “maliciously crucified.” Practically all officers of the local church have been seen and declare that they are solidly behind the pastor. In showing this, his salary is being continued during the period of suspension, which was automatic with the investigation by the church. Dr. Chandler, assistant pastor, is filling the pulpit at Central Church during this period of suspension.
If the charges against Dr. Chappell are sustained, he will either be suspended for a longer period or asked to turn in his credentials. It is reported that certain officers of the Methodist Church, South, have asked for his credentials quietly, but Dr. Chappell maintains his innocence and plans to fight the case through. In this action he is attracting large numbers of people here to his forces, hundred here having been impressed by his apparent sincerity and the work which he has done for the church. This sentiment is being widely expressed following a statement to the effect made by Dr. Chandler and endorsed by the boards of stewards.
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
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