In our December, 1896, number we published an article from the Boston Evening Transcript relative to a decision or opinion of the late Rev. Dr. Quint, in the case of Mrs. Ida E. Furness, who made application to the Congregational Church at Fairhaven, Mass., for a letter of dismissal and recommendation from that Church to The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass.
As the Congregationalist of this city has called in question the correctness of the Transcript's version of the affair, we have made the best inquiry concerning it possible to us, not only that we might get at the right of it for our own information, but that we might, perhaps, aid in removing what seems to us to be a serious misunderstanding of our Church Rule, both on the part of the Congregationalist, and some of the churches of its denomination.
It seems that when the letter of Mrs. Furness was presented to the Fairhaven church, the local pastor, Rev. Dorrell Lee, being in some doubt as to the authority of the church to grant the letter asked for, suggested that the matter go over for one week, that he might, meantime, consult the church authorities. Mr. Lee, in a letter published in the Congregationalist of December 17th last, said he had submitted the question to Dr. Quint, and as a result the following letter was granted by the church to Mrs. Furness:—
The First Congregational Church of Fairhaven, Mass.,
To The First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Boston.
GREETING:
