TWO PASTORS PREPARED TO OFFICIATE EASTER SERVICES AT BROOKLINE PRESBYTERIAN
Brookline, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On Sunday morning April 16, 1922, Easter services were held at the Brookline Presbyterian Church* with "two pastors prepared to officiate."
The clergymen were Rev. Edwin Curtis**, supported by a majority of the congregation, and Rev. Hector Ferguson of the Scotch Presbyterian Church. The former was elected pastor last week while the latter was appointed to officiate Easter services by the Committee on Vacancy and Supply.
The issue arising in two pastors being present at the same service was that the Boston Presbytery "refused to install Rev. Curtis after hearing reports that he had baptized a dog*** and offered grace by blessing French fried potatoes."
*First Presbyterian Church of Boston, located at 32 Harvard Street since 1910, is today a congregation of 60 members. The original church burned in 1960 & was rebuilt in 1962.
**Rev. Edwin Curtis was described as "a Britisher & an ecclesiastic with an inappropriate sense of humor." Although ousted by the Boston Presbytery, his congregation wanted him to stay.
***The dog, Buster Porter, was described as "the only full-fledged Baptized Presbyterian dog in Boston."
SOURCES
"Baptized a Dog--Was Dismissed from His Church," American Weekly, 1922
"Pastor Who Baptized Dog to Dispute Right To Be in Pulpit," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
