(RELIGION.) James Henry vs the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Williamsport. Two manuscript documents: one extra-long folio (25 x 8 inches), signed by Judge H.H. Blair and Mathew Morgan (the representative for the Church signs with an X), the other a small 8vo sheet 'I hereby appear for defendant reserving exception.' Williamsport, PA, 29 January, 1877
an unusual case wherein an a.m.e. zion minister sues his church for his severence pay plus lodging. Mathew Morgan, a trustee for the A.M.E. Zion Church of Williamsport testifies that the Church has good reason to have not paid their minister, Rev. Henry. 'It was agreed between plaintiff and the defendant that the plaintiff should preach for the defendant at a salary of four hundred dollars per annum; That the plaintiff entered upon his pastoral duties under the said contract for the defendant on 21st day of June, 1876; that the plaintiff continued to preach for the defendant from the said 21st day of August [Sept crossed out) 1876; at which last mentioned date, the plaintiff announced his desires of [severing?] his relationship with Church [crossed out].' At this point Rev. Henry asked for his pay, plus the amount of his rent, which the Church claims was never part of the agreed upon salary.
