A Statement
To Whom It May Concern:
The church of Christ at Gonzales, Texas has withdrawn fellowship from Brother GAYLON D. MURPHY, who was engaged by this congregation as its minister from February to August, 1954. The following is an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the action taken and the reasons for it. The church here considers Brother Murphy as having been a member of this congregation at the time the action was taken and therefore subject to its supervision and discipline.
On June 21st Brother Murphy left Gonzales with the permission of the church to hold a meeting in California. The meeting, for which he had made arrangements before coming to Gonzales, was to have kept him from his duties here for a period of two or three weeks. Before leaving, Brother Murphy asked for a salary advance to pay an installment on an automobile which he had purchased shortly after coming to Gonzales. As weeks passed and Brother Murphy did not return, it was brought to the attention of the church that the payment on the car had not been made, and in fact that several installments were overdue. Brother Murphy had told the car dealer that he was going to San Antonio and would be back in two weeks to take care of the overdue payments. It was further discovered that Brother Murphy had also bought a new typewriter and had taken it with him after having made one or two small payments. The car dealer and the man from whom he purchased the typewriter are taking legal action to recover their property. There is also a rather large doctor bill left unpaid.
The whole affair is common gossip in the town, and irreparable damage has been done the church by Brother Murphy's actions. Attempts to contact him have been futile. It is evident that he had no intention of returning when he left, that he lied to the church and to the others mentioned, that he took away property valued at about $700.00 or $800.00 with no idea of paying for it, and that he extorted money from the church. Inquiries into his past have confirmed the fact that Brother Murphy is a professional crook masquerading as a minister of the gospel. This congregation feels that he should be exposed for what he is so that other congregations will not suffer like damage, that the name of the church will not be soiled in other communities.
Brother Murphy is now known to be living at 16411 St. Andrews, Gardena, California. He will almost surely try to locate with some congregation in that area.
The church here would appreciate your publishing this notice in any form that is suitable. You may print the letter in full or in any way you see fit.
Signed. By:
W. A. Meek; W. W. Kennedy; J. Midgett; Tho. J. Meek; A. H. Stehle; H. D. Morgan; George K. Desha; Dudley P. Fry; W. E. Brown; C. B. Cook; G. B. Stegner.