[Sam]

Years ago when I was going to an ALJC church we had a business meeting in early February of each year. Dinner was served and a report was given of the finances (nothing in detail). Those who were tithe payers and currently paid up were allowed to vote.

One year at the annual meeting the pastor's son was voted in as an assistant pastor. Some of the older, founding members were not present and there was some disagreement. A group left and formed another church which became UPC.

Another problem which came from that meeting was when some of the members asked for more details concerning the finances. They wanted to know salary figures. The information was refused to them. When one person pressed a little he was disfellowshipped and he took the church to court. From what I understand the judge found in his favor and I guess he got to see the figures. He and the others left and joined the church that split group.

I had already left that church several years before that meeting and split.