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	Baptist Preacher Asked to Clear out By Martha Ellen Watertown Daily Times October 9, 2007 http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20081009/NEWS05/810091445/Baptist+preacher+asked+to+clear+out OSWEGATCHIE — A deacon will likely preach Sunday at Oswegatchie First Baptist Church in the aftermath of the resignation of the Rev. Merton E. Parks, who admits he downloaded child pornography from sites on the Internet. The Rev. Mr. Parks was asked to clean out his office by Sunday and leave housing provided by the church as soon as possible. “It’s going to be a tough time for the church as we start to find a pastor,” said Sven A. Sealander, the head deacon. “We’ve just got to support each other.” Mr. Sealander said he never heard any suspicions raised about the pastor. “He seemed to be well-liked. He was accepted in the community,” he said. “We’re all human beings, and I think Satan works where he can do the most harm to the church. We’ve seen what went on in the Catholic church.” The Rev. Mr. Parks, who hasn’t yet been charged, admitted wrongdoing. “I’ve blown it,” he said. “I’ve disgraced the name of the church, myself and the Lord.” The Rev. Mr. Parks said he expected St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies to charge him today. Deputies had no comment on the case. Neither did Michael Gilhooly, a public affairs officer with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, which has a cyber-crimes unit. The Rev. Mr. Parks was interviewed Monday by deputies about downloaded images on his computer. He assumed he was tracked by activity on his credit card. “It was a stupid move on my part,” he said. “There was no serious porn. It was just girls. They all seemed legal.” The Rev. Mr. Parks said he used the pictures of preteens and teenagers to excite him for his wife because he suffers from erectile dysfunction. “I just feel so bad for everyone,” he said. Parishioner Stuart J. Wilcox, Fine, said he was stunned when the Rev. Mr. Parks told him what was going on. “The reaction, of course, is shock. He’s not that kind of person,” Mr. Wilcox said. “Things are forgiven. I’m helping him with whatever he needs to do to get his life together.” Mr. Sealander, Cranberry Lake, said the church will call Empire State Fellowship for assistance in finding a successor to the Rev. Mr. Parks.
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