The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-05-23
A Church Debt Job.

we should not ike, says the C0ngrfgd-
tionalist, to voucb for the historical truth
of the following article, which we copy
from another paper, but it sets forth SO
wildly the GOODNESS with which some
people avail themselves of any chance to
roll ofsupon others burdens which they
Themselves ought to lift that we are glad
to give it place here:
Not long ago brother Kimball found a
small church in Central Iowa that was
staggering along under a comfortable
debt, and it looked to him as though it
would just be recreation for him to lift
littlcj country church out of the depths,
after his experience and success with the
big churches in the great cities, with
their overwhelming indebtedness. So he
tackled the quiet little rustic Ebenezer
and shook it out of all the debt he knew
Of in about ten hours, and the building
was clear of encumbrance.
Then, before the benediction was pro-
nounced, the senior deacon arose, and
stated that there had never been but one
payment made on the organ, and that the
accrued interest on the deferred payments
now amounted to about double the prin-
cipal.
Well, they raised this amount, and
brother Kimball was on the point of pick
ing up his hat, when the sexton arose
and remarked that the man was around
last week, and said, if the furnace wasn't
paid for, the notes having run a year
over their time, he would take it out
before next Sunday.
Mr. Kmball laid down his hat, took
off his coat, and the furnace, debt WAS
lifted.
He got one arm into his coat sleeve,
and nodded to the pastor to dismiss the
congregation, when the president of the
Woman's Aid Society said she wished to
remark that the society had been unable
to fulfil their pledge to pay for the pew
cushions, and the upholsterer had, several
times during the past year, served notice
on them, and she believed suit would be
commenced next week.
Brother Kimball groaned, slid his arm
out of the coat-sleeve headed the sub
scriptHn in his usual generous manner,
and soon cleared the cushions, throwing
his coat over his arm, and starting for
tae door on the run as soon as this WAS
accomplished.
But the chorister called out that he
would like their dear brother Kimball to
remain and assist them in an effort to
pay for the hymn books, and also for hav-
ing the organ tuned. The "dear broth
er" groaned, stopped and assisted.
Once more he started for the door,
But Deacon Ophiltree said he believed
! ~ la tru 10 ole of ha
church debt, it would be well for them
to remember that the sexton had not been
paid anything since 1874, and that the
interest was running up on his back pay
all the time. The money was raised, and
Mr.. Kimball was trying to climb out of
a window, when he was pulled back, and
informed that there was an old tax title
on the lot when they bought it, that had
never been cleared Of
Mr.. Kimball got this new flaw cleared
up with neatness and dispatch, and was
running briskly down the aisle, when he
was collared by trustee, and informed
that the man who grained the pulpit and
kasomined the ceiling last winter was
there, and wanted his money.
He was paid, and the good brother
Kimball was halfway out of the door
before he learned that tho chandelier
must be paid for that week. or they would
sit in outer darkness Sunday night. So
he went back anG frightened up the
chandelier.
He ran out SO quickly then that lie
didn't hear the man who repaired the
front fence present his bill; but while he
was walking down to the depot with the
senior deacon, that official suddenly halt
ed, while look of grave concern over
spread his face.
"Well, well, WE'LL" he said, "if tina;
isn't too bad"
"What is itl' nervously inquired broth
err Kimball.
why" responded the deacon, dole
fully, 1--WE forgot all about the pastors
salary. He only gets 500 year. and
we amt paid him nothing but two dona-
ton parties since year and half ago"
Aud when brother Kimball climbed
on the train, he resolved that the next
time he tackled Il strange church, he
would demand certified statement be-
fore be took off his coat.
was intended to he marriage up town
Wednesday evening was spoiled because
the bride at the last moment refused to
have the ceremony performed. Before
L.. la thA min OF