The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1879-08-21
The Methodist Episcopal Church,
RIDGWAY. ELK CO., PA.

MIDWAY, Ebk w., fA.
This church was built in the years
1873 and 1874, when times were good
and money was plenty. IF am cor
rectly informed fair per cent. of the
leading and most ialcitizens of
Ridgway encouraged the building of
said church. These citizens were
doubtless divided in opinion as to the
extent of the financial ability of the
town to build. Some thought S., 900,
some $1,000, other some $4,000, of this
last some the Pastor, Rev. w. Martin
was not the least, doubtles he Was the
most, for that sum prevailed as the
measure of your financial ability to
build. This sum, it seems to me,
could not have prevailed without the
concurrence of majority of the build
ing committee, and the trustees of said
church. And, furthermore, it does
not appear to me that the building
committee and trustees would have
consented to build to the extent of
$4,000 without the concurrence of
their constituents. Do you inquire
who were said constituents? I reply,
they should have comprised the rank
and file of Ridgway for the reason
that the Methodist Gf the writer is
not misinformed) is the oldest denomi-
nation in Mdgway. Thirty or forty
years ago what clergyman visited your
sick, consoled your dying, buried your
dead, and comforted your sorrowing
hearts by assuring you that you should
meet your loved ones again "In the
sweet bye-and-by" in the life and
home beyond the grave? Is it not
just, based upon the fact of her senior
ity and services indiscriminately per-
formed, that this denomination al
though poor, should have a church,
and that the community for whose
welfare she has, and does unremittingly
toll, should help pay for it? Is not
said church credit to Ridgway?
Would church less beautiful and less
costly have conferred as much honor
upon the county seat of Elk? Ger
tainly no person who rises above de-
nominational prejudice, and views
things through the broad glass of that
charity which thinketh no evil and is
kind, will say that Methodism is not,
in the constellation of her sisterhood,
a. Il l, Il Il
then certainly to Ridgway. But we
will admit, that the Methodist society
at Ridgway should not have exceeded
s., 900 in her church building. Now,
they did build to the extent of $4,000,
that will leave $1,000 to come from
abroad. 1t shall be forthcoming, more
than one-half of said $4,000 is paid or
provided for, and we are good for the
other half Now, that leaves 81 800 for
Ridgway to pay Do you ask how
can that amount, which according to
your showing was nearly 81 800 when
you commenced your collecting, be
the amount of said debt. l reply, be-
paid nearly or quite one-hhlf Of the
amount of the subscriptions, on our
books, in interest, without receiving
one penny from said subscription.
Who has paid any-intFest on his sub
scripton? Until one year ago the
trustees paid ten per cent. on the
whole amount of debt, some of it
quarterly, part semi-annually, some
annually. The past year we have
been abroad and collected it among
the friends of Methodism. Is this
right? Should not every person who
owes subscription to this church pro-
ceed to pay said subscription? Is
there God who is cognizant of our
actions? Does he reward men accord
ing to their works? If so can we pos
sibly lose anything by paying our
church subscription? Indeed can we
afford not to pay it? 1t must be paid
or we are guilty before Him unto
whom all hearts are open, and to
whom all acts are known. Now, we
have paid ten per cent. annually on
your subscription since it was given.
We cannot do it longer. 1t is ruinous.
Now, will you please commence at
once to pay your subscription? We do
not wish in any way to distress or en-
barass any of you, we make you this
proposition. Those who have large
amounts please divide them into ten
equal parts, and pay it monthly until
all is paid. That gives you ten months
in which to pay your subscription.
Those who have small amounts pay
half at once; the balance in thirty
days. This must strike every sub
scriber as fair proposition. We give
you all the interest we have paid on
your subscription. You will be waited
upon by a committee soon. Please be
prepared to meet part, or all of yoar
subscription.
In behalf of the Board of Trustees.
II. V. TALBOT.