Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-09-22
RAISING A CHURCH DEBT.

The Methodist Church at New Albion
had long been struggling under load OF
debt. Its editicc, built in the flush times
following the war, was an ambitious piece
of architecturc-th church of the future
beyond doubt, since it was much larger
than the congregation, and the pews were
still vacant which the sanguine builders
had expected to see filled by the men who
were expected to pay off the mortgages.
The Rev. Mr.. Thorpe, the pastor, had car
led this debt now for two years. It had
been the burden OF his days and the
nightmare of his dreams. At length he
had brought his congregation to the point
of attacking it. He had made several
anxious pilgrimages to the rich Mahodists
in neighboring cities, but found small
encouragement. 1t was evident that the
MethOdists Of New Albion must shoulder
their own load. Accordingly, the first
Sunday of October was devoted to care
fully-planncd effort for the payment Of
the debt. Mr.. Thorpe had concluded to
dispense with the services of n "finangal-
ist' and to direct his own forces. There
was to he no regular service in the
church. out the public were invited to
meet AT 10 o'clock in the forenoon. and,
by the grace of God, the meeting would
not adjourn, Mr.. Thorpe said, until the
debt was paid A collation. was provided
in the basement, so that tie people might
spend the day in the work.
The debt amounted to $23 900, and when
the meeting opened in the morning 81, 900
were at once subscribed, this amount
having been secured before and by private
conference with the ADLER contributors.
The excellent start awakened great en-
thusiasm, and for n time subscriptions
came in rapidly; but long before noon
the limit OF the peoples ability seemed to
have been reached, and the list footed up
only about $2l 900. Mr.. Thorpe kept his
forces well in hand, however, and showed
no signs of wavcring. ExhOrtatiOns aud
appeals were interspcrsed with singing;
a judicial and energetic committee did a
great deal of personal work with individ-
uals messengers were dispatched to labor
with absentees. But it seemed evident
that the large gifts had all been gathered
in, and there was still deficiency Of
81 900, that tic small subscriptions yet to
be obtained would by no means supply.
AS Mr.. Franklin of the Congregational
Church walked home after the service
with his pastor, they passed the door of
the Methodist Church.
"Let's look in n moment" said the pas
tor, "and sec how they are getting on"
They sat down OH one of the back seats
and watched the proceedings. From Mr..
occasional remarks they learned
the situation of affairs, and saw that the
case was probably hopeless, though the
resolute leader did not for a moment as
sent to such Il conclusion.
As they walked along Mr.. Franklin
said:
"Making strong fight, aren't they?"
dyes"
"But they will not take the fort"
al don't know"
81 10. They have got to the sticking
point. and they will not get past it,"
"Pity." said Mr.. Strong, sententieusly.
After a moments thought Mr.. Franklin
added, with new interest:
sis it lawful to pull your fellow-crea-
turc out Of pit on the Sabbath day?"
81 should say so, especially if he is try
ing to get out himself"
Lawful to hitch up your horse to pull
him out:"
Yes laughed the minister.
"Well, you 60 home and get your lunch
and I'll get mine and have Major put into
the buggy. III lie around here before l
o'clock, and we'll see what we can do"
"All right"
1t was not long before the good white
horse came ut Il weekday pace to the door
Of the parsonage, anu the friends were
soon whirling away.
"Now, we've got to be swift" said the
banker. "My first thought was to call
only on some of our own people, but am
now inclined to give some of the rest
chance. The EpiscOpalians and the Free
Baptisrs have heavy debt Of their own,
and the Adventists are not able to help
much. We must enlist the others. Brins-
made must call on tle First Church folks,
Ellsworth oh the Baptists, Thompson on
Ihe Universalists, and you and 1 will look
Dut tor our own"
They werc stopping at Mr.. Brinsmade's
loor, and the master of the house an
,werPd the bell.
ave have set out" said Mr.. franklin,
'to give the Methodists little lift in
paying their church debt. Will you 90
md stand ia the vestibule of your church
md waylay as many as you can Of your
men, as they go into the after
loon service, and get subscriptions from
hem? Start the paper yourself. Then
lsk Mr. Phelps to take up collection be-