The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-13

MT. McCulfoch and said: Now, Brother Nc
CuIloch. why don't you join our Ministers Asso-
tercourse with US we would understand each
other better. So far as / am personally con-
cerned, l have no sympathy with that phase of
evangelical religion that is divorced from hu-
manitarian principles / don't want the i'm
preston to exist In this community that the
evangelical element stands aloof from humani-
tartan work"
III would like to know" DR.. Mcleod inquired,
what phase of evangelical religion DR.. Jeffery
refers tot l never heard of evangelical religion
being divorced from humanitarian principles"
Nor nobody else" added Mr.. Hendrickson,
lever heard of such a thing
Rev. G. L. McNutt moved that the meeting
thank Mr.. McCnlloch and the other gentleman
for having come there and given information,
but as the organizations we're secular, 1t was the
sense of the meeting that the churches and min
listers, otherwise than as other citizens, had
nothing to do with it.
Rev. John Bastzly seconded DR.. Jenckes's
resolution.
Rev. r. v. Hunter said that they had learned
something that morning and that they could bet
ter prove their interest by deeds than by any
resolutions that they might pass.
DIR. Mcleod said he could not see what benefit
would come of passing 1t. He did not think it
1t proper to give such hearty indorsement as that
resolution.
Rev. j. A. Sargent said 1t was not in accord
ance with the constitution of the Ministers As
SAonAO w 81 OAJ 0O~st
and DIR. Jenckes withdrew his resolution. That
of Mr.. McNutt had not been seconded.
Mr.. w. P. Fishback explained the way in
which the system of organized charity here
operated, not only to help the deserving but to
save money to the tax payers. He said the basis
of all Christian relief-to see that the worthy
poor receive and the unworthy do not receive-is
to inquire into every case, and the Charity Or
ganization undertakes to do this in Indianapolis.
Mr.. Fishback said he had thirty years expert
ence in this city, and knew the money now went
to the right place in the s~peediest and best way.
To the suggestion that it was unfortunate that
a minister should be ut the head of the organized
charities, and that Plymouth Church should be
used as headquarters, Mr.. McCulloch gave ex-
PLANTATION that he came to have the work almost
as an accident, and was not president or member
because he was a minister, which had nothing to
do with it. He explained to the ministers pres
emit about the family here numbering by blood
and marriage relationship about 800 persons,
paupers and criminals A record Of these Is kept
by the organization, and that fact saves the earn
ings of many honest people in this city from go
ing for unworthy relief.
DR.. Mcleod still thought it unfortunate that
the charities should be in any church, and that a
pastor should be the president In the remarks
made by people it is Plymouth Church; Plyu-
outh Church all the way through, and it would
be better for the society and others if the rooms
were entirely divorced from the church.
DR.. Mcleod. DR.. Gilbert and others said the
fact must not be lost sight of that the contribu-
tors to these charities were people belonging TO
the evangelical churches.
DR.. Jeffery agreed. but added, II don't care
who gives a crust of bread to a hungry man, | do
not propose to be with the priest and Levite to
pass on the other side. There has in times gone
by been a tendency to go to a starving man and
give him a tract. 1t is said that in Boston the
Unitarians have done more in charity than the
evangelical churches. am willing to have Mr..
McCulloch come into my pulpit and plead the
cause of suffering humanity. Are the rest of
you willing to do the same2 A cry of Yes.
yes Then let us begin to do it."
DR.. Jenckes said he believed there was no bet
ter way of showing their sympathy with the
cause in which Mr.. McCulloch was engaged than
by contributing to 1t and attending the meetings
on Wednesday afternoons. He moved they at
tend the next meeting, and as he removed his
hand from the table Mr.. McCulloch unfolded a
~crumpled contribution, which proved to be a So
note.
Rev. NJ. L. Haines said they had needed in
formation and had gained a large amount. He
moved that the meeting extend a vote of thanks
to the executive committee of the Charity Or
ganization Society for their attendance and in
formation, which was done, and the meeting ad-
iourned.