The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-22
FRIENDS, YEARLY MEETING.
A Lack of HarmOny on the Question of Baptism
Officers of Earlham College.

Lack of Harmony on the Question of Baptism
Officers of Earlham College.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
PLAINFIELD, Sept. 21.-But few Friends from
the surrounding country were in attendance to-
day. Tomorrow will be devoted exclusively to
religious services and if the elements do not in
terfere, the attendance will be very large as it
is public day. There was a spirited temper
ance meeting held at the church last night
Short impromptu addresses were made by Rev.
E. NJ. Garrison, of Knightstown; Rev. Elwood
Scott, of Carthage; John Wesley Bishop and
others. Mr.. Bishop, as we'll the
other speakers, Is radical believer
in the third-party movement He boosted that
he was holding position as postal clerk on the
eastern division of the Vandalia line, under
Democratic administration, being appointed to
the position while the Republican party was in
power. The sentiments expressed by the speak
ers were not received with approval by many of
their hearers
This morning, at o'clock a meeting for wor-
ship was held in the church. There was mod
erate-sized audience present. The customary
talks prayers and religious experience relat-
ing took place. At 10 A. NJ the business
conference convened In joint session of men and
prayers, talks and Scripture reading were held
The clerk then began the business of the meet.
ing by reading the opening minute. He read
the names of the persons who composed the com
mittees appointed to look after the home mis-
sion affairs of the church.
Just prior to the close of yesterdays afternoon
session new committee appointed to re-
consider the minute adopted by the representa-
tive no,,s meeting recently held at Indian
Ohio Yearly Meeting, and numerous ministers
of the church. for advocating water baptism, and
sent out here for the approval of the Western
Yearly Meeting. The clerk stated that the COM
mittee had made its report, which he proceeded
to read Their decision was similar to that of
the former committee. with the exception of
few amendments which were made in the min
ute. When the clerk asked the society whether
the report should be accepted, an animated dis
cussion took place between the representatives.
Many were IN favor of its adoption, while others
violently protested against the society taking anv
action in regard to the matter, as it would only
bring disssnson in the church. After occupying
two hours in discussing the matter. the society
finally agreed to proposition to neither reject
nor accept the minute but let it pass till some
future sitting. The question of water baptism is
already producing discord in the church to an
alarming degree, and it is believed that another
church separation will ultimately result from it.
After the temporary settlement of this mat
ter, the report on Earlham College came before
the assembly for reading and consideration. The
report was carefully prepared. and showed the
college to be in excellent condition. It's financial
condition was never better. while there has been
marked increase in the attendance during the
past year. It's corps of teachers and their work
are above reproaeh. Much of the schools ad-
vancement 10 due to their untiring energy and
perseverance. The present outlook for the col
lege. judging from the report. is encouraging
New trustees of the college were appointed to
serve during the next three years. At the sug-
gestion of the society. b. C. Hobbs, Amos Doan
and one other person were appointed to the posi-
ton.
The consideration of the Indian affairs of this
Yearly Meeting was to have taken place at this
session, but time would not permit, and it was
referred to the afternoon meeting. During the
progress of the morning conference religious
service was held in the tent.
At2P. NJ. the business assembly convened in
joint session. There were several earnest ap-
peals made for contributions and appropriations
for the carrying on Of the Earlham College ed
ucational work by its president, Rev. Allen Jay,
and others The appeal called for 81. 500.
The report of the committee on Indian affairs
Of the Yearly Meeting was read It was vol
luminous, but interesting. The church has sew
eral Indian schools established in the South and
West, all of which doing good and efficient
work. They are in charge of church mission
aries Their attendance is limited in numbers
by the government The report was approved
after some discussion. and the meeting ad-
journed. The Women's Foreign Missionary So
ciety of this Yearly Meeting met at the church
night for the transaction of business relating
to the society.