The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-25
TO AID NEEDY BRETHREN.
Startling Revelations of Starvation Salaries
for Ministers.

/ GtaTEunR lkGy8k8El0mS Oh SLaTNAClOn 66AhESeS
for Ministers.
| Philadelphia Special.
Some startling revelations were made in the
Methodist conference to-day, and rather warm
discussion was brought out by q resolution to
the effect that, towing to the great need OF
funds to support charges in eenters OF popula-
| tion where the appointments are weak, we Will
make an earnest and determined effort to raise
for the home mission and sustentation for the
present year the sum of 81, 000"
Presiding Elder Crouch, who presented the
resolution, made speech in which he said: we
have to-day able, enthusiastic and hard working
preachers laboring in small towns at $500 year.
These charges are isolated, some counting only
thirty five members, and yet these people are
Methodists, and they want the gospel OF Christ
and it is our duty TO provide them pastor. Now,
appeal to you, brethren-how can man sup
port wife and family on $300T
ats amazing to me-" said the Rev. William
Swindells presiding elder, ''how thirty or forty
of our preachers pay their debts It's marvel
to me how they can dress as they do. It's a
mystery to me how some of them get food. so
small indeed are their salaries"
The Rev. W. s. Thomas, also presiding elder,
followed. Its the mystery of mysteries, as
Brother Swindells says" he declared, "how
some of our pastors practice such economy.
know of one pastor the members of whose
family live on a per capita of four cents day.
This seems incredible, and some of you will
doubt it, but l can prove it. I have the facts,
and the man sits in this conference.
II regard the statement questionable, to
say the least" remarked j,-ay-haired pastor in
one of the front pews.
II am sorry" retorted Presiding Elder
Thomas, that any minister of this conference
should doubt my word. say have the data OF
the case have stated. and but for feeling Of
delicacy for the pastor in question would place
it before you"
mo. no; that would never do" was heard on
all sides.
"Of course mott resumed the presiding elder.
II wouldn't think of doing such q thing. The
pastor refer to is plunged in debt and is trying
to get out Of his trouble. His wife has been
compelled to overwork herself through the
grinding necessity for economy, and l greatly
fear, brethren, that her health is in low state
in consequence. And this, mark you, is not an
isolated case. 1t is only one of many. Now 1
think it is high time that we were doing some
thing in this matter. / favor provision of not
less than $500 year for every pastor who has
served ten years / move the adoption of an
amendatory resolution that the needed funds be
obtained from the various districts by equal ap-
portionment."
This matter has startled me-" declared the
Rev. Charles w. Buoy, for in looking around
me in conference have always thought our
clergymen were well kept The exposure is dis
graceful. It may be likened unto the startling
expose of the management OF the soldiers orphan
homes. It's outrageous, brethren, that we have
pastors among us, able and intelligent men,
laDorlDg IOr pouu OF PAUL year, ana tnlS TOO, In
State that prides itself On giving the largest
amount to the missionary cause of any State in
the Union. Think of it, brethren. Think of
our million-dollar call for missions and poor
clergymen scraping along on $500 year. It's
outrageous. This is blot upon the conference
that should be removed. No pastor can support
family on $500 or $780, or $500 year. He
needs MORE"
Several other speeches followed. and then the
Rev. William Swindells again took the floor and
%nAo AJ,z%sA H.
clared that, even if the districts did give S. 600
for ministerial sustentation, that amount would
not be sufficient to give every clergyman $500
year. Many" he added will get less than
$500. Ny resolution provides that we shall give
2 per cent. of the amount received for ministe-
rial support in every case where the amount
equals or exceeds 81, 000."
An outburst of applause testified to the &C.
ceptabiliry of this proposition. The resolution
was adopted The effect of Presiding Elder
Swindeirs proposition is to exact 2 per cent. of
every pastors salary where the amount reaches
exceeds 81, 600.