The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-06
A RECEPTION TO MR.. BEEcHER.
The Distinguished Preacher Entertains the
Ministers Association with "reminiscences.

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher was given an in
formal reception, yesterday forenoon, by DR..
and Mrs. N. A. Hyde at their residence. The
occasion was tho meeting of the Indianapolis
Ministerial Association, and there were about
forty ministers present
A communication from Mayor Denny was
read concerning the suppression of the circula
ton of obscene literature. He stated that the
city ordinance was imperative, but thab the
State law provides ample authority for dealing
with the question. Row ]. NJ. Barley, State
secretary of the Y. NJ. G. A. of Michigan, pre-
sented the cause of the Association in Indanapo-
iis. The meeting warmly commended the Y. M.
G. A. building project, aud a subscription was
literally signed.
DIR. f. A. Bradley read an interesting paper
on the charities ane benevolent institutions of
the city, which brought out remarks from a
number of the ministers. DR.. Bradley took the
position that the public charities should be in
the hands of neutral persons, and not in the
control of those who might be termed ''offens-
lively ministerial" He held to the proposition
that if some other man than minister could be
found-he himself knew of none who could and
would do it as Mr. McCulloch does-he thought
that the duties of the direction of the charities,
if devolved upon him, would probably lead to
more liberal .co-operation on the part OF many
persons
Mr. Beecher entertained the association with
"reminiscences of his life as pastor in Indian
apols. His visit was due to the fact that Mrs.
Hyde is q daughter of his old friend, the late
Stoughton A. Fletcher. A portion OF Mr. Beech
er's remarks were as follows:
tWhen was here there were not more than
4, 900 inhabitants. We couldn't get many to-
gether for presbytery or synod as you have in
your local society. can't find my way about
Indianapolis now, though lived here eight
years The cemetery is an interesting place to
me- Most of my old friends are sleeping there;
and, though there used to be good deal Of sleep
ing under my sermons they sleep better where
they are.
II am most happy to meet you, brethren.
Whenever cross the line Of Indiana | feel as il
am coming home Here some Of my children
were born. Although have had good deal Of
life since leaving here, my heart clings to the
place where was passed so important portion of
my early ministry. Some Of the ministers of the
early time were remarkable men-fuil of heav-
emily flavor. / am under the greatest obligations
to them.
THE baptisms in the old time were interest
ing to the people. Sometimes the ministers
united for a public immersion. On one of these
occasions l had big carpenter on hand. He
was nearly seven feet tall We walked into the
water together, and when was in nearly to my
shoulders my friend was hardly wetting his
knees I turned to him, and suggested that
either this thing would have to stop or | should
have to swim. Being a carpenter. he said he
would double up like rule. When he was on
his knees got on very well"
The association took lunch with DIR. Hyde's
family, at the conclusion of the proceedings of
the meeting