The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-02-24
THE CHURCH ORGAN.
BY John A. MadrOn.

BY John A. MadrOn.
Stanhope Christian Church was dead. All
the Methodists and Presbyterians said so,
and the Baptist joined in the chorus. If so
numerous and respectable portion Of the
community said so, why should the INSANE
tilted doubt? 1t was distressing state of
affairs to be sure and the organ was the
cause of it all. One bigoted man, to whom
contrarlness seemed a virtue, did not believe
that hymns should be sung to the music
of an instrument with the devil in it. His
objections were perpendicularly emphatic.
Every member asked every other member
what was to be done. The congregation had
repeatedly urged Elder Andrews to allow
the use of the organ There was a good one
standing idle in the church, but he did not
want 10 offend anybody, he said, and thought
il had better not be. The argument was
made that there was only one person TO be
offended, while, on the other hand, the at
tendance was falling of dreadfully, and that
even many members were Joining
rival organizations, where progression
had pushed fogyisu from their
doors. But it was of no avail
The singers We're in despair, and as time
went on and the affairs of the church went
from bad 70 worse, it was finally resolved to
bring matters to a crisis. So, at Wednesday
2ight prayer meeting, committee was APP
pointed to call upon Mr.. Andrews, to insist
upon the playing Of the organ on the very
-Iext Sunday. The committee was composed
Of John Ellis, who led the singing, and was
good, honest Christian with progressive
ideas; Alice Barnett, who was organist for
the Sunday-sehOOl. and Douglas Alcott, who
made it point of business to believe in the
views Of church pOlity held by the level
headed Alice, for she was soon to become his
wife. Alcott had subscribed 500 to the or
gan fund. and did not attempt to-conceal his
vexation at its enforced silence.
Friday afternoon was the time appointed
to call upon the pastor. At 3 o'clock Of that
day Douglas walked very rapidly toward the
Barnett residence, in order to have a chat
with Alice before John Ellis came. The fair
musician was alone as he entered the parlor,
and she came forward to meet him with
troubled eyes.
What is 1t, Alice?" Douglas asked. i
know you have something serious TO tell
me-"
Il have Just been thinking, Douglas" she
answered, whether we ought to ask Mr..
Andrews to do this thing. You know the
burden of the blame viii fall upon him. and
Mr.. Dodge is such a vindictive mani / be-
lieVe ] have actually grown nervous think
ing about it."
"You must not think of it, then. But
tell you, Alice, we must use the organ, we
must have a choir, and be generally a little
more modern, or, TO use John Ellis words,
Cur church will he mined / admit thaf II
is a little hard on the Elder to have to
shoulder the blame, but he can well afford
TO carry it, even at the expense of MORALLY
offending Old Dodge"
"That is Just it." Alice exclaimed. Il
can not believe that he really cares about
Mr.. Dodge's likes or dislikes concerning the
church, for he must know that's obstinate
man can not be Christian. There is
something else at the bottom of the trouble
Why, what else could there beP' Douglas
asked, surprised
Il viii tell you, but you must not men
ton it. j was walking on Nam street To-
day and | passed Mr.. Dodge and Elder An
drews, who were talking very earnestly. |
heard the Elder say, Well, i was not to
blame, and God knows / am trying now TO
preach the Gospel as il should be preached
] did not understand Mr.. Dodge's reply, but
j think he shook his INST in the Elders face,
and know by his looks that he was very
angry have been wondering ever since
whether Mr.. Andrews has secret
"a good cause for wonder, indeed" said
Alcott, laughing. "You will make a novel
list. Do you suspect that he has murdered
wife or robbed a bankP'
''Oh, dear no. / never thought of anything
half so serious that but there is John Ellis
coming, and it is time for US to 60. 1 will
run and get ready while he is coming in, for
be is so dreadfully impatient" and as the
punctual John came in at one door the o5
bging Alice went out at another.
well, Alcott, are you ready, / always
make il a rule to be on time, and-but here
is Miss Barnett now" That young lady
came in smiling and prepared for the street.
u did not keep you waiting to-day Mr..
Ellis ] know you want to be on time and L
hurried"
Let rs precede them to the house OF the
pastor and judge for ourselves what manner
Of man he is. We pass down pleasant
street until we come to church, which we
know by its very plainness was built by the
followers OF Alexander Campbell. Next TO
the church is a cottage standing little back
from the street. The small yard in front is
made beautiful with flowers Of almost every
variety. We pass in at the gate and up the
walk - the front door, which stands partly
open. We stop now, for there are voices
within.
81 am afraid, Anna" the good man is say
ing. that il is not worth while for me to try
to stay here Dodge says If the organ Is
played be viii surely tel al be knows about