The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-07-31
Church Festivals.

We do not propose to discuss the question
whether church festivals are right or not, a'
Il is matter about which there may be hon
est difference Of opinion, and will, no doubt
remain one Of those unsettled matters for al
time to come. Our contention is this; grant
ing that it is right for church to raise money
for some purposes In these ways, we mus
think the churches Of our town have carried
the festival and concert business far beyond
the bounds Of reason. 1t Is not necessary, mol
would 1t be proper, to particularize, for all are
on the same footing. Indeed the craze fol
making money by these methods has selzeo
upon almost all classes Of church members
The elder, the vestryman, the deacon and the
steward seem as anxious to see dime made
from the grab-bag (that thing OF nameless
and worthless articles) as does the innocent
little gil who imposing unwittingly. Now
what does all this mad rush to get money In
these doubtful May indicate? Certainly
not well settled purpose on the
part of members to meet in devoted, self
sacrificing way the legitimate expenses o
their churches. But are they legitimate ex
penses and expenditures? We doubt II they
are. All the churches of this place are built
on most extravagant plans and are attempt
ed to be conducted in like manner.
Nothing so becomes the christian as de-
sire to have the house Of worship beautiful
and comfortable, but when this is accomplish
ed by push here and dive there (the "dive
being too muddy" sometimes) it may we'll be
doubted If the course pursued is in keeping
with the true spirit of church liberality
Personally we do not object to the entertain
ments Of the churches, but when we see the
condemnation heaped by preacher and lead
ing member upon amusements INDUCED IN
by young people. we stand amazed at the
sight OF preacher and leading member sitting
for hours watching the stage-movements o.
their concerts, and we ask the question
where Is the difference between such con-
certs and q first-cass opera? and the answer
forces itself upon US that the latter has the
advantage.
It Is the Lords business to sit in concert
and listen to the monotomous strains, by do2
en- young ladies with church steeples ON theil
wards and from side TO side, Of the Muffin
man." or the more artistic, If not more doubt
full, tones OF esther or Ruth" But, an
gels and ministers OF grace defend US! IL Il
the DEVILS business to sit and listen to 6
splendid rendition by Abbott Of a strain from
ZIP Trovatore." or even 1.-The last Rose o
Summer"
We heard some one say not long since tina,
II he were rich he would endow every church
here in order to stop this unseemly scramble
for money. Perhaps he would not do so, ye
the expression indicates the feeling OF many
on the subject.
1t may be said that no one is compelled te
attend these concerts and festivals. That is
true. but this is q begging of the question. The
point is, such q course shows lack of tone IN
the membership and evidences the fact that II
does not meet the high obligations Of tn:
church as becomes high Christian charac
ter. Let the people have a rest on church
festivals-it has become weary.