New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-27
CHURCH WORK IN FRANCE.
CONTENDING AGAINST HEAVY ODDS.
EVANGELIsTs SEEK ASSISTANCE IN SPREADING

EVANGELIsrs SEEK ASSISTANCE IN SPREADING
THE PROTESTANT FAITH
Frederic Necker, vlcepresdcnt OF the Evangelical
society 81 Geneva. and the Rev. F. j. Dupuy, pastor
OF the Reformed Church Of Paris, spoke yesterday
afternoon before large audience at the Fifth
Avenue Presbyterian Church. Fifty -Gfthst. and Fifth
ave- They are the delegates OF the Franco-American
Committee for the evangellzation OF France. They
represent TIE four evangelical societies at work I'm
France, which the Central Protestant Society OF
EvangelizatiOn. founded in 1896 the Evangellraiion
Committee Of the Free Church, founded In 1640 the
Evangelical Society OF France. founded In 1892, and
the Evangelical Society Of Geneva, founded In 1881
Frederic Ncckcr said I'm part, referring TO his
mission in connection with the French societies ::
AT their origin these societies received generous
contributions from the United states, and quite re-
Gently they wcie still sending delegates to collect
tho yearly contributions. but they have at last IN
derstocd that 1t difficult keep their indivldu
ality before the public and then they united to form
a committee representing the four societies. That IS
the Franco American Committee, winch sends Us
this year in place Of Professor Bertrand who cannot
come
We think this is the time for working with
energy. The present government allows q greater
religious freedom than has before been granted
In centres where ianaticism does not exist too
strongly people fall of the Roman Catholic Church.
in which they believe no more bu: too often ii Is
only 10 fall into indifference unbellef. Then IL is
noticed that interesting movement Is taking place
among intellectual men and university students,
which can bear much fruit or become fruitless oc-
ccrding to what is taken OF II. our four
cieteS work especially where there Is no religious
worship, and their aim is to try and establish new
churches. Thus considerable work Is done,
but II Is ta9 from Sufficient. Ih'
natural development OF this work creates increasing
needs. our four societies have spent $4,000 IN the
last year. They would need great deal more IN
order TO answer the pressing appeals that IRE made
But the French Protestant people cannot respond
as they wish to such demands. Their numbers are
too small. about 100000 lost among 31.O0O,oO0
Roman Catholics And II number one-tlrd Uni
tarans, and good number of indherenlly evan
genca there remains but an insufficient number 10
contribute to the large wants Of evangelization.
There many Presbyterian, Reformed Consrcga-
tonal, EplScopaan, Methodist and Baptist churches
II only half of these churches gave according 10 their
means, we would easily obtain the $4,000 which we
need.
To France you owe the blessings OF the Rcforma-
ton for II is fact that your churches, as rule,
are daughters of Calvin's reform. France was
the only nation 10 send you sympathy and help, when
you hai TO fight for your independence. You can
be twice grateful TO that country. We know that
you have not forgotten, but that you have proved
YOUR gratitude by your deep interest in the welfare
and the morals and spiritual amelioraton OF France
The Rev. +. j. Dupuy told the story OF the cx-
listing contest between Professionalism and Catholicism
In France and the constant though slow growth 81
the former He related number Of Instances wherc
former Catholics became Irotesiants IN the face Of
the strongest opposition Of the Roman Catholic clergy
". f. Dodge then spoke of the pleasure which the
meeting gave him, not only member of the
Protestant Church, but an American. lie assured
the speakers Of the sympathy o; all and the hearty
support and co cooperation for which they asked and
congratulated them upon the mastery they had gained
over the English Language.
The Rev Dr. John Hall. the pastor Of the church,
who presided at the service to point out few
Of the difficulties which confronted Roman Catholic
who changed his creed 10 Professionalism.
The Rev Or. d. j. Burrell referred TO the history
OF the Hucuenots, and 10 the persecution OF all
Protestants in France until within recent years.
The following statement shows the condition OF thr
work which Is now going on under the auspices OF
the four societies represented Churches In process
Of formation, III preaching stations through The
country, LOO. pastors ana cVaDeoll>ts, I1i Ihbic
cOlporeurs 10: school for training Of eNangcl.ats,
preparatory schools OF theology. =: theological sem
mary Bibles, including portions OF the pIl ana
New Testaments, distributed during loO-. 3b,JOD'
tracts, books etc. $1,000. Total cApcn,es for
1902. $4,000: total contributions, %l3o'op' de-
ucicucv, 10000.