The Washington times., 1895-03-26
Discussed al The Congregational
Clubs Annual Dinner.
SUNDAY SCHOOL is HARMFUL
Prof J. ". chieksring Belisves Il Stands In
ths Way Of Church. Bible, and Home
Secret Societies Condemned By Kr. 3. P.
Ravis-Christian EndsavOrers and 7. n.
C. A. Furnish ArgumentA

The annual meetingOf the Washington
Congregational Club last night opened with
a prayer, was continued with the election
OF officers and a dinner, and closed
with a discussion OF THE Benefits and
Perils TO Religion, Charity and Social Re
form in the Multiplication of Societies and
Organizations, followed by benediction
and song. Music and recitations varied
the programe.
Justice Brewer, of the United States su-
preme Court, president of the society,
called the meeting to order, and asked
Prof. EveIl, of Howard University, to ask
a Divine blessing upon the evenings pro-
ceedings. After routine reports Mrs. NJ. a
Miller and Messrs. W. II. Pennell, W. II.
Hart, VIM. L. Marsh, and A. s. Perham
were elected members. Mr.. Ewen, for
the nominating committee, said it was
with regret they allowed their presiding
officer to retire, but he would accept no al
tentative He read the officers and COM
mittees for the ensuing year as follows.
President, S. NJ. Newman, ID; vice pres
idents, j. f. Rankin, LII. D.. Prof. j. W.
CEickeEing, Rev. NJ. Ross FishbBrn, A p.
Eastman: secretary, g. A. L. MerriGeld;
treasurer, Alfred Wood; executive COM
mittee, j. B. Johnson, j. W. Somerville,
E. YoUngs; outlook committee, Rev. B. W.
Pond, Rev. E. A johnson, W. C. Tyler,
Loring Chapel, b. p. Davis; nominating
committee, Prof Isaac Clark, P c. Claf-
lin, n. f. Young, II NJ. Kingsley, Rev.
a Reach: reception committee, Prof. q.
j. Cummings, John B. SIeman, jr., ".
Lamborne, Prof II. A. HaZen, Jerome
F. Johnson, F. L. Campbell, and T. S.
Fishback.
,T,ho tie+ ,-,s o,,,,-,-.7 h. mo ,i,,,o-,s .,
sent, and Judge Brewer, with word Of
pleasantry, adjourned the meeting TO the
dinIngroom.
SPEECHES ON ORGANIZATION.
Opening the literary exercises Judge
Brewer called on Prof. Isaac Clark. Of How
ard University.
Prof Clark said there were undoubt-
edly benefits by the multiplicity OF soci-
eties. In this way mighty army or workers
was called into the field. On the other
hand, there was danger or coming 10
glory in organization for itself. An ex-
ample of this was likely 10 be seen here In
1896, when 100 600 Christian Endeav-
orers would be here. This tended to make
workers satisfied with the organization
as a result.
Again, there was a danger OF taking
some brilliant Outw ard achievement as
Z n
petition OF the Womeu's Christ au Do on.
which should not be SO taken. The highest
result always must be internal, unseen,
Transforming.
Mr.. John TweedaIe recited Rley's My
Philosophy" in admirable style.
Prof. Chickering, in witty speech, said
there was danger OF organization Just TO
see the wheels 90 round. Again. the organ
fZation sometimes comes into opposition
to the home. the first, best, and greatest
organization. the organization established
by God Himself.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HARMFUL.
Anything that deracts the least from
the home is an evil Take the sunday
school. 1t does ham in three ways. 1t
keeps children from church. 1t breaks up
connected study of the Bible 1t stands in
the way of religious instruction in the
home
Miss Brewer then sang Gould but come
to Thee" with an exquisite artistic finish
that won round OF applause.
Mr.. B. T. Davis, continuing the discussion,
told how he had seen 400 soldiers disperSe
a mob OF 10000. Organizations might
be hurtful, such as were formed to force
results or to use violence. Then there are
the secret societies. Were there ever any
good things accomplished by secret So
cieties? Truth, justice, benevolence love
the light and avoid secrecy.
Mems organizations, for men only, are
very questionable organizations. These
are frequently used to swagger and swear,
to get drunk and befoul body and mind.
Women's societies are just as bad. The
bachelor is a dislocated fragment, and his
lost counterpart is no better. The So
cieties of the church are unmitigated good,
but let them remember that they are inter-
dependent and all su bordinate to the
church.
Miss Edith Merrificld rccited so well "A
Boys Night Vision,' that she was recalled,
and recited the kissing experience of VIII
and Marguerite at seven and seventeen.
SHOULD GO NO FARTHER.
Rev Adam Reach said in the evenings
discussion that organization maps out
the field and classifies the workers. Pass
ing to the other side, there doubtless may
be too many organizations. When the
legitimate unforced demand ceases and the
spirit to carry out is lacking, organization
should go no farther.
DR.. Newman was then introduced to take
his place as president of the club. After
humorous touch, he turned his attention
to the question of organization. He said
God had set his stamp of approval upon
organization by making it the plan of his
work. The most complex organizations are
from his hand.
Yet the danger is apparent, for some
people would be better without heads.
Further, some organizations would be
better off if the heads were dismissed from
them. What we should do is not to try to
overthrow organizations, but to put better
blood into them and develop them into
more perfect life.
Prof. II. A. HaZen then read q testimonial
to the memory of NJ. j. F. Green, the only
vrI, daatH w raRnrdad DIR