The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-09-04
LIFTING CHURCH DEBTS.
HOW THE SUM OF $4,000 WAS
RAISED BY A DENVER MINISTER

More Than $4,000 Raised in Tw'
Weeks, and the Debts of Three
Churches Of Different Denomination
Wiped Out A Scene of Enthusiasm
In two weeks Denver churches have
succeeded in raising $4,000 ant
lifting the debts off three churches O
different denominations. Circulars
inviting people to come to the church
and contribute to the debt-raising were
distributed, and regardless Of denomi
nation or creed, everybody joined in
the movement, and by the fusion o.
forces the end was accomplished,
Trinity M. E. Church is the most
aotable example of success in debt
:aising. Trinity is the largest church
and the most extensively constructed
edifice of the Methodist denomination
in the United States. But almost all
VI it's liberal donors met with reverses,
and their fortunes of millions melted
away like so much snow before the
| sun. Thus it came to pass that Trim
ity NJ. E. Church, from being the fore
most and most wealthy organization in
the West, felt the pressure Of distress,
and found mortgages confronting the
trustees, with little or no prospect of
meeting them. The sum of $780,
was demanded in the most imperative
manner. Something had to be done,
and it was done. To-day there is not
cent Of indebtedness, and the con-
3regation breathes freer.
A fair share of the amount came
from Catholics, who wrote their checks
Tor sums ranging from $500 to $1,000.
The credit for the liquidation may be
ascribed to Major Elijah Halford, pay
master United States army, attached
to the department of Colorado, with
headquarters at Denver. His brain
attacked the subject in way that
could only be devised by one skilled
In tho expedients of newspaper
training. His enthusiasm became
infectious, the newspapers supple
mented him with able descriptions
Of the efforts to float Trinity and the
church became the center of an ex-
element that has not had its equal in
the history Of the city.
To raise $4,000 in one day, after
the resources Of the people had been
drained to the last cent, was an under
taking of q stupendous character,
but the pastor tackled the subject as
manfully as if it was his first appeal
for funds. After the Introductory re-
marks brilliant idea occurred to one
man, who proposed that the roll be
called by States. The first response
was from an Arizona cattle man, who
had just dropped in to kill time. he
saw the preacher for 500, and then a
tall man in the gallery offered 800 for
Illinois. Ohio came next with 5000,
while Pennsylvania and Missouri fol-
lowed with 5000. Indiana was hold
ing a caucus in corner, and was next
to respond with $500. Foreign coun-
tries were called, and the first contri-
button from over the water came from
Japan. A young Japanese from the
coast, who had been married the day
before to a white teacher, was the
giver of IS. Germany, France and
England strove for honors, and little
Finland gave 81. These small amounts
did more to enthuse the people than
any of the great sums that had been
reported earlier, and then the fun be-
gan. Away up in the topmost row of
the gallery was a broad-shouldered
man, who shouted, II give S. for
Montana" throwing gold coin down.
at the preacher. In minute men in
al parts of the house arose and threw
gold and silver in the direction of DR..
Cobern, the pastor. Every now and
then DIR. Cobern would turn, and,
waving bis arms wildly in the air,
would shout:
''Sing, brothers, sing; we've got an
other thousand"
Then the organist would strike the
keys Of the great organ with a trium-
plant crash and the audience would
sing, the Doxology rolling through the
great church in wave of majestic
melody.
'Here's two for $3.50 each, said the
doctor; "that makes $4,000 now; sing
it, sing it, and the reverend gentle
man turned to the choir behind him
and shouted in his enthusiasm. The
choir sang, and the people, too,
"Here's one for 5000. That makes
the $50, Now the mortgage is
of: Sing, for you've rolled the mort
gage off,"
Then the congregation sang Good
be with you till we see you again." in
honor of DR.. Cobern, who will leave
for three months trip to Europe this
week. a,t
The other churches that raised debts