Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1899-11-15
A PEACE PROTOCOL.
Proposition which may Settle Relig-
ious Differences In East Franklin.

ious Differences In East Franklin.
For some two years the little commu-
nifty OF East Franklin has been divided in
Its religious work, on account OF denomi-
national feeling among the people.
Prior to two years ago, all the people
worshiped together under the name OF
Christian Endesvorers. As matter OF
fact the people are denominationalIv
divided in about the following propor-
ton, two-thirds Methodist and one-third
Free Baptist. But the place being SO
small-only thrty-fiye families In all
they felt that as Christian Endenvorers
they could work on Il common ground
for the spiritual advancement OF the com
munity without the friction and jealousy
that usually exist in small places where
two or more denominations are repre-
scented. The result OF this was y. p. 5.
c. e. OF from seventy five to eighty active
members, and about twenty. five associate
members, and c. L. Sunday school with
a membership OF l25, and an average at
tendance OF seveuty-tive. These two
organizations did splendid work, in the
winter OF 80, and the records show that
the number OF conversions reached the
grand total OF twenty-eigh
About this time questions arose that
eventually resulted in the separation OF
the people, the Free Baptist recognizing
their church, Sunday school and young
peoples society, and the Methodists
afiiliating their Sunday school and young
peoples society with the Methodist
church at the village, each holding their
services by themselves.
The dit,icuItie- hiah arose and the dis
cussion which attended this disunion
gave rise to more or less hard feeling and
strained family relations, all OF which
things have retarded religious work and
lessened the good influence that usually
attend Christian effort.
But now the people are becoming con-
scious OF this sad condition. and a. re-
suit, plan for reconciliation IL being
brought before the community. II is rec
ognized that to have the matter settled
permanently, 1t must be on a basis that /
will remove the cause OF strife, which is /
denominationalism. This is the plan pro-
posed:
First, /, Is asked that the Methodists concede
Second. That the Free Baptists dissolve their
church organizations.
Third That the Methedi-ts dissolve their
sunday school.
Fourth. That the Free Baptists dissolve their
Sunday school.
Ftfth, That the Methodists cease all denomi.
national work.
Sixth. That the Free BAptIsts cease all de
nominatIonal work.
serenth. That society that shall be
known a the Undenominattona1 Christian En-
deaYor. shall be organized.
gighh That one sunday school shall be
organized to be known the Undenomna
tlonai Christian Endeavor sunday school.
Ninth, That the time shall be equally divided |
between the Free Baptist and Methodist preach (
crs.
Tenth, That all money collected from the /
sunday school shall be used to advance sunday |
school work.
EjereHth. That all money collected from Y d. |
=. ;. C. +. shall be used to advance C +. work. !
Ttec'nt. That the ministers salaries shall be
paid by subscription and collections, each pay.
ing What and to whom he prefers
Thirteenth, That In the near future a
Christian Eudeayor chapel be built with the
funds now on hand and what may be collected /
hereafter for that purpose, 10 be owned and
controlled Tor all t!me by said society.
fourteenth, That the peace Of God and the
fellowship O: His spirit be with this effort.
Last Sunday Mr.. Lombard, the Metho-
dist minister, laid this plan before his
people, saying 1t met his fullest approval. /
The vote to accept II WAS unanimous,
The Free Baptist people now have the |
matter under consideration, and in all |
proba hiity will vote to accept 1t.
Speak ing OF The proposed consolidation !
OF religious interests, AN Ellsworth pastor
said recently: AT is refres hing to notice, |
not only in East Franklin but in other |
places rs we'll. this breaking down OF de-
nominational lines and prejudices, that
the cause Of God may prosper. 1t is an
indication that the people rs they get
more intelligent idea OF the Bible are
entering more and more into the spirit
of its eachings."