The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-23
Meets the Mormons
Alone
AND HOLDS HIS OWN
Spirited Debate on the Sub
.ject of Mormonism.
ne

Single-handed and alone Rev. w S.
Hawkes. entered the list against the
whole band of Worcester Mormons,
Tuesday evening, and held his own in
debate against one presiding elder, two
elders and a whole band of sympathiz-
ers with the doctrines of the Latter Day
Saints. Spacious arguments, plausible
sophistries and shafts of wit were met
and parted by the former minister,
who upheld the doctrine of social purl-
ty and the sanctity of the home against
roomful of opponents.
The discussion took place at the
home of George w. Cole, 81 Mason
street, and the active participants be
sides Rev. Mr. Hawkes. were Presiding
Elder John NJ. Whitaker of the New
England conference and Elders Wag-
staff and Mordock who have been la
boring in the Worcester field since last
spring. Mr. Cole is alleged to be one
of the recent local converts to Nor
monsm.
Some time ago Mr.. Cole and few
friends invited Mr.. Hawkes. to come
and tell them few things about
there. Mr.. Hawkes., suspecting trap,
refused to come unless it was prom
ised the elders would not be present
Later he withdrew this objection, but
only on condition that no argument
should be entered into. Therefore, he
feels that the methods taken to draw
him into discussion were untustifled
Mr.. Cole is foreman of the Cereal
Machine Company, on Jackson street
He has had difficulties with the Lincoln
Square Baptist Church, of which CON
gregation he was formerly a member,
and 1t is thought he has turned to Nor
monism as relief. The other converts
are likewise for the most part former
church members who, for a variety of
reasons are at odds with their con-
gregations.
The discussion started mildly, moth
ing occurring to presage the storm that
was soon to follow. number of the
guests announced their intention of
going to Utah, and numerous questions
were asked relative to the institutions
and customs of that portion of the
country. Mr.. Hawkes. freely admitted
the many excellencies of Utah, but
strongly advised any gentle from set
| Ting in that neighborhood. He said
| that those of a different faith We're dis
| eliminated against, and could find lit
| tie trade of any kind.
| Soon, however, Elder Whitaker came
in and the conversation Immediately
| became more vehement. Mr.. Hawkes.
was piled right and left with questions
bearing on the Mormon religion, every
| argument being met with others.
| mingled with attacks on the Christian
religion. Finally, seeing what o. dis
| advantage he was laborlng under, Mr.,
Hawkes. rose to leave. But the willy
elder would have none of it, They pre-
| seat, and not flee from the field Of bat
tie. Then the argument became hot
| and heavy Every phase of the Nor
| mon question was touched upon.
Mr.. Hawkes. stated that 1000 children
| had been born in Utah of plural mar
riages since the territory of Utah ac-
quired statehood in 1890. Elder Whit
| aker retorted that $4,000 abortions
were practiced in Boston last year, and
that polygamy was far better than the
existing system of moral depravity in
| New England Nearly all immortality
| was avoided, he said, by the Mormon
| system.
When asked squarely if he consid-
| cred the Mormons a moral and Cod
fearing people, Mr.. Hawkes. replied
| positively that he did not, and that
Utah was the plague spot of the coun-
! try on account of the Mormon evil.
| He further claimed that the Mormon
! church could easily have prevented the
| election of Congressman b. II. Roberts,
had they desired to.
During the discussion Elder Whit
| aker took copious notes, evidently for
future use in the correspondence he
keeps up with the Deseret News OF
Salt Lake City The company broke
up at II. but not before amicable rela-
| lions had been restored and the gath
ering had recovered its good humor
discussing light refreshments furnished
by Mrs. Cole Before he left, several
of the guests present told Rev. Mr..
Hawkes. that they hoped he would not
consider them Mormons. They were
merely interested listeners seeking
| light Mr.. Hawkes. expressed regret