The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-12
NEW RELIGIOUS METHODS IN NEW
ENGLAND.

Such doleful accounts of the declire OF re-
lgious influence and teaching in New Eng
land have been presented the past few
years that the impression has been created
that the land of the Puritans and of the
theology OF Jonathan Edwards is fast laps
ing into indifference regarding religion quite
as harmful as atheism. Governor Rollins,
Of New Hampshire, a little more than a
year ago. declared that heathenism existed
in many country regions. These represen-
tations have led to a careful investigation
by competent persons to ascertain If such
a deplorable condition exists. Those who
made the investigation reported that the
Protestant churches have not lost and are
not losing their influence upon Protestant
population in rural New England. 1t is
further declared that IN many portions of
New England an increasing interest is man.
ifested In spiritual matters. In Maine, about
ten years ago, President Hyde. of Bowdoin
College Congregationalist), and the heads
of other UNCONVENTIONAL schools were led to
consider the religious situation in the rural
portions of that State. They discovered
that the main cause Of the feebleness of re-
ligious effort was due to the existence, or
semi existence, of two or three churches in
a center of population where the people
were unable to support more than one The
discovery led to the organization of the In
terdenominational Commission Of Maine,
composed of representatives of the Congre-
gational, Baptist. Christian, Free Baptist
and Methodist denominations The declared
object of the commission was Ito promote
cooperation in the organization and main
tenance Of churches in Maine, to prevent
waste of resources and effort in the smaller
towns, and to stimulate missionary work in
the destitute regions" Those who made the
investigation found that under the united
efforts of that organization there has been
a decided awakening of interest in religious
matters. The doing away with the denomi-
nationalism which has divided the Protest
ant effort in the smaller towns seems to be
the agency which is bringing about the bet
ter results. In New Hampshire much bet
ter condition exists than in 1890 The Prot
estant churches are more than holding their
own. Here. too. the improvement is attrib-
uted to greater freedom from denomina-
tionalism" and instances are cited where q
single pastor working along broader lines
has changed a whole town from irreligion
to religion. Vermont women who have been
instructed in Mr.. Moody's training school
went into the sparsely populated portions
of the State and accomplished great work
Quite a number of new churches have beer
organized, and large congregations brought
together where religious services were in
frequent before these women began their
work Their plan is to bring all believers
together into one organization. When this
is done they are led to select the fellowship
of the church which will secure the best re-
suits.
Denominationalism, much as anything
else, seems to be responsible for the loss OF
popular interest in religion in rural New
England. 1t has caused several churches tc
live at a dying rate where there should b'
but one or two. Some of these have died
and upon their ruins the new policy is to
| build one congregation. letting it seek Eel
lowship with the denomination which i:
most natural. In other words. success Il
assured by forming a religious trust.