The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-10-09
WOMEN As PREACHERS.
Advents Hold They May
Not Be Ordained.
They We're Not 50 Set Apart in
Biblical Times.
Animated Debate in the
Conference.
Tie Closing Session Was Held
Tie Closing Session Was Held
Yesterday.

ut isthe sense OF the conference to re-
ceive for ordination women who are be-
lieved to be called of God to preach the
gospel" that was the substance Of n reso-
luton discussed by the Advent Christian
conference at Westbrook on Saturday and
defeated by single vote. This discussion
was one Of the most animated that has
been held in a religious conference In this
vicinity for long time. 1t was urged
among other objections to the passage Of
the resolution that women were hysical-
ly incapable Of performing the rite of
baptism ana in reply 1t was said that
men preachers who were blind or had
the rheumatism or other ailments might
also be incapacitated Another argu-
ment against the resolution was that in
Biblical times women were not called up
on TO preach the gospel A woman
preacher who is now settled in passionate
| said that she was ordained of God to
preach the gospel and said she did not
know why the conferences shonld not or
dain her. Another woman who has
preached for twenty years pleaded fur the
resolve not for herself but that her
church might not be- aebarred from the
administration Of the sacrament at her
hands.
Rev. K. p. Woodward, pastor Of the
Advent church of Portland. opened the
discussion, speaking in opposition to the
motion. Mr.. Woodward argued from
scriptursl standpoint. He showed that in
Biblical times women were not set apart
to the ministry of God. He said further
THAT every false religion of earth gener-
ally has some features connected with the
woman question which is OF vital import
ance to its existance and success but
which is not Biblical"
k.Rev. A. W. Taylor. of .Rockland, prssi-
dent of the conference, took the floor and
spoke earnestly favoring the axtensiop.of
rites Of ordination to women who are
| thoroughly devoted to thess.work OF the
gospel
| Mrs, Jessie K. Jordan. pastor OF the
church at Mechanic Falls, arose to a6-
dress the conference. Mrs Jordan an
nounced that she did not speak of the
question of ordination for herself. but on
behalf Of her church rs they have repeat
eddy asked her to apply for the rights OF
ordination. Mrs. jordan, In the course
of her remarks, said that in her childhood
she heard the voice of the spirit speaking
to her and pointing out her future life.
that 1t should be one consscrated to the
| service Of Christ. .When became CON-
verted the voice of God said + was to
preach the gospel" she said. "Othsr
men and women also told me that they
felt that should preach the gospsl. For
20 years I have preached and during that
time nave held license from the denomi-
nation. do not ask now tor ordination,
but simply present the request of my
pensioners for this recognition from the
| conference. For some years / was opposed
20 ordination for women but now believe
it ia right. have permission from God
| to preach the gospel, and now desire your
recognition through the rites Of ordina-
tlon. have been placed In charge Of
church as pastor for nine years. Unless
ordained my church is dsbarsed OF the ad-
ministration Of the Lords Supper at my
hanus. Shall my church be debarred Of
this ordinance because have not been Or
dained? Shall be deprived Of the fullest
fellowship with other denominations be-
cause / have not been ordaineds If am
worthy to preach the gospel; II am
worthy to associate with ministers Of my
town, shall be deprived Of the privilege
Of administering tho sacraments and the
rites of baptismf ask the gift OF ordi.
nation for the benefit merely OF my
church and people,"
Albion Ross of New Hampshire,
preacher of the gospel, spoke briefly In
favor Of ordination for women.
Rev. K. o. Dinsmore spoke briefly but
earnestly saying that he did not appre-
bend any dangers II rites of ordination
were extended to women preachers "We
license men to preach for definite
period" said he, .'until we have chance
to prove them as to their character and
| fitness for the work, but with woman
she may possibly preach for years with
only license from q conference. Why
should not the conference extend this
recognition to women?''
Rev. A. II. Kearney Of Dover said he
believed that the sisterhood had a placs
In the work Of the Lord, but did not be-
lieve in full ordination. If people are de-
barred by nature from performing all
work necessary in the ministry that was
a sufficient reason to deny the rites Of or
dination.
Rev. Mrs. S. K. Taylor Of Rocklsnd
followed Mr.. Kearney and made brief
summary of the arguments made pro and
con. Mrs. Taylor said; Considerable is
being said about women being physically
incapacitated from performing the rites
of babtism. but on the other hand no
Question is raised In the case Of q man
who may be blind, lame or suffering from
rheumatism, II such man desires ordl.
nation. What We AJAX for 10 equality.
Every woman chose to preach is ordained
Of God"
Mrs. Taylor stated that she did not de-