Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-01-27


another direction he is at liberty to
choose another parish. But he is the
finest pulpit minister we ever had, and
no one doubts his entire sincerity. He
Is a remarkable man in many re-
spects."
Yes. but sincerity may be very
awkward thing carried too far. And
in this matter of the parsonage | don't
see how the trustees can allow it. Why,
what would the other churches think
of it? Calvary church cannot allow
anything of the kind for the sake of Its
reputation. But l would like to hear
Mr.. Winters opinion. He has not spo-
ken yet"
The rest turned to the mill owner,
who. as chairman of the board. usual
ly had much to say and was regarded
as q shrewd and careful business ad-
wiser. In the excitement Of the occa-
sion and discussion the usual formali-
ties of a regular board meeting had
been ignored.
Mr.. Winter was evidently embarrass-
ed. He had listened to the discussion
Of the minister with his head bent
down and his thoughts in a whirl OF
emotion both for and against the pas
tor. His naturally inclined business
habits contended against the PROPOSE
ton to give up the parsonage. His
feelings Of gratitude to the minister for
his personal help the night Of the at
tack by the mob rose up to defend him.
There was with 1t all an undercurrent
of self administered rebuke that the
pastor had set the whole church an ex-
ample Of usefulness. He wondered
how many of the members would vol
UNFAIRLY give up half their incomes
for the good Of humanity. He wonder
ed in a confused way how much he
would give up himself. Philips SER
mon had made q real impression on
him.
There is one point we have not dis
cussed yet" he said at last, land that
is Mr.. Strong's offer of half his sal
ary to carry on the work Of chill
dren's refuge or something Of that
kind"
How can we accept such an offer?
Calvary church has always believed In
paying its minister good salary and
paying it promptly, and we want our
minister to live decently and be able
to appear as he should among the best
people," replied the nervous little man
who had been first to speak.
"Still. we cannot deny that 1t Is a
very generous thing for Mr.. Strong
to do. He certainly is entitled to cred
it for his unsclfish proposal. No one
can charge him with being worldly
minded" said Mr.. Winter. feeling q
new interest in the subject as he found
himself defending the minister.
!"Are you in favor Of allowing him
to do what he proposes in the matter
of the rarsonage" asked another.
81 don't see that we can hinder Mr..
Strong from living anywhere he
pleases II he wants to. The church
cannot compel him to live in the par
sonage."
mo. but 1t can choose not to have
such Minister exclaimed the first
speaker again excitedly. land for one
am most decidedly opposed to the
whole thing. | do not see how the
church can allow it and maintain its
self respect"
do you think the church is ready to
tell Mr.. Strong, that his services are
not wanted any longerT' asked Mr..
Winter coldly.
81 am. for one Of the members, and
know others who feel as | do If mat
ters go on in this way much longer. |
tell you, Brother Winter, Calvary
church is very near a crisis. Look at
the Goldens and the Malverns and the
Albergs. They are all leaving us, and
the plain reason is the nature Of the
preaching. Why, you know yourself,
Brother Winter, that never has the
pulpit Of Calvary church heard such
preaching on peoples private affairs"
Mr.. Winter colored and replied angri-
ly: What has that to do with this
present matter? If the minister wants
to live in a simpler style, l don't see
what business we have to stop it. AS
to the disposition Of the parsonage,
that Is matter Of business which
rests with the church to arrange"
The nervous, irritable little man who
had spoken oftenest rose to his feet
and exclaimed: "You can count me out
of all this, then. | wash my hands Of
the whole affair."" And he went out Of
the room. leaving the rest Of the board
somewhat surprised at his sudden de-
parture.
They remained about quarter Of an
hour longer discussing the matter, and
finally, at Mr.. Winters suggestion, a
committee was appointed to go and see
the minister the next evening and see
if he could not be persuaded to modify
or change his proposition made in the
morning sermon. The rest Of the truS-
tees insisted that Mr.. Winter himself
should act as chairman Of the commit
tee, and after some remonstrance he
finally, with great reluctance. agreed
to do so.
So Philip next evening, as he sat in
his study mapping out the weeks
work and wondering little what the