The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-07-09
Members of Cabanne Methodist
Church, South, Discuss PrOpO-
sitiOn to Join st. Johns.
NO VOTE TAKEN ON QUESTION.
Majority Oppose the Plan-Others
May Withdraw From the Con
gregatiOn-PastOr Il. NJ.
Messick's Views.

The congregation OF Cabanne Methodist
church, South. yesterday determined not
to merge itself into ST. Johns Church for
the purpose of erecting a 100000 church
ediiice at the corner of Kings highway and
Washington avenue. No vote was taken on
the proposition. but from expressions of the
members present the plan Will not receive
their encouragement and support. The
meeting was harmonious, but some evil
dence Of deeper feeling cropped out at the
meeting that was probably not anticipated
Al times an outbreak was threatened. but
cool heads prevailed under the leadership
of the pastor. the Reverend Brinkley NJ.
Messick, who more than once poured oil On
tbs troubled waters.
The proposition was discussed at the reg
ular morning hour. instead of holding
church services. Doctor Messick stated that
proposition had been made to have the
congregation of Cabanne Church join with
the congregation of 81. Johns Church for
the purpose Of erecting a magnificent struc-
ture in the West End. In which all South
ern MetbOdists could gather. He declared
he had his eye on a great church there.
but 1t was not his purpose TO go so far
west. An effort had been made several
years ago. An option on Il lot had been Sc
cured by Cabanne Church and $500 sub
scribed. '"The hard times came On them
said Doctor Messick, "and We were forced
to abandon the idea subsequently lot was
purchased and a subscription Of 5000
raised for the purpose of erecting Il new
building. Three weeks ago 10 my amaze
ment. the plan was suddenly abandoned.
/ need not say why or how. The enterprise
died on our hands. The vision had disap-
peared. Another plan has been suggested
The congregation of st. Johns Church have
obtained eligible site at the corner or
Kings highway and Washington avenue
The members came to Us and stated the
proposition. and kindly invited us to share
with them IN this new idea i promised
them We would take the matter up
Doctor Messick advised his congregation
to accept the offer. declaring that 80 per
cent of St Johns congregation were his
personal friends. He declared the Cabanne
congregation could expect nothing from the
Church Extension Society. and il they did
not accept the offer. they would have TO
go into their own pockets fer a new church
in Cabanne.
III. %. Grubbs. one OF the deacons.. de-
ciared he thought it was good plan, but
it would be necessary to wait until con-
ference met because Of their covenant to
maintain the church and its pastor. Doctor
Messick, until October. I'VE can secure
young pastor then said he. until the new
church is finished in order to hold II to-
gether."
Mr. Herndon was against the proposition
from the start. He declared he thought
the church in Cabanne should be main
tanned. in the language Of Webster Da-
Wis at the Kansas City Convention" said
he. "Cabanne Church forever; any other
church. never. Build a small church here.
We are not in such a bad way here as re-
ports would have it. Let US put our hands
in our pockets and build a church here.
We can do 1t. and pay our pastor. too. I
am not in favor OF a boy preacher; 1 want
a good preacher.
One of the women members. Mrs. ]. c.
Chenoweth, declared she would not join
the Kings Highway Church under any cir
Several others expressed them
selves in a similar manner. Hugh Carlyle
declared there was no necessity to feel any
uneasiness. that the Cabanne Church would
remain.
John Hall. another prominent member,
came out in favor OF the proposition. Sew
eral members have told me they did not
want a little church." said he. 1.-THE new
church Is not a 81. Johns movement. II
80 OF the ST. Johns members it will not
be St Johns movement. l think We can
take 10 per cent of this membership
You can't take 10 per cent" interposed
Hugh Carlyle. which remark was probably
lost TO most Of the congregation. Mr.. I.egg,
one of the members of the board, asked
that test vote be taken, that We may
find out who our enemies are" Doctor
Messick here advised that the matter be
simply discussed In friendly manner. Mr.
Legg was supported in his request BY Mr.
Carlyle. but the minister refused to coun-
tenance q standing vote on the matter
Il will tell them that our people are aw-
fully divided the question:" said he
Mr.. GrubbS declared the new church
would not be called st. Johns Church but
would bear another name. while the pres
nhnsc
as chapel under the same name
The matter was then dropped with the
that the pastor would re-
port to ST. Johns congregation that the
Cabanne congregation could not agree on
the matter. and it would probably be
dropped. There IL a prospect, however
of its members. and the new church viii
secure them.