The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-22
PLAN
OF CHURCH UNION
IA. P, M. f, Congregational
and United Brethren.
IN WASHINGTON CONFERENCE
Proposition Comes Before Methodist
Protestants This Week-Eminent
Speakers Will Discuss It.

Developments at yesterdays session Of
the general conference of the Methodist
Protestant Church at the North Caro-
lima Avenue Church disclosed PROPOSE
ton to include the Methodist Episcopal
Church In the contemplated union of the
Methodist Protestant denomination
with the Congregational and United
Brethren Churches. In fact, a vital step
toward such amalgamation was taken
IN the acceptance of a memorial pre-
pared BY the Baltimore Conference Of
the Methodist Episcopal Church for ref
erence 10 the present general conference,
which provides for immediate considera-
ton Of the proposition.
The memorial Of the sister denomina-
ton was presented to the conference
through the Rev. DR.. F. T. Little, presi-
dent Of the Maryland Conference of the
Methodist Protestant Church 1t rec
ommerds the appointment OF a commits
sion by the Methodist Protestant Church
to confer with a similar commission 10
be chosen by the general conference Of
the Methodist Episcopal Church to con-
slider the question of merging the two
into one body. or 10 form
some plan Of union
Will Go to Los Angeles.
In submitting the memorial DR.. Little
made the announcement that a COPY
Will be presented at the general con-
ference OF The Methodist Episcopal
Church. 1ow IN session at Los Angeles.
There IS every Indication. he said that
tho proposition will be given exhaustive
consideration by that conference.
Owing 10 the fact that the matter Of
a UNCONVENTIONAL union with any of the
churches concerned has not come befor.
thei conference officially. discussion OF
the proposition was put of for a day
OF two. Negotiations looking toward a
union have 50 far been carried on in an
unofficial capacity. and until the con-
ference takes recognition of the mat
ter all consideration Of it will be de-
ierred The memorial was therefore
placed in the hands of President TaCg.
TO be referred by him to the proper COM
mittee
Far-Reaching Movement.
The addition Of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church in the plan Of union makes
he present union movement the most
-ar-reaching in its scope that has ever
)cen conceived with the intention of be-
ng put into execution. a union OF this
nature. however tentative II may be at
irst. would make the churches. concern
ID one OF the largest and most powerful
'eNgious bodies In the world If the
plan Is carried into effect. it would per-
laps mean eventually the consolidation |
II all the Protestant churches.
The Rev. NJ. L. Smith Of West Vir-
yinia, conducted devotional exercises. al
the opening Of yesterdays conference.
The financial report of the secretary
was submitted and referred to the audit |
ing committee, and later reported back. !
announcement was made that a report |
had been received from Mrs. r. T. WI
son, secretary OF the Woman's Home |
Society. and 1t was referred !
10, the committee on missions. The re
port OF the president of the Western |
Maryland College was referred TO the |
committee on education
Shortly before adjournment a motion |
was made that copies Of the syllabus |
adopted by the Joint union committee be |
printed and distributed among the dele |
gates The contention was made that |
he question for consolidation was the |
vital subject which the church had un- |
Ter confederation, and that even though /
lnce Of the negotiations, II was a sub
ect with which every delegate should be |
thoroughly acquainted when argument |
s begun next week. This resulted |
n a spirited discussion. in which the |
question Of the contemplated union |
figured largely.
The Rev DR.. w. NJ. Strager. of Balti- 1
more, made vigorous protest against |
he motion, declaring that the question |
If a UNCONVENTIONAL union was not the /
ivest which the church had TO deal /
With. Such action, he said, would |
pread the Idea that this one question |
vas all the church had TO live for,
While in reality the great problems are
hose or fostering the educational In |
erests ana extending the missionary /
work. II IL better he declared. 10 bend |
heir efforts toward building up these in
ututions OF the church than to divert /
heir attention toward something In the |
ar distance.
The motion was rejected.