Omaha daily bee., 1906-09-24
NEW PASTOR WELL GREETED
Rev Frank L. LoVeland Resolves Cordial
Welcome at First Methodist
URGES ALL TO WORK FOR ONE PURPOSE
Not Come rs Dictator, hut a. an
Ambassador Of Christ 60 Wake
Church Power In the
city.

Rev. Frank L. I.oveland delivered bis
initial sermon TO the congregation OF tho
First Methodist church yesterday morning
and was welcomed by large attendance
Mr. Joveland came to Omaha from Water
loo. Ia, 70 hold the services and will re-
turn there this week TO close M his pastor
ate. Consequently he will not hold services
here next Sunday
For almost an hour yesterday morning
ne held his audience spelbound. His
sermon was longer than usual. but he was
able to keep the attention OF the people
from the time he began until he closed.
Experience on the lecture platform has
made him master Of the art Of public
speaking. His dlction Is very simple and
his thought vigorous. He clothes his
thought IN imagery that makes his sermon
especiallv attractive. He also showed con-
siderable strength as word painter snh
his sermon was filled with sharply drawn
descriptions
Rev. Mr.. Ioveland is a man Of some
what striking appearance. lie Is tall and
his massive frame. strong face and iron
gray hair give an impression OF power ana
dignity. He has heavy voice that enables
him to be heard with ease in all parts of
the church.
Before his sermon he spoke feelingly OF
his old home and friends in Iowa, where ne
said he spent the greater part OF his lfe'
1.-THE people over there" he said, nave
been very good TO me and have deep feel
,nes of emotion as think Of giving up'my
bovhood friends to come here. But you
have treated me so cordially and your
hand shake has heen so hearty that l am
sure YOU are going to give us warm place
in your hearts
IT do not come to you as dictator or
as a Judgment giver. I come as an am
hassador of the Lord Christ. And as your
pastor I ask your cooperation, and above
ali ask the cooperation OF the Master"
All work Together.
In his sermon he made no reference TO
any factionalism in the church, but he
turned from the text long enough to make
an earnest plea for everyone to work Tor
the interests of the church as whole. In
part he said
"Our supremest business today is Identical
with the supremest business of Christ when
He was here on earth, namely. to do our
Fathers business in businesslike way.
Our church means something. But should
Il ever happen that this particular church
should fail to stand for Christ. then you
had better sell II for factory. l come
not alone as an ambassador. but to put my
hand in your hand, to put my heart against
YOUR heart, as brother who has been res
deemed, as you have been redeemep. to
see that this church shall represent Christ
in this city.
~ know the follies that fill church his
tory. am aware OF the crimes that have
been committed In the name OF the church
and of the shortcomings of the church.
But / know Christ did not establish the
church because 1t was perfect. but be-
cause of the great need OF the world for
the church. ! don't suppose have come
here TO perfect church. You would not
then need me. II II were perfect you
would have to change or get out, but we
want 20 represent principle here for God
'srhere Is only one thing that can hurt
the church, and that is ourselves. lnhdelity
ana paganism have never injured the
church. It is always triumphant over
them. But believe me, my friends. II Is
the wounds that are made by our friends
that hurt II an enemy strikes at you you
guard against him But 1t Is the unkino
word that comes from the lips you love
the blow that comes from the hand you
have fondled. that makes the wound that
never heals. II Is for you and me never &c
do anything to wound the body Of Christ
the church"