The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14

SAN RAFAEL Dec. 13.-That through
newspaper advertising straying souls
may be brought back to Christianity
S the firm belief of Rev. J. ". Sim
mons. pastor of the Methodist Epis-
copai church Of san Rafael and cour-
ageously has the clergyman pat his
theory into practice during the two
r months of his pastorate in Marin
county. Moreover. he declares that the
value Of his idea has been practically
Demonstrated. and that during the last
month he has occupied the pulpit. more
conversions have been made than were
recorded in years Time before.
When Rey. Mr. Simmons arrived here
Two months ago, he almost Immediately
began TO appeal to the people by the
snse Of newspaper space and catchy lines
ahnd articles. At first the conservative
sinembers of the congregation were
startled. But soon they saw the ef-
'hcacy Of the unique methods. New
faces appeared in the pews and new
sinembers We're enrolled. The Dr. Sim
mons method was vindicated.
BEGAN EIGHT YEARS AGO
Yes, I believe in ADVERTISING. said
sthe clergyman today. 7 began using
advertising space eight years ago. II
had studied advertising and knew its
use
In advertising for the church. how
ever always try to bring out the
great central idea of Christianity. It
IS well enough TO advertise good music
and social life. but I believe in ad-
vertising also the pulpit. For no mat
ter how much good music Won have ar
now much social life, YOU will not
make convert unless YOU reach him
oy means Of the pulpit Therefore
less"
Business Of any kind may get in a
rut- Likewise the church. It's pastor
may be a good man, the congregation
nsra WORKERS and true believers. But
tney are like businessman in the rit
forget and settle down in their pews.
ihep they VIII not advance.
have studied on this and have con-
Guided that the church is a business.
700. II IS now necessary to create the
impression that the church is a bust
ness For no matter how energetic Won
t' tN- AHlrSS liie people are made 10 |
know that you are alive they will not
come TO see If you are
Before I came to San Rafael 7 L
bought space in some newspa pers IA
carry on my advertising campaign. And
J met with hattering success At Corn
ing, where ] held a pastorate, / used
aoVertlsing and by that means carried
on q temperance campaign. The town
went dry and is dry yet
THEN DELIVER THE GOODS
Now. want il understood conclud-
ed the advertising minister. that ad-
vertsing is but a part of the work.
Like the businessman. I find that il
only brings people to your place of
business Then you have to deliver the
goods. j IN in the business for the Mas
Ter. Ny idea is 10 get hold Of the non
religionists and those who are nominal
Christians. Through il ALL however !
there is a divine principle in the church
that is found not in any other business
However" he finished with the prac-
t3cai CLEAN OF wide awake business
man in his eye, I find that this busi-
ness Of getting people TO surrender to
Jesus Christ involves thesame business
tact and hard common sense as are nee
essary TO run a department store I'm
working for Christianity. and ii is just
rs hard as any other occupation, let
ne tell you"
Foiiowing IS one of the many little ,
eos which Mr.. Simmons uses to carry
on his campaign:
WE WANT FOLKS
4e"s are very orderly They never find fault
WIN me preacher. snore when they 90 70
sleep or leave before the service is over. but
the are poor listeners. and they never say
amen or get converted. We prefer TO preach
70 folks and 10 more folks II YOU have no
church home We woOla like to have you come
70 the Methodist church. Come once II rou