The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-04-01
A WARM PREJuD1cn
Objection 10 Woman Occupying Pull
pits Existed Until Recently.

Objection 10 Woman Occupying Pull
pits Existed Unfn Recently.
When Miss Carewe started out on
her work as organizer OF Christian En-
deavor societies, In the early history
Of those societies. she Was just out Of
school. Her enthusiasm and courage
we're 5oundless. but her knowledge OF
life was somewhat limited. and she
found that she had many things to
learn. She was not prepared. IN par
ticular. for the strong prejudice against
the appearance OF a woman in the
church pulpits which she encountered
In certain sections OF the country.
As a rule. she was welcomed warm
~ by the young people, but many min
listers looked askance upon her and her
work. On one occasion she was TO
speak In city OF some size. and TO be
entertained at the home OF two OF her
college friends. On her arrival, these
girls reported that. so far. they had
not been successful In securing a minis
ter TO open the meeting.
I'm going over to see our own min
lister. Mr. Fengal. again." announced
one Of the sisters perhaps be will
consent. II we ask him again" He
did consent 10 open the meeting. but
pleaded that he had another engage
ment for the evening. and would be
obliged 10 leave Immediately after the
introduction.
Miss Carewe said nothing. but sus-
pected that the minister's engagement
was not very pressing. She went with
her friends to the church. and the Rev.
Mr.. Fengal presented himself in due
time and was introduced.
He sat down beside her. and asked
do you care to 90 up in the puIpitY'
His tone and manner made her de-
eide Instantly that she certainly did
wish TO go up into the pulpit He ac-
conipanied her. and they sat in silence
for a moment. Then he turned 10 her
with what was. on the surface, a per-
fec:lv harmless remark.
''rhis is the first iime.- he said.
-that l have ever had the pleasure OF
sitting beside a woman In my pulpit"
But 10 Miss Carewe. who had per
haps grown a tribe sensitive on the
subject. his tone and manner had spo-
ken more than his words
II was early spring. and somewhat
chilly outdoors although the atm IS
phere inside was close and warm. The
minister was wearing a light overcoat.
which he did not remove for the open
ing prayer and Introductory remarks.
Miss Carewe took careful note OF this.
and was on her feet almost before he
had finished speaking.
He stepped out OF the pulpit and
dropped down on front seat. intend
Ing TO remain a few minutes. not wish
ing TO make his exit too abrupt. but did
not remove his overcoat.
She continued turning to him for APP
proval OF her remarks until she was
sure that he would not leave before
the meeting was over. and thereafter
addressed her audience more directly.
wDen she finished. the young people
crowded round her with warm words
81 praise and congratuiation- To her
establishment. Mr.. Fengal came also.
His first words were:
1T is very warm In here"
as it1~ she replied. absently. And
then his meaning flashed upon her. and
she had to turn away 10 hide an anus
ed smile.
The minister was persistent 1t is
very warm In here" he remarked once
more. a moment later. when he had
succeeded in getting her attention
again.
Il did not find II So" she answered.
demurely. and sgain turned to some
one else.
But he was not to be side-tracked-
Pushing closer through the crowd OF
young people. he bent his
lips to her ear. and said. distinctly and
Il said It was very warm
In here. and you knew It."
Their eyes met. they both laughed. |
md the minister held out both hands !.
The next time you come to c." he I
said. "the pulpit OF this church will be ;
vide open TO you. and shall be both !
happy and proud to sit beside you"
Thank you" Miss carewe answered.
she had forgiven him entire
y.
He laughed frankly. "A woman had
lever spoken from my pulpit before.
L was a prejudice. OF course. pure and
Iimple. and I'm glad you made me see
{ that way-if II was warm in here
Youths Companion.