Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1909-09-30
THE METHODIST CHURCH MIDDLE
Treatment of the Congregation in Au-
dubon Downright Shame

dubon Downright Shame
During hepast two weeks the Metho-
dist people in Audubon have been very
much stirred up over the appointment
of a pastor for the ensuing year At
present writing it looks very much as
though their petition to the parties in
power has been turned down and their
request refused without any reason
whatever.
1t will be remembered that on the 9Th
day of August 1908, Rev p V. ID. We'd
der, the pastor, was suddenly stricken
down with paralysis. Notwithstanding
this, he was returned here rs pastor at
the request of the church. From August
until May the pulpit was supplied by
many different ministers. At that time
Rev ID. b. 5. Prather, who was ready To
graduate from the Seminary at Evanston
was secured by Mr.. Vedder to assist him
until the close of the year. His first
sermon won the congregation. He and
his excellent wife took up the work i'm
quiet modest way and did il so we'll that
The church was unanimous i'm wanting
tii'h ittuiii iiNlp ioi iiiC NOIilIilR year.
Resolutions were passed requesting the
bishop and his cabinet TO make the ap-
pointment A committee of leading
members went to the conference at Ames
and presented the claims of Audubon
in the strongest terms. But Mr.. Prather
was sent to Rippey and DIR. Morley of
Harlanappointed to Audubon; and many
of the people in the church I'm Audubon
are disappointed, grieved and righteously
indignant
Now where was the trouble? Not
with the system but with the men who
for the time held the administration
The bishop appoints but seldom over
rules the recommendations of the district
superintendent. Had DR.. Stevenson
stood for the church i'm Audubon its re-
quest would have been granted without
any doubt. In the five and half wears
he was superintendent of this district
the church here paid him over $500 of
good money for little service When
the time came that he could have made
himself useful in their interest he stood
out against them in an arbitrary manner.
The conditions and circumstances i'm Au-
dubon were exceptional and should have
been recognized by those in authority.
When the members learned that their
request had not been granted u meeting
was held and the new superintendent,
Rev, Il. w. McDade, of Red Oak was
called here for consultation. He made
~ fine address, wept over the situation
and said nothing could be done unless
the man appointed to Audubon was re-
iected When that was done he promised
TO do everything he could to bring mat
tiers to pass in our favor, left in haste to
catch the train, went home and did
nothing DR.. Morley went TO see the
bishop who was holding conference ut
Estherville, but was ordered back to
Audubon to which place he had been
appointed.
DIR. Morley is not much known in Au-
dubon, but is reported as an able man
and strong preacher. We are not sure
but he is entitled to some sympathy be-
\ cause just now he is evidently ''between
| the devil and the deep sea. We are
| informed that the church at Harlan
| which he has served for two years did
| not want him returned-yet that may
be good recommendation. The church
| in Audubon rejected him-but that was
| done because they wanted another man.
| If he comes, he will hardly receive the
warm right hand of fellowship but in
| stead of that the frosty end OF the north
pole And we would suggest that he
would better apply to DR.. Cook for
| sleeping bag and crate of blubber in
order to weather the storms he may en-
| counter here.
The Methodist church in Audubon had
| not been SO united, harmonious and
| active for many years as it has been
| during the summer. But the action of
the conference has blighted much of the
life and spirit; and in many cases it is
feared that both heart and pocketbook
have been closed against the church.
When the wealthy First Church in
Des Moines asks for a minister, his APP
| pointment is made without an argument
When the little church in Audubon asks
| for one it is slapped in the face, kicked
down the back steps and told to go home
and be good. Selah