The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-08-13
Success Of a Worthy Cause.

Fargo FOrun
No enterprise ever undertaken by the
people called Methodists is more de-
serving of success than that recently in
|augurated with view to raising endow-
ment funds to care for the aged, infrm
and worn out ministers of their church.
In the past the we'll known and pitiable
poverty of the vast majority of the old
ministers has been standing reproach-
against the church. 1t Is stated on reli.
able authority that but twelve out of
every loo men in the ministry have been
able to provide for their old age-the
great remainder either living in want or
being compelled to accept charity, this
condition being due, not to the inability
or unwibliagness of the laity, but to mis-.
taken views and Jack of method.
AT the present time there IS in all tho,
great Protestant denominations general
movement to provide "a comfortable
support" for every minister incapacitated
either by sickness or old age.
The general conference of the MHho-
dist Episcopal Church held in l9O8enac-
ted legislation with this end inview. In
the working ont of this plan aeany'df the
annual conferences have undertaken the
raising of special endowment funds
some aiming as high as half a million
dollars. g
AT the conference held in Jamestown
last year, the Hethodists Of this state
decided to begin aaimdlar work. I'm ppr-
suance of this plan theministersassessed
themselves 2 per eemt,en their salaries
to provide for necessary expenses and
the bishop appointed one of their num-
her, Rev. Alex. Karr of Rembina, to take|
charge Of the work
Mr.. Karr, who passed through Fargo
yesterday on his way home, after an Ab-
senee of SIX weeks in the southern part
of the state, informs as that he has been
in the field since November of last year,
with the exception of six weeks lost, thru
illness. During this time he has visited
30 of the 40 charges in the state, contin-
ing his work largely to the smaller fields,
not having as yet visited any of what are.
known as churches of the first class.
Up to date he has secured, in cash and
nterest-bearing notes, 81, 900. Mr.. Karr
9 greatly pleased with the outlook and
'tates emphatically that the sum of $780,
100 can without doubt be placed in this
und after allowing liberal discount for
hrinkage. In his opinien the Metho-
lists of North Dakota are princely Civ
RS. He aims to do his work among thel
membership of the church, but states
hat he very frequently receives hand
ONE contributions from people who[
re not Unidentified with any denomina-
ion. 5s5
The fund being raised will form per- I
nanent or perpetual endowment, the in
ono alone to be used in caring for the
uperannuated ministers, their widows i,
nd orphans.
Mr.. Karr states that when the work
J completed the old minister OF the
hurch in North Dakota will no longer
'e under the necessity, as hitherto. Of
ccepting beggarly gratuity-a pit.
ful dole Of charity, in relief Of penury,E
'ut will instead, be the recipient Of an
lonarable pension valiantly earned III
he service Of the King Of Kings Ian
mount sufficient to provide at least the
Iecessitiea q life for his old age. That Z
urely is no I, nnrs /. g than bis lust due. (.
5gtS RI a