The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1910-08-05
BAPTIST Sfut
THREATENED IN TENNESSEE
STATE CONVENTION MAY
BE DIVIDED,

Dc 0INlOGG
Memphis, Tenn.-The fact that
there is dissatisfaction in the ranks
of the Negro Baptists OF Tennessee,
and that there is rumored discussions,
which may lead to a complete separa-
tion of the 10000 or more Baptists
into two parts as a result of these dis
sensions, became more evident since
the recent session of the Baptist
State Convention which met at Co
lumbia, Tenn, notwithstanding the
eighteen or more delegates who left
here to attend the convention have re-
turned reporting glowing descriptions
of a most harmonious and successful
session. The truth of the matter is
there are between sixty and seventy
organized Baptists churches in this
city. Memphis that usually send from
thirty to forty representatives to
these state meetings, in fact, practi-
cally all of the state affairs are con
trolled by the Baptists of Memphis
and West Tennessee who have sent
from time to time from one hundred
to one hundred and fifty representa-
tives in the state conventions.
The ground for the rumor and
apathy, on the part of more than two
thirds of the five hundred organized
churches in this state that constitute
the Missionary and Educational Con-
~ventien of Tennessee, was partially
pointed out during the month of June
when the State B. Y. p. U. and State
SundayrSchool Conventions were in
session. Memphis played her part
we'll. She entertained them royalty
but there was a something discern
able that took the sincerity from the
occasion. Many of the once ardent
and strong Baptist workers were alb
sent and their absence was consplcu-
Gus. While it is true that many OF
them were here, they were not enthu-
siastic in the plans and workings OF
the convention. 1t is said that this
same condition existed at Columbia,
and that while the sessions of the
convention we're marked with perfect
harmony, in so far as the proceedings
were concerned, the turmoil and dis
sension of a year ago, when for a day
and a half wild scenes characterized
the meeting, were still lingering and
were fresh in the minds of many
The administration forces were all
reelected. Memphis carried away
the lions share, Nashville retained her
prestige but here in the Bluff City
there is practically no unity of pur-
pose or action on the part of these
Baptist brethren. This is brought
about, declares more than a half doz-
en- well-informed leaders first, on &C
count of the %educatronaI interests
: that so divide the state. West Ten
) nessee is clamoring with might and
main for Howe Institute and every
thing that pertains to the success OF
Howe. Middle Tennessee is clinging
like "Ephraim to its idol" to Roger
f Williams, while East Tennessee is as
t true as a needle to the pole to its
Nelson Merry College, on account O.
2 an indisposihOn on the part OF some
e of the leaders to properly recognize
r service rendered the denomination by
e some of the most aged and useful
/ workers and pastors. In other words
e active pastors are said to have beer
shelved and inactive ministers, some
t not connected with any particular
church in the state, taken into the
r management of the state convention
e ALI this it is claimed is initiating
" against the onward march and wori
of this great, growing religious body
Y None of the good Baptist brethren
S are willing to admit that a secont
v convention will be organized, or tina
vt there are those willing to lead thi'
y movement, but they do not fail to &C
IS knowledge that the Baptists have
Ie record for falling out and never max
d, ing UP in the same organization, bu
that a Baptist fuss or quarrel reall,
Ie means another church, another asso
citation, and ofttimes another stat,
N convention. Thus looking at it from
IL a non-denominational point of view
h with records of their past actions il
lie hand, taking the three sections of tn
We Continued on Page So