The Washington herald., 1911-07-03

ence. They have been sertouSly neg
lected on the moral and religious side.
Nothing could be more Important for the
Christian Chur3h In America during the
next half generation than to make them
strongholds and propagating centers for a
pure and aggressive Christianity.
THE university to which you are going
continued Dr. Mott. has In It as many
students from the homes Of each Of the
six or seven leading denominations Of
America AZ do principal colleges Of those
denominations. This Is true of the great
Lutheran communion as well as others.
The service you will render the Lutheran
Church, as well as the other leading
Christian denominations of America, at
this time will be of incalculable impor-
tanca"
In similar strain, Mr.. Douglas gave
the contents of letter from Rev. DR..
Clarence A. Barbour, former pastor Of
Lake Avenue Baptist Church. Of Ro-
chester, and for the past two years In
the special religious work Of the inter-
national committee Y. NJ. c. A.
Il myself resigned the psstorate after
being with the church In that relation
eighteen years, the only church I ever
served" wrote DR.. Barbour. "I did SO
not be cause I believe there Is any posi-
ton on earth higher than the pastorate
Of local church, but I felt the door
which was open to me in the Young
Mems Christian Association work, open
ed a field of opportunity which was SO
evidently mine, at least for the time be-
ing, that to disregard the call would be
disloyal to Christ. Now, after more than
two years Of service with the Interna-
tioual committee, I feel that my choice
was right one, and II were to go
back again in the early months OF 1909
I would repeat the decision 1 reached
then"
Announces His Decision.
1t was a communion service at Luther
Place Memorial Church yesterday, and
Mr.. Douglas statement Of his decision
was made as a prelude to the celebra-
ton Of the last supper.
This morning I celebrate the feast Of
the Lords Supper, with you for the last
time" said the pasteF. Probably, too,
| it will be the last time I shall oficiate
in this capacity in our church. For
have concluded. after most thorough and
prayerful attention to a call to the Un-
work director OF the Student Christian
Association, that 1t is my duty to ac-
cept"
The scene that followed was an AFFECT
ing one. No intimation had been given
except to the council that any change
in the pastorate was likely.
'Tt seems clearly Gods own CALL" said
one Of the leading members afterward.
I'VE are honored, though the regret in
having Mr.. Douglas go. Just as he has
really got well started with US, Is sincere
and universal in Luther Place Memorial
Church."
Mr.. Douglas takes up his new position
son after September !. He will have
served the Washington parish nearly two
years. In that time the work has been
Of reconstruction following the stormy
and disrupting experiences OF the time
prior to this pastorate.
His Style advanced"
AS a preacher Mr.. Douglas might be
classified as belonging to the ultra-pro-
gressive group of the general synod in
the Lutheran Church. As contrasted
with the more formal and liturgical
clergy. his style and spirit and message
have been emphatically advanced" and
practical
At the University Of Illinois there has
recently been erected a Christian Associ-
alton building costing 100000, and the
work is splendidly organized under the
leadership Of a trained general secre-
tary. In the city OF Champlain, seat of
the university, there are student churches
around the campus presiued over by
efficient young pastors, who are giving
themselves to the student body heartily.
Mr.. Douglas viii aid in co-ordinating
their work effectively and in bringing to
bear upon the lives Of the 1000 students
more active moral and religious influence.
President James and members Of the
faculty at Illinois University have writ
ten Mr.. Douglas assuring him Of their
cordial interest and disposition to coop
crate in the new effort.