Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-08-30
ASK MINISTER'S TO
OBSERVE LABOR DAY
Federal Council of Churches Of Christ
In America Ask That II BE
Observed.

Observed.
The Federal Council OF the Churches
of Christ have started a crusade for
the observance OF Labor sunday
September first, in connection with
the observance OF the national holiday
Labor Day" which falls on Septem-
Der the End. and TO this end have is
sued the following circular in which
they urge the observance Of the day
in the various churches throughout
the State;
Monday, September 2, Is Labor Day.
Sunday, September l, is Labor sun.
day. hope that you are planning to
observe Labor SUNDAY.
The Federal Council of the Churches
of Christ in America, through the
commission on the church and social
service. calls upon the churches to
recognize the part that labor has had
! In the up.building OF our nation, and
to see that the true significance of La.
Dor Day Is impressed upon the com.
munity life On Labor Sunday las MS
call to mind the meaning, value and
dignity of labor, and It's important
bearing on the social and spiritual
welfare of men, 1t is suggested that
at the regular morning service we con.
slider the pressing problems of the
social order In their relation to the
gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
/ Christ Mass meetings and union
meetings may be held in the afternoon
and at night,
You viii be interested to know that
the American Federation OF Labor, at
I the Toronto meeting, recommended
strongly that organized labor coop
crate with the ministers in their oh
seryance of this day. Accordingly we
can well afford TO give special inyi.
tation to members Of unions. to at.
tend. Let us make an effort TO secure
large attendance of worklngmen in
general and their families, and also OF
their partners in industry, the EN-
ployers of labor. We can make use
Of the press and especially of labor
papers for publicity.
1t is suggested that the following
subject be emphasized this year One
days rest In seven for all workers.
But just at this time when there Ia SO
great Industrial unrest in our State,
we ought to give very earnest thought
to the whole problem OF humanizlng,
spirltualizing and Outstanding our
I IL s,.A toll s.fxF
A special phase that ought by no
means to be omitted from eonsidera-
| ton is abnormal, unwholesome and
cruel child labor, Our State is in sore
need of adequate legislation for the
protection of childhood, and we must
line up our moral forces back of the
West Virginia Labor committee In
the approaching campaign. Have you
preached on the subject of Child La
Dor during the present year?
The federated churches are com
mitted to the demand for living
wage for the workingman--on on
which a man with an average family
can live wholesomely and respectfully.
with the opportunity OF giving his
children all the advantage OF an ed
ucation. We also insist upon reason
able hours of labor, which will allow
proper time for truly human and
Christian living.
| respectfully urge you not to let
this opportunity pass Should the Sun
day designated be unsuitable choose
another day, earlier or later, rather
than miss the observance.
Write to DR.. Chas. S. Macfarland,
1911 Clarendon building. 215 Fourth
Ave, New York, for programs and
other helpful literature.
Fraternally Yours.
JOHN C. CRANBERRY,
k Barboursyille, w, Va.
Chairman of the Committee on Social
Service of w Va, Inter-Chureh Fed.
Grafton.