Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1912-02-23
VILLAGE OF DoNNELLY
CHURCH UNION.
Member Urges Advantage of
Combined Membership.

n uSLuUSE VI OHS VI ZIG 1rOC0SGaQC
churches of this city has handed us
the following communication relative
to church unien in this city, and en-
closes also clipping from the Mime
apolis Journal of Feb. 2Oh concerning
what is being done along this line at
Crookston. We will be pleased to
publish further communications on
this same subject. Following is the
item from the Journal
"Crookston, Mimi, Feb. 10. The
Union Protestant church proposition
is the talk of Crookston and it is be-
lieved that in few weeks the idea
will assume tangible shape. A meet
ing of the Methodist society has been
set for Wednesday when, after ban
quet. the matter will be threshed over
and vote taken. The plan was sug-
gested by the local committee in
charge of the Men and Religion For
ward movement, and is being taken
up by the Methodist church congrega-
tion first because it is the largest in
the city.
"The situation among protestant
churches in Crookston is similar to
that in many other cities. The city
has fifteen or more protestant churches.
every one of which is carrying an in
debtedness. There is not modern
protestant church building in the city.
All are frame structures. Three have.
been without regular pastorsat inter-
walls, and two are without pastors now
and practically closed.
"The union church idea has the
support of the leading men of the
Baptist, Methodist, Congregational,
Presbyterian and several of the Scan
dinavian churches.
"The tentative idea is for all to
unite, turn in all the church property,
have strict business administration
of the affairs IF the church, erect a
building at cost of about $500, 900,
and call pastor who will preach the
gospel with all narrow creeds elimin-
ated. The plans call for Y. M. C.
A. and Y. w. C. A. equipped with
gymnasiums and instructors.
1.-THE plan is popular with the gen.
eral puplic and it is argued that such
a church could be financed easily with
out anyone bearing burden. A great
deal will depend upon the action of
the Methodist congregation, and if the
plan is favored by that church. there
is little question but what it will be
approved by other churches. -
In commenting on this item. the
correspondent says
"Why not church union in Morris :?
While it is true that both the
Methodist and Congregational churches
are now in fiourishing condition yet
for some time past, both have had
hard work meeting their obligations,
and keeping financial accounts paid.
"It would seem as though one
strong united organization could do
the work that both are now doing, at
less cost to the community and with
better results to the Church and it's
members. Is there any excuse, in
this day of progressive reasoning along
religious lines, why two buildings
should be lighted and heated each
Sunday to seat congregation in
each church of perhaps from 80 to so,
when all could be seated in one church.
There is today no difference in our
church services or beliefs, to speak
of. that can not be met by united
body.
with but one church, the expense
of salary hire of two men would be
done away with, and one man hired at
either the same salary now paid. or
an increased salary to pay a living
wage for services rendered.
united churches are evidently
being organized in other towns, why