The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-09-20
FEDERATION OF
CHURCHES gets
A Slight BLOW

Grand Forks, N. D.. Sept. 30
Church federation, as it now exists,
was criticised at yesterdays session
of the North Dakota State Baptist
convention. A short debate, which
gave promise of developing into some
thing interesting, but which was end
ed by a request for the remainder of
the programme. was precipitated by
the, reading of resolutions passed by
the Grand Forks Baptist church.
The resolutions, were read by r. B.
Griffith in connection with his discus
sion of the question. Are the Baptists
able to serve the best interests of
members of other denominations
without a church Of their choice in
the community and how a it be
done?" .... ,... .. ..-- ~.
How LocaE2Church Met Problem.
Mr.. Griffith, declaring that the time
had come when UNCONVENTIONAL com-
petition must give way to denomina-
tiona cooperation, presented the res
olutions to show how the Grand Forks
church had met an existing problem.
The resolutions provide for an asso-
ciate membership list. These associate
members include those who believe In
the fundamental principles Of the
Baptist denomination, except that of
immersion, and they are eligible to
vote on all questions, except those
pertaining to faith, membership and
transfer of property. They also are
given all benefits and privileges of the
Baptist home in this city.
The resolutions started a string Of
questions which developed into sever
al interesting addresses, one of which
was given by DR.. C. E. Hemans, "
responding secretary of the state con-
vention. -.
One Church Better.
It was DR.. Hemans VINO objected to
church federation. as it is known at
present. He declared, however, lat
he believed one strong church, serv-
ing the best interests of the communi-
ty, was better han several churches
of different denominations, each one
of which was struggling to keep alive.
But, I have changed my convic-
tons, somewhat" he said. II am not
such a strong believer in church fed
Grafton. It has not succeeded in North
Dakota as church workers hoped.
Leaders of other denominations have
told me that it has not been a great
success in their work. ,....
Something Must Be Done. -
THE time has come, though, when
something must be DONE. I feel that
the church is in a place to serve the
ASil5loNo lIINSI SoLS VI III COlIllllulllys
II am not ready to agree with ev-
erything set forth by Mr.. Griffith. I
believe it is on the right track, but
there are some important features TO
be worked out"
The "sprinkling of infants and "'im-
mersion" questions, as we'll as the
matter Of partaking of the Lords sup
per, were included in questions and
addresses that followed.
One delegate wanted to know what
the Grand Forks church did regarding
the ~"sprinkling of infants conviction.
No SprinkIins Convictions.
w have no such convictions said
DR.. Homer w. Cook, pastor of the To-
cal church. I'VE believe in consecrat-
ing the children, not in soaking them
up"
DR.. Cook, in speaking of this, re-
ferred to the in which the
problem was worked out in his former
church in Chicago, an institution
which ministered to people of several
denominations. Instead Of sprinkling,
he said, they simply consecrated the
lives Of the children. The same meth
cd was used in this city, he explained.
IF the associate MEMBERS" asid
the delegate, have no convictions re-
garding the sprinkling of infants, per-
haps we can make them have some
convictions regarding dimensions and
make them full-f1edged Baptists."
Consider 5candinavians.
The adoption of North Dakota by
the NorWegians also came in for it's
share Of attention.. and several speak
ers expressed the opinion that the
Baptist churches would have to do
more work among the Scandinavians.
This brought forth a protest from
one Of the German ministers present,
and a rather severe criticism of the
policy adopted by the convention in
discussing the question. 49,
This part Of the debate followed
Rev. E. E.. Barnhart's address on the
relation between the English and
Scandinavian people in each commun-
ity. s
Several speakers followed Mr.. Barn
hart, each one of which urged that
greater attention be given Scandinav-
ianS. IT..
Young People Want English.
The question or both English and
Scandinavian services in each church
in such communities was discussed
: Mr.. Barnhart declared that the young
people in the community demanded
the English services, and inasmuch az
: they were the coming church, theil
: demands should be met. =
giving both services. one speaker
stated that it would mean the hiring
of only such ministers and mission
aries who could speak both Ian.
Iguages, and this Of course, meant still