Evening journal., 1913-09-03
THEY OPPOSE
CHURCH UNION
Methodist PrOteStantS Pass
Resolution at Baltimore
Meeting
FEELING ON THE
QUESTION IS INTENSE

BALTIMORE, Nd, Sept. 3.-After
many wordy battles between ministers
md laymen, the special meeting of the
daryland Conference of the Methodist
Protestant Church, called for the pur-
lose of acting on the proposed union of
he Methodist Protestant and the
United Brethren Churches adjourned yes
erday after passing a resolution con-
lemning in strenuous terms the union
N the basis proposed.
The meeting was held at Mount Royal
Avenue Methodist Protestant Church.
Mount Royal avenue, near AlcMechen
street, and lasted from o o'clock yester-
lay morning until shortly before
o'clock in the evening, except for a re-
.oss for lunch. Il was not until the
afternoon that there was any sign Of
lcrimony, as many forecasted for the
meeting. And then the diplomatic decis-
ions and rulings Of Dr. John s. Bowers
president Of the Maryland Conference,
who presided, prevented several verbal
clashes.
That the feeling pro and con on the
question was intense was manifested
frequently. The applause seemed to
show, however, that those who opposed
the proposed basis of union were in the
majority in all Of his rulings Dr.
Bowers humor which at times made the
delegates laugh when they seemed ready
to fight.
At times during the meeting several
of the delegates took as personal some
Of the remarks made by speakers and
there were many apologies and explana-
tions. Dr. Thomas r. Lewis, president
Of the Western Maryland College, who
presented the resolution which was
hnally carried, was attacked by several
speakers. He always explained allega-
lions. however. and the sentiment was
with him each time something was said
which reflected on him.
Shortly after the meeting was called
10 order DR.. T. I. Tagg, editor of the
p Methodist Protestant. presented a reso-
hutton that no action by the conference
should be considered official and that il
should stand adjourned. The resolution
was tabled It was then inferred by DR.
Tagg that DR.. Lewis was going TO run
The conference and the churchman arose
and made it plain that no one would be
allowed TO dominate.
DR.. Lewis then presented his resolu.
tion, which took up all of the day ir
debate Although it condemns tn,
nnion on the proposed basis, DR.. Lewis
made it clear that he is not opposed
10 the union of the two churches, but
made it plain that he does not approve
of the union on the present basis. II
the resolution he took exception to the
new name of the two denominations
which as proposed is the Onion Protes
tant Church.
"The name eliminates us from th'
ecclesiastical family. to which we hav'
always belonged" reads the resolution
"and gives Us nothing in its place O
historic or ecclesiastical value. We mus
expect 70 make concessions in the mat
ter of name as in other matters, If an
union is to be formed. but surely it j
not necessary TO make such violen
break with our entire past. when moth
ing is gained but a new name, which
not accurate so far as Professionalism j
cvoncerned. not distinctive as far as W
are concerned.
Other features Of the new basis O
union including the declaration Of faitl
and the constitution, were condemns
In the resolution. After being read b,
Dr.. Lewis there was some discussion ~
20 the time Of the adjournment 10
lunch. When the session was resumed
the Rev. L. B. Smith, pastor OF CHRIS
Methodist Protestant Church. was give
The floor and in a lengthy address h
declared himself in favor of the unio
on the proposed basis. After he ha
taken his seat however. he got int
several discussions when questions wer
asked regarding some Of the remark
he rad made