The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-29
SIX HUNDRED AT
LAYMEN'S DINNER
Rev. Yutaka Minakuchi Tells of
Japan's Pressing Need for
Christianity.

More than 600 laymen and preachers
OF various denominations gathered in
the banquet room of the Richmond
Hotel last night at the anniversary
dinner OF the Laymen's Missionary
Movement OF Virginia. O. J. Sands,
president OF the State executive COM
mittee, presided, and the two princl-
pal speakers were Rev. Yutaka Nina
ruchi and ]. Campbell White, general
secretary OF the movement
Mr.. Minaruchi spoke OF the neces-
sity for missionary work in the far
East. where commerce, industry and
education are making rapid strides,
pointing out that II these people are
allowed TO develop n modern civiliza-
ton without adequate moral training,
the result Will be CONSERVATION to
the world
He said that long as Japan was
known only for her quaint art. she
was considered negligible by the West
crn nations. but that as soon as she
had learned to kill men, they respect
ed her. Japan is learning 20 kill men
fast enough. ne said, and is acquir-
ing all the other requisites of material
civilization; but her religion is in a
chaotic state. all sorts OF beliefs and
disbeliefs being found. He strongly
urged the point that this one sided
iiey~';;JJT1i;-Ti; w!tiiUut 4. MIRA; VI .sit,
iigious ideal, constitutes n dangerous
crisis.
Not Treated Fairly
Mr.. MinaruchI stated that the OrIen-
tai people have not been treated fair
" by Western nations who imported
opium and other vices rs n part OF thcir
commercial invasion. lie said that
this method of development was not
morally right and therefore could not
be commercials or politically right.
Mr.. White developed the same idea
more fully showing that in Africa
tho struggle is now going on to de-
eide whether Northumberland or
Christianity shall prevail In India,
he said. there are 100000 people OF
the lowest caste. refused admlttance
to either Hindooism or Mohammcdan-
ism, who are clamorinE for baptism
much faster than the missionaries are
able TO administer IT, The nations OF
China and Japan arc now in the ado
descent stage of their development, and
more accessible 10 religions teaching
than they will ever be again; while
the fall OF the Mohammedan power of
Turkey Will create an opportunity for
the evangelzation of that people such
as has not existed for thirteen cen
turtles.
AS a result of these conditions, he
said, q decade may have a more de-
cisive influence on the worlds religious
development than centuries OF ordi
nary experience. He therefore urged
the necessity for missionary work in
every State, and especially for work
on the part of laymen who could carry
on the cause with the methods of mod :
ern business.
Sessions To-day.
The aymen's convention Will be con-
tinued in conference tonight at 8
o'clock In the Joseph Bryan Memorial
the various denominations will be
seated in groups. An address entitled
rs 1t Worth the Price," will be de-
livercd by Prof. r. Il. Gaines, Of Rich
mond College. There will also be a
conference on the practical methods Of
missionary work undor the leadership
Of J. Campbell White. At 2:30 o'clock
Sunday afternoon, Mr. Minakuchi will
address boys meeting In the Joseph
Bryan Memorial Auditorium.
Tomorrow afternoon at $3.50 o'clock
| great mass meeting to discuss mis-
sionary subjects for men and women,
will be held in the City Auditorium
Governor William Hodges Mann will
preside. Rev. Yutaka N1inakuchi Will
deliver an address on THE Crisis in
address will be, IF You Were a
Heathen." The singing will be led by
Walter G. Mercer, and music will be
furnished by the James B. Montgom
cry Bible Glass Orchestra led by J..
Herbert Mercer. The public Is Invited.
the gallery being reserved for colored
| people,