The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-11-27

preachers, while &c per cent share
ministers with another church; % per
cent have one-third the time of a
minister; 81 per cent have one-fourth
time; IA per cent have one-fifth time !;
per cent have one-sixth time. A
large proportion of preachers receive
about the same pay as a day laborer.
Less than 40 per cent of the rural
population are church members.
These facts. shown in an extensive
rural survey of Ohio, whose results
were announced today, are applicable
to most states, according to officers of
the Commission on Church and Coun-
try Life. Plans for scientific surveys
in all states, including Kansas, to Sc
cure definite data for each locality,
will be formulated at the national con-
vention of the Commission on Church
and Country Life, to be held in Co
lumbus. Ohio, Dec. 8, and 10, with
President Wilson and Clifford Pinchot
among the speakers.
The Ohio survey is considered the
most thorough ever undertaken but
the campaign not only for surveys but
also for speedy reforms to make
churches community centers as well as
houses of religious worship, is to be
carried into every part of the country
within the next year.
To Save Itself.
Here are the causes which the coun-
try church of the near future must
ing to the much-dfscussed report by
President Kenyon L. Butterfield of
Massachusetts Agricultural college,
ready for presentation to the commits
sion: Good roads, better farming, en-
enlargement of agricultural college
extension courses, community beauti-
fication, public health and recreation,
temperance, better schools, Saturday
half holiday for agricultural laborers,
community athletics, observance of re-
1ipinnS naff-infiP hnIidaxrS
home coming weeks, community plan
ming and contenment with farm life.
The church must become the So
cial center for the community, with
its minister leading in a variety of
interest, and religion thereby will be-
come stronger appeal, says the But
terrified report. Naturally this pro-
gram is expected eventually to dim
UNCONVENTIONAL lines.
Concrete means of promoting the
church movement are dis
closed in another report which the
commission is expected to adopt as
plans. President Wilson who
will make an address at the conven
ton, Dec. 10, is reported particularly
in these plans.
They are summarized thus: First,
rural ministers and church leaders
during the next year will receive pub
church and country life devoted to
the problems of rural church fedora
tiOnS and combinations. This will
prepare the way for discussion of
church co-Opera ton. Then in each
township natural community,
churches will be urged to FORM n
with delegates and min
sters from each church forming a
committee to coordinate
activities. Ultimately this
might employ a common
and pay him a salary ade-
1uate to allow him to undertake wider
social work. IN many cases these
churches could merge. Denomina-
ional connection with a certain
church organization could be main
aimed, but within the community |
;ectarian differences would be largely |
ignored.
1t is a big program, but officers of |
he commission believe they can make |
sreat Roadway within the year. The |
will be directed by Clifford |
Chairman and Rev. Charles |
}. Gill, secretary of the commission