Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-30
FOR union OF BRANCHES
OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. j. f. Clarke Thinks This Essen.
tial to Highest Efficiency
of Work.
ADDRESS AT HOT SPRINGS
Approximately 1000 Delegates From
States In South and Southwest At
tend-Open Conference on Stu.
alton and Problems.


HOT SPRINGS, ARK. September 20.
Organic union of the Northern and
Southern branches of the Presbyterian
Church as an essential to the highest
efficiency of tho work of this dcnomi-
nation in tho South and Southwest was
advocated by tho Rev. James l.. Clarke.
Of Nashville. Tenn, editor OF the Pres
byterian Advance. in an opening adj
dress at the Southern District Eli
cheney Convention here to-day. APP
proximately 1000 delegates from Ken
lucky. Tennessee. Alabama. Mississippi,
missouri. Arkansas. Oklahoma and
Texas arc In attendance.
To-day's session was given over to
an open conference on the situation
and problems of the Presbyterian
Church. United states of America. in
the South and Southwest. and DIR.
Clarke's plea for union received hearty
applause He pointed out, however,
that the Southern branch appears not
to be ready for such a union and in
dicated what he thought tho Northern
Preshyterians should do in view OF
this situation. Other speakers included
Rev: +. j. Check. OF Kentucky: Rev.
X. L. Phelps, mississippi: Rev. J. II.
Miller. Tennessee. and Rev. Charles
Darby Alabama.
In presenting facts about Presby-
terrain work in the eight States repre-
scented. maps and charts were displayed
showing neglected fields and sections
where there was n duplication of work
by the two branches of Presbyter-
ian!sin II was stated that of tho
$4,000, 900 persons in these States 49,
100000 arc not members OF any church.
Or Clarke's address was on the
situation and Problems OF Our Church
in the South"
HOW BEST TO PROMOTE
KINGDOM OF GOD
Our purpose to-day is to consider
how we, as members of the Pres
hyierian Church. United States of
America living in the South and
Southwest, may best promote the king
dom OF God and become more efficient
In carrying out our policies" declared
the speaker. I'VE are to consider pri-
inarily conditions and circumstances
as they are not theories and ideals.
though the latter may be touched upon.
We are TO determine what we ought
10 do, not what our feelings prompt us
10 do. We must be Influenced not by
sentiment or preference, but by duty.
by the leadership of Gods spirit.
Finally our purpose is TO become more
efficient In doing the things we de-
eide ought to be done.
II believe that Presbyterians In the
South and Southwest can never ap-
proach the ideal Of efficiency until
those in the Presbyterian Church,
United states OF America. and In the
Presbyterian Church, United States
are oreanically united into one com
mun!on. The existence Of two separate
churches Of the same name aud gen
eral character on the same general
field is not an ideal situation, but 1t
takes two TO make bargain. Our
Southern Presbyterian brethren seem
not 10 be ready, therefore. II behooves
us to consider our duty In the light
CT situation that is not ideal"
- IL
byterian Church. United States OF
America is not Northern" church.
as II often is referred TO. but A ma
tional church and insisted that soil
darity of PRESBYTERIAN effort in the
South and Southwest is one Of the
prime necessities in greater efficiency.
DELEGATES MUST NOT he
GUIDED BY SENTIMENT
Discussing possible policies OF the
convention he suggested the posi-
b:lity OF UNCONVENTIONAL withdrawal.
While such a suggestion might appear
repugnant To Presbyterian sentiment,
he said. the delegates must remember
they are present TO be guided by duty
TO the kingdom and not sentiment An
answer TO such suggestions however,
he asserted. was that the strength and
ability OF the church was needed TO
assist other churches in adequately
serving this great section OF the coun-
try.
This convention is the first chance
In years for our people OF this sec
tion TO come together. The weaker
parts need the help Of Z : strong Our
efficiency in the South and Southwest
will not rise above the grade CT eff
cheney Of the average church or Pres
bytery: hence wc must not neglect
them or leave them alone. There is
power in the consciousness Of soil
daritY: there is weakness in loneli-
ness. We should move forward to-
rethcr for the building up OF Gods
kInrlnin."