Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-06-11
CHURCH IN CLEVELAND
HAD VIDE INFLUENCE
Cedar Avenue Institution Of Dis
ciples of Christ Exerted
Great Effective.
Reforms Instituted by Pastor, Har-
ris R. Cooley, and Tom L. John
son Have Been Lasting.

sent out by the Survey Press Service
by Rev. Charles Darsie pastor of Bel
mar Christian Church, Pittsburgh. The
story is of the Cedar Avenue Church
of Cleveland 1t follows:
For the same reason that the smaller
nations of the world have often most
profoundly affected its history, smaller
churches have many times had the most
real influence. The Cedar Avenue
Church of Cleveland. "Old Cedar" as
it is Familiarity called. was like the
little man who never grew up. AS a
church enterprise among the Disciples
of Christ. neither it's pastor nor Its
members were much concerned about
growing big. In 1850, Harris r. Cooley,
fresh from college, succeeded his father
as pastor. Socialism had been the sub
ject of his graduation Grafton in day
when socialism stood for anarchy and
revolution. The young man carried his
head in the clouds. He was wrestling
needy His sermons were full OF ap-
peals for suffering humanity: His va,
cations were spent among the social
settlements of London.
A Pioneer Preacher.
II must not be forgotten in the tell
ing of this story that DR.. Cooley's
ministry occurred at tiiIie wHeH 'hcie
were not in the whole country a dozen
proclaimers of what we now know as
social Christianity. Many members of
Cedar Church had made the rounds OF
the Disciple churches of Cleveland. only
to stop at the little brick meeting
house with its tall. bashful preacher
and say to one another: This Is what
We have been looking for"
Among these people came a man who
was destined to transform and emDody
the Cedar Avenue Church life IN spe
ciaI way before the world, Tom L.
Johnson, self-made traction magnate
Mr.. Johnson was conspicuous In JUST
those qualities that DR.. Cooley lacked
The traction magnate was pre-emlnent-
" an organizer and promoter.
Later there met at the church a CLUB
which had an unchurchly membership
and discussed many questions in most
unconventional fashion. The members
had been brought together in the Tor
eign section of the city and contained
many men of many ideas. Anarchists
and socialists. single takers. free think
ers-they were all free talkers-and
many others. who had peculiar pont-
ical, religious and social ideas. were
brought together for the freest ex-
were placed upon the members except
the restrictions of free speech and fair
play.
Break With the Disciples.
And then came a break with the
Disciples of the city and of the nation.
over the admission as members Of a
few persons. otherwise desirable. but
who did not want to be immersed after
the custom of the Disciples.
Folk called the church single tax
club and not church. And so Cedar
Avenue Church stood apart. re-
garded with suspicion both as to pol
itics and religion
campaigns Is a story in itself and has
revolutionized political life in Cleve-
land. After his election to the office
of mayor Mr.. johnson was besieged
by officeseekers. As the organizer and
head of a great municipality. the street
car president appeared in his best light.
He was a natural judge of human ma
ture and of the abilities of men to
perform special tasks.
II was but natural that in the selec-
ton of a band of lieutenants the new
mayor sheuid turn to his old friend .sns, and
leave the little church and take an Of
fice in the city hall
Prisoners Humanely Treated.
One of the very first reforms insti-
tuted by the new administration was
a different treatment Of criminals. In
spite of frantic objections, DR.. Cooley
began by paroling a large per cent Of
the prisoners in the city workhouse.
He made these prisoners understand
that they were to have the opportunity
to make good. The city would CO.
operate and encourage. Municipal
judges were told that the policy of the
city hall would not be to take ven
geance upon offenders against the law,
but to save them.
80
the city was led to purchase farm of
1000 acres. On separate corners Of
this tract of land were placed the cor
rectional and relief departments of the
city. In addition, a tuberculosis hos
pital was erected at the highest point.
On this great farm prisoners were
given opportunity to work out their
own salvation. apart from the noise and
dirt of the city.
Instead of the old-fashioned dark
cell. DR.. Cooley planned for refractory
prisoners what he called a reflection
room" Humane treatment and faith
III human nature were made to do their
part In renewing the bond of life.
Work for All in Almshouse.
The almshouse buildings were built
about an inclosed court and cIoister,
where all might live together as
great family. There was work, accord
ing TO his ability. for every member of
the colony 10 occupy his thoughts and
prevent stagnation. There was a meas
OF good will and love manifested
to all.
Into the struggle for a better Cleve-
land Mr.. Johnson poured his fortune,
and 20 IL he sacrificed his life ended
before it's time by the exertions of a
too strenuous career.
But the object of Mr. Johnson's struz-
gle was accomplished. Today in Cleve-
land practically every policy advocated
by Mr.. Johnson Is adopted.
So the little church that never seemed
TO grow up finally did grow up until IL
became a great kingdom and filled the
whole city. The church itself has re-
ceived no advertising for its achieve
ments. but takes Its place IN a changed
locality and under another name among
the smaller churches of the city.
AIDED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER