The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-29
By CHARLES H. MANDY

For sometime past the harmony eX- isting between the peoples of the Bap- .tfst and Methodist churches has been a source of much satisfaction to the members of both denominations. There are many who can recall the time when the word "immersion and church government would start an argument more or less heated-not that one can not start an argument on these sub jects at this time if you seek one-but in recent years one can truly remark in speaking of these two great de- nominations, "Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"
 But, alas! the wedge has been made; nay, further, it has entered and bids fair to rend asunder the harmonious relations that have existed aforesaid. And, strange to say, it was brought about through the love, esteem and af- lection that two devoted congrega- tions have for two earnest and faithful pastors. It happened thus:
 On last Christmas the members and friends of the Rev R. T. Waites of the Ensley Methodist church present. ed him with a brand new 'flivver." Needless to say that Dr. Waites was overcome with gratitude at the splen- did remembrance. He at once decided to become thoroughly efficient in handling the car, so as to make it a practical factor in his pastoral duties as we'll as for the personal pleasure it would afford him.
 At the same timef the members and friends of the Rev. A. K. Wright of the Ensley Baptist church also pre- sented him with a "flivver," and he also promptly dedicated it to the fur therance of his duties as pastor and determined to become efficient in it's use
 As neither had had the slightest ex- perience in running, handling or keep ing an automobile in running trim. they both applied themselves diligent- ly to the task of becoming amateur Barney Oldfields But no sooner had they learned how to run the car a block or two than they fell, and went the way of all mortal men and each commenced bragging about the su- perior qualities of his particular car. And right here let it be said that a man may brag about his first-bor his fancy chickens, his bird dog or anything else, but the sure-e enough, IA carat enthusiast is the owner of what ho thinks is the best car in the world. And the two reverend gentlemen "sho'ly did recommend dey own kyars highly
 My dear Brother Wright, you are certainly wrong in your contention, : said the disciple of Wesley. following an argument on high speed
 f My dear Brother Waites, I beg to differ with you. Besides, how could l be wrong when I am always Wright?' smilingly replied the disciple of water
 Notwithstanding all that, every thing comes to him who Waites, and I will yet convince you of your error. ]. grimly said the Methodist divine as he stepped into his car
 They both drove off, each thorough ly convinced that the other did not know any more about car than a shoat knows about side pockets. Of course the members of their respect i've congregations back up r1eir re- spective pastors. and herein is where the wedge enters that might result in a breach in their hitherto most har- monious relations. The writer takes this opportunity to sound note of warning to all congregations who are contemplating presenting their pastors with a machine for pastoral duties to take due notice and govern them selves accordingly"
 The following incidents that oc-