Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1919-03-14
METHODIST MEETING.

and after Two Gays OF prayer anu O1S-
cussion decided that the most fitting
way to celebrate the centennial of
missions was to do the thing on gu
gantic scale scale that would enlist
the active cooperation and sympath-
les of the laymen of the church all
over the land, and at the same time
command the interest, enthusiasm and
support of the rank and file of mem
bers and adherents, too. After the
presentation of the surveys that had
been made both at home and abroad,
which were astounding and even huml-
liating in their needs and appeals, it
was decided to raise $4,000 to be dl-
vided equally between home and for
eign fields. Later another SEE, 100000
was added, owing to the close of the
great war, for reconstruction purposes
both at home and in the devasted re-
gions of the warning nations. 1nstanc-
es were given which demonstrated be-
yond doubt how the movement is grip
ping both churches and individuals.
indeed, men outside of the Methodist
communion have given tens of thous-
ands of dollars in individual subscrlp-
tions because the aims and dimensions
of the great world task appealed both
to their hearts, imaginations and
pockets. They said, eff you Metho
dists are going in for putting across
such a program as that we are with
YOU to the limit. That also is the
sentiment of men of big business who
hold membership in or adhere to the
Methodist church all over the land.
But persons of small means as we'll
are heart and soul in the movement
and are doing their best in order to
realize this wonderful program.
The first Conference to enter upon
the task of raising it's allotment was
the Central New York. The response
of the people was marvellous. Men
and women who never gave much or
anything for missions caught the Wis
ion and literally poured their money
into the Lords treasury, until ere
the task was completed the churches
in that area had subscribed between
million and a quarter and a million
and a half-about $185,OO0 more than
their allotment. And thus the move
ment is gripping Methodism all over
the country and all the episcopal areas
are mobilizing their forces to meet
the great task before the church.
And not only is American Metho-
dism asking for one hundred and five
million dollars but also for $4,000
young men and women for some form
of Christian service for life pastors,
missionaries, deaconesses, social SER
vice workers, and so forth. Then, too,
one million tithers are being sought
as we'll as millions of members pledg-
ed to daily intecessory prayer. Me-
thodism intends to erect splendid edifi-
ces with all modern equipment for the
successful prosecution of Christian
work among the cOngested districts in
every large American city. The in
tention is to make both good Ameri-
cans as we'll as good Christians among
the Submerged tenth" and the aliens
of our polyglot population. The task
is a colossal one but intensely fasci-
mating and gripping in it's daring and
objective In the foreign field the
forces will be multiplied unspeakably,
new missions established, new schools
and colleges erected, and every facility
accorded for effective and progressive
endeavor. A "heathen Chinee" has
been so enthralled with the immensely
of the task that he has given million
dollars for the construction and oper-
alton of big university in Singapore.
And thus the vision is upon US, the
task is gripping US, and the "drive"
is reaching or will reach the last man
and woman for the glory of God and
the extension of Christian democracy
throughout the whole world. DR..
Kohlstedt's address was a remarkable
deliverance and he spoke with the Wis
ion of Christian statesman, the pow
er of conviction and the faith and
authority of prophet of God. He
thrilled the congregation as he told
of incidents that had come under his
own observation and took us up to the
hill of Pisgah and gave us view of
the "Land of Promise" which, under
the leadership of such men, Method
ism will soon enter with thanksgiving
and triumph.
The other speakers on the program
gave very fine addresses and their
messages were full of inspiration and
power. The banquet at $50 provided
by the ladies' aid was magnificent
spread and the toasts that followed
were all optimistic and thoroughly
enjoyed.
G. L. P.