The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-28


 T appreciate Dr. Dickinsons point of view" said Rev. Robert N. Simp- son, pastor of the First Christian church. Ut would be tragical if the church did not profit by this war"
 q have no idea of substituting a human Y M c. A. organization for the divinely planned church of Christ" is the construction Rev. P. G. Elsom. pastor of the Elyton Baptist church. has put upon the matter.
 'The church has stood the storm of many an onslaught during the past 20 centuries. It is the originator and best exponent of social service and philanthropy" said Layman John w. Sibley.
 There is a great need for more com munity work" said Dr. James Dill lard. pastor of the Southside Baptist church.
 q believe that much of the back firing about the little differences is disappearing There probably will be sometime sort of union on the part of the various churches, but that is not near us yet. I do not believe we really put enough money into our church buildings
 NO CHANGES NEEDED
 No radical changes are needed in the church,, said Miss Lillian E. Forbes, Baptist primary field worker for Alabama. "The church is drawing more people and doing more good now than ever before. I do not believe there will ever be the one church"
 While the discussion is being partici- pated in by many, there has been no de- sire for controversy or argument ex- pressed by those who have made state ments for publication. Many have ex- pressed themselves as being glad to see renewed interest in religious and church matters, and the discussion by those who have expressed their views.
 Dr. J. R. Hobbs, pastor of the First Baptist church. stated that he had nc statement to make about the matter. Dr. H. H. Hibbs, pastor of the Ruhama Bap- fist church, said that he did not wish tc be quoted on the subject. Dr. C. Ross Baker. pastor of the Fifty-sixth Street Baptist church, and Dr. P. B. Wells. pas tor of the Highlands Methodist church said that they will have statements tc give out later.
 John W. sibIey. prominent Birmingham layman, and member of the Presbyterian church, said:
 STATEMENT BY SHELBY q have no desire nor intention to in dulge in a controversy over the position of the church, as criticized by my sooe friend Dr. Dickinson, for she has stood the storm of many an onslaught during the past 20 centuries and the old Rock oi Ages stands impregnable and will con tirue to be the only beacon light of safety long after her critics have passed int oblivion.
 But I do take exception to his state ment that people will not go to churcf to hear preaching, and I put him on thu witness stand to prove the inconsistency and error of his claim.
 Hast Sunday night I attended tho evening services at the First Methods church to hear the great Scotch preacher Dr. McNeill. I went half hour ahead O. time and was fortunate to get seat Dr. Dickinson came a little later, bu could only find standing room. The pas tor saw the situation and got a chail from his study which pr. Dickinson oc cupied within the chancel rail. Dr. Nc Neill certainly preached the good "old time religion and from the seraphi' smile on Dr. Dickinson's face I though he was enjoying it as much as the bal ance of the immense crowd that over