Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-10
Fighting Chaplain
Continues Militant
Methods in Peace

Chanute, Kan, Dec. 9-The fight
ing instinct which won for the Rev.
Earl A. ,Blackman, the newly elected
| national chaplain of The American
Legion, the title of the Fighting
Parson of the Thirty Fifth" during
the world war, has stood him well in
hand since he came back to his
peace time vocation as pastor of the
First Christian church here. En-
lightenment gained in his war serv-
ice created new ideas as to the scope
of religious activities. The new
planks he inserted in the church's
platform created considerable Oppo-
sition. But thus far the fighting
parson'' has won.
1--WE have never had dancing in
the church," he said. 1.-The main
reason being that we have no suitable
room for it. l do not favor the use
Of the sanctuary in the church for
any purpose other than wor-
ship, but believe the church could
well have q dancing floor in a build
ing adjacent to the church, or in the
same building: also billiard tables.
social and card rooms if they seem to
be required to meet the social needs
Mr.. BIackman's church has mo-
ton picture machine, for use in con-
nection with services. Indications
are that his policy is popular. On
this point. Mr.. Blackman said:
Our church has outgrown its
present plant. A lot has been pur-
chased and a new building is con-
templated. The church usually is
crowded Sunday evenings, about
three fourths of the audience being
young people. Frequently many are
turned away before the service starts,
SO crowded is tie auditorium"
The career of the Rev. Mr.. Black
man has been diversified. He was
born in Kendallville, Ind, Oct. .,
1882, on a farm and received COM
mon school education. He studied
steam and machine designing in
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, y.
y; followed engineering and
electrical work including firing To-
connective; assistant engineer on
steam yacht in New York harbor:
chief engineer of an interurban pow
or house in northern Indiana and
worked in an automobile factory at
Kokomo, Ind. These activities over
Tapped some with farming and going
to college where he earned his own
way.
While attending the University of
Kansas he helped pay expenses by
evangelistic singing, preaching, run
ming traction engine in the wheat
fields. private boxing lessons and
selling automobiles.
In 1914 he became pastor of the
Chanute church and has held this
position since, with exception of two
years spent in military service.
Mr.. Blackman was commissioned
first lieutenant and chaplain and was
mustered into federal service August
D. 1917. He saw a years service
overseas.
After the armistice was signed, Mr..
Blackman challenged any chaplain i'm
the A. +. +. to a boxing bout under
auspices of the Y. NJ. c. A. The
challenge was accepted by Chaplain
Rexroed of the Dist division. All ar
rangements were made but the bout
was stopped by the &c. II. O." 1t
was overseas that he gained the title
OF THE Fighting Parson" because of
his activities as boxer and boxing
referee.
Il have refereed perhaps two hum
dred bouts since l returned from
France" he said. II have class in
boxing for high school boys, meeting
once a week"
Due to the opposition within his