The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-01-29
M E N, w o M FEN
 A ND T HIN c s

If called upon to state what. in my opinion, is the outstanding feature ir the Protestant churches of the twen- tieth century, I would unhesitatingiy say the part that laymen are taking in religious work.
 For long while it was charged against the various denominations that the spir- women. while the men put up the money; but this has changed in two ways. The women through their many organizations are raising yearly large sums, while the men are taking an active part in church work.
 The man who thinks that the morning services at our different houses of wor- ship is made up of congregation in far wrong in his estimate as the one who vainly hugs the belief that the ladies at the matinee performances at the Lyric and the Bjou could outvote the males. It's frequently the case that the men would poll the larger vote.
 The old idea that religion is thing for women and children and that men need not bother themselves about 1t sc long as they contribute regularly in rap idly passing. The war taught us tha, Christianity is for strong as well al the weak, and men learned that in the hour of need there was help in calling upon the Lord, and this was why there was such an outpouring of prayer.
 All of this prelude on account of an invitation which received to attend the fellowship dinner of the mon at the South Highland Presbyterian church which was served by tho ladies on Thurv- day night. The war taught us that the best way to get anything done was to give breakfast. luncheon, or a din ner. Just set a feast and bid the people to come. I rarely ever turned down an meals. and have also fallen for after noon teas.
 have always had a tender spot in my heart for the South Highland Pres byterians. as from time to time when the church was without pastor. I have had the pleasure of occupying the pulpit and they will admit that 1t has been va cant quite bit within the past 10 years Then. I have some close kin who hold their membership in the church, and l many warm personal friends. I just fec at home when I worship with the con- gregation or stand in the pulpit as the preacher of the day.
 I'm not going to run over the list o1 the pastors whom I have known and loved who from time to time have shep- herded the flock. They have had some notable men as their spiritual leader. thought I got off good one in saying That while your ministers have come and gone in rather rapid succession. evi- dently you intend to hold on to Dr. Dobyns as you have bought a manse' '' The church has recently acquired the old Moody residence.
 I hail with delight the growing senti- ment in the churches that religion is a mans size job. and that while it's big enough to take in the women and the children, it calls for the best efforts oi ia thers as we'll as mothers if it is to play the part in the social, business and re- ligious life of the people which God in- tended that it should The work of King dom affairs is challenge to the wide- awake men of this day and time. More and more the leaders of the dir. ferent faiths are seeing the necessity of mobilizing their man power in order to take the world for Christ I fear thai religious leadership for awhile was bi, timid in launching, denominational plans The ones offered never caught hold ol or fired the imagination of the big mer who in social. political and business life -were accustomed to tackle matters of the greatest moment calling for daring, en. ergy and resourcefulness.
 
 l Some of the great religious drives re. gently put on have had, like all great undertakings, some weak spots, and vii need patching up or revising on oc casions, but one thing they did and that was to appeal to the best that was 1T the average man and give him a zest fol having part in the great forward move 1 ments of the church to which he be longed. At last religion had an objec tive that was inspiring enough to mako to have hand in accomplishing.
 
 sometimes tb:nk. however, that tht modern city church is overorganized. Ii is alright to adopt business methods in church work, always provided tha' deep in the subconsciousness of those whose job it is to make them function properly realize that all church machin cry, whose chief object is not to bring men and women and children into tn, knowledge of the Savior. had better b' scrapped if reliance is placed on mems ingenuity rather than dependence upor the Holy Spirit.
 l I am talking like a preacher now, bur believe what am saying is the gospe truth, and needs to be emphasized al present. Sure. see to it that everybod, 1 Is put to work, but be careful that 1T the multiplication of committees you dt not segregate them and bring about lit tie cliques. I speak this as a pastol who has had experience. Now. it is tt guard against such conditions that tn, monthly fellowship dinners of the Soutf Highland Presbyterian church are held. l '. sss