The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-03
DR. STUART GIVEN
 GREAT OVATION ON
 RETURN ID PULPIT
Great Congregation Thrilled as Beloved Pastor Makes Eloquent Appeal of Peace.
 Hundreds Turned Away
By H. ". sCHAEFER

in body as signal honor to their
 pastor, Rev. George R. Stuart,
 who filled his pulpit for the first
 time in six months. Hundreds, many
 of whom arrived long before the
 service hour, were turned away.
 Every foot of parking space for the entire block in which the church stands was occupied by cars of con-
 gregation members and friends of the pastor.
 Greatly moved by the ovation, Dr. stuart set aside for the time being
 the regular worship routine and of- fered short prayer of thanks, fol-
 lowing this by relating some of his experiences during his convalescent
 period at Johns Hopkins hospital.
 Some were delightfully."- humorous. He concluded this departure by ask
 ing the congregation to sing, Come
 Thou Almighty King" Rev. J. D. Hunter, assistant pas tor. offered prayer for the recov- cry of Dr. Stuart during which tears
 of joy streamed down the cheeks of many in the audience. Dr. Hunter prefaced the sermon of Dr. Stuart by expressing the prayer that the dis armament conference arrive at some Oe1lnlte conclusion.
 Touching Welcome Almost on the verge of tears at the touching welcome back to his flock, Dr. Stuart arose preparatory to the sermon amid an expectant hush. Plainly, it was not a question of an interesting sermon, but of a longing to see the man in the flesh who had passed through the valley of the shadow of death and through a long period of wavering conveles- cence to return as shepherd to his flock.
 Although he showed the effects of his strenuous fight he had made for life against heavy odds, almost over whelming at times, Dr. Stuart's face shone with a radiant smile of pleas ure which completely transfigured his appearance. Leaning against the altar, his tall and stately figure dominated the audience as was the custom prior to his illness and sub sequent absence.
 Yesterday was homecoming day for Dr. Stuart, both formally and infor- mally, in a way. The congregation plainly wished to show him it's re- gard and reverence for a loved pas
 tor and friend. It was vote of con
 fidence in the minister, who had bat
 tied with the sceptre-bearing figure
 
 struggle.
 Peace Doctrines In his sermon Dr. Stuart made strong plea for adoption of peace
 doctrines, announcing his text as Paurs injunction to the Romans,
 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace" Declaring that, as Birmingham shapes in a large measure the senti- nd
 Methodist church largely shapes sem timent in this city, Dr. Stuart de- clared it the duty of the congrega- tion to help shape public sentiment for peace and against war. His theme was "The Next War" pr. Stuart told an incident of his days at Johns Hopkins hospital to illustrate a point regarding peace and war He said that the surgeon
 who operated on him went to Jersey City to see the Dempsey Carpenter
 fight.
 He went on to say that the surgeon,
 when it came time for bill presen-
 tation, told him that there was no
 bill forthcoming. pr. stuart com
 ing that the doctor could hardly get
 ing that the dotor ould hardly get
 by the pearly gates with his belliger-
 ent weakness, using the infected gaii
 bladder of myself"
 Token of Esteem
 Dr. Stuart also spoke of the ac-
 ton of General Manager Simpson Of
 the Southern railway system, who of- fered to send him to Birmingham in
 the official private car of the South ern railroad, as another token of es-
 teem from friends.
 He referred to "The Next War"
 book by Will Irwin, reviewing the various phases of the volume. The history of war and advances made. as depicted in this book, were re- viewed by Dr. Stuart. He asked how many persons in the audience had read the book. When not a hand was raised, he requested everyone present to obtain the volume and read 1t as an interesting insight on war and a strong argument for the preaching of peace.
 we must create public sentiment strong enough to overcome this kill ing instinct in the nations" declared pr. Stuart What fools men are who kill so easily and often afterwards bitterly regret their hasty act. We love to fight. The biggest crowd as- sembled in the United states since the war went to New Jersey to see two big brutes beat each other up. Whenever you want to see two fell lows beat each other up you have the wrong spirit. There is the spirit of a demon lurking somewhere in. your makeup.
 Folly of Fighting "The Tulsa riots and their reaction form an excellent example of folly personified by the love of fighting. Instead of cultivating peace we have cultivated war, and as result it takes only match to start con- flagration.
 Let us put down these abominable international conference soon to con- peace. Let us pray that this great international onference soon to con- vene will help to hasten the day of peace. God says, the good book says and humanity says, Let us there fore follow the things which make
 for peace
 Another thing. whenever you see a man. in the coming election, showing bad blood, take counsel with your selves as to whether you wish to hear him. There is no heroism in stirring up strife. but Christ's followers should always promote harmony and l peace"
 Dr. Stuart preached on i"why Men Are Criminals" at the evning serv- l ice. Every seat in the church was taken, the crowded conditions of the morning prevailing. Due to his weak ened physical condition, Dr. Stuart only spoke 25 minutes. The church chorus made it's first public appearance of the season last night and rendered several seiec- tions. J. D. McGill is director of the l chorus.
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