The Washington times., 1922-11-26
Rev. P. P. FIournoy, SO, Says
Modernism Is Deep-rooted
and Not Mere Passing. Fad
RETAINS HIS OPTIMISM
Author Minister Sees Hopeful
Phase in Those Who Cling
to Practices of the Past

Is the flapper a better flipper of
hearts than Hopper of pancakes?
So say judges. So say staid and
conservative matrons. And now
comes the Rev. p. =. Flournoy, re-
firing after fifty-three years in the
Presbyterian ministry, to voice full
approval of the opinions of these
onlookers in the comedy-drama OF
youth.
1t isn't so much that the whole
world is going TO the bow-bows-
the aged minister philosopher-au
doesn't believe just that-bIt he
does feel that the modern feminist
movement with its birth-control,
laxity of morals and relaxation
from the restraints of sterner
times is making for the disintegra-
tion of the American home. and
civilization in general.
Rev. FlOurnoy, whose eighty-three
years of life have mellowed his
ideas, recently resigned from the
pastorate of the Bethesda Presby-
terian Church after nearly forty
years of service as its pastor He
wishes to devote his remaining
years to writing.
WV EhDvISE.
Seated in a red plush chair in
the library of his son, r. w. Flour
noy, 1922 = street northwest, the
pastor emeritus discussed his reac-
tions to modern philosophy, ethics
and manners.
II still give brides and grooms
the same advice l did fifty year.
ago." said this divine who has
LII. ,.. .,,t
mony. 81 use the word obey in
the ceremony, and think it should
remain there, despite the efforts
phraseology."
Contrary to the view held by
man.. Rev. Flournoy doesn't believe
that the modernist movement tide is
on the ebb. THE intelligent women
the world over have embraced this
changed philosophy of life," he said.
1T is becoming too deep-rooted in
the habits. ideas and practices of
maidens and matrons to be merely
q passing fancy. I do not see a
complete reversion to the older man.
ners for some time to come.
There is one hopeful phase of
the whole matter-and that lies
with the people who are holding fast
to the dogmas and practices of the
past. j think these people are all
the more fervent in their living and
actions. In them is the future of
the nation and the world" he added.
WRITING ANOTHER BOOK.
The tremendous concentration in
the cities, women in industry. and
the lack of devotion to children
t.-tI I'd t. -, L.
American home more of a rooming
house and less of a home, thinks
Rev. Flournoy. II can. remember
carried me to a window to see the
new moon in the western sky.
Parents aren't around home long
enough to do that sort of thing any
more"
At eighty-three Rev. Flournoy is
in good health and alert mentally.
His kindly blue eyes -bespeak
warmth of feeling and tell little of
the rigors of pioneer life way back
In the fifties and sixties. He has
no thought Of dying yet-and at the
present time is busy writing another
book. the subject of which he didn't
make public.
Born in Chesterfield Court House.
Va, September 25, 1889. veteran
Of the civil swar-during which he
spent some time in a Union prison
he was ordained a minister in 1859.
His first pastorate was at Eliza.
bethtown, KY. In 1875 he accepted
a call to Bethesda church--a congre-
cation organized more than 200
years ago as Cabin John Church.
With the exception Of eight years
spent as minister at Springfield,
Nd. he has been on duty at the
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