The Washington herald., 1922-11-26
Rev. P. P. FIournoy, 80, 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 better flipper OF
hearts than Hopper of pancakes?
So say judges. So say staid and
conservative matrons. And now
comes the Rev. p. 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.
II isn't so much that the whole
world is going to the bow-bows-
the aged minister-p philosopher author
doesn't believe just that-but 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-
ton 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-
Ierian Church after nearly forty
years of service as its pastor. He
wishes to devote his remaining
years to writing.
GIVE SAME ADVICE.
Seated in a red plush chair in
the library of his son, X. w. Flour
noy. 1922 p street northwest. the
pastOr-emeritus discussed his reac-
tons to modern philosophy. ethics
and manners.
II still give brides and grooms
the same advice l did fifty years
ago." said this divine who has
joined a thousand couples in matri-
mOny. Il use the word obey in
the ceremony. and think il should
remain there. despite the efforts
Of the 'mOderns' TO change the
phraseology."
Contrary to the view held by
man.. Rev. F1ournoy doesn't believe
that the modernist movement tide is
on the ebb. THE intelligent women
'he world over have embraced this
changed philosophy of life." he sald.
1t is becoming too deep-rOoted in
the habits. ideas and practices of
maidens and matrons TO be merely
a passing fancy. | 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 peoRe who are holding fast
to the dogInaS and practices of the
past ] 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
hanW
American home more of a rooming
house and less of a home.' thinks
Rev. Flournoy. Il can remember
back eighty years ago. my father
carried me TO 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 %. 1899. a veteran
Of the civil war-during which he
spent some time in a Union prison.
he was ordained u minister i'm 1869
His first pastorate was at Eliza
BEETHOVEN, Ky. In 1873 he accepted
a call to Bethesda church-a congre
cation organized more than 200
years ago as Cabin John Church
With the exception "f eight years
spent as minister at Springfield,
Md. he has been on duty at the