The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-06-22
COVET THE BEST GIFTS
(Bv NJ. H. j.

It is fitting that the Martyr church
Of history should be a prime necessity
as we'll as an ornament in the muni-
cipal life of Hays.
I have always had a deep apprecia-
tion of that educational center in
Western Kansas and absence has in
creased my loyalty to the Park City.
The progressive development of
the city now under way as shown in
the Methodist community enterprise,
the projected enlargement of the
Catholic College plant, the extension
of the Lutheran Church equipment,
and the rebuilding of the Presby
terian Church edifce, should engage
the thoughtful regard and financial
support of the substantial citizens Of
the town.
The future growth of the city lies
in the widespread attractions of this
center of schools as a moral atmos-
phere for the home and the rearing OF
children. For the lack Of the raw
materials, Hays can never become a
manufacturing center; but as a con-
servative community for the educa-
tion of youth, it will always exert a
compelling influence upon parents
who wish for their children safe re-
fuge from the temptation of the
populous cities.
Therefore, to balk in the support
of these enterprises now under way,
would be little short of disaster.
Give till it hurts will be the only
salvation; and above all give cheer
fully and with enthusiasm. Let us
stand by our guns. None of these eff
forts should fail; all will have a down
right battle to fight; but the victory
will be won in spite of every adverse
obstacle. There are those who ought
to be friends who will stand and
croak; but shame awaits them, for
these building enterprises will go
through to finish.
The Presbyterians- Of the Hays
churches. in fact-have modern, up
to-date, progressive pastors, who
stand on the ramparts in defense of
the old fashioned gospel, the one and
only redemption of a wicked world.
Gerrit Snyder is alive to the IN
terests of his church at large and to
his own immediate pastOrate; he took
hold of the Presbyterian Church IN
Havs when the conditions were at a
low ebb; he has labored earnestly to
make the organization a working
force in the city. It is not worth
while to blink the truth; he had a job
on his hands to get unanimous con-
sent to let the old stone Manse go
and secure modern, convenient par
sonage: he is known by his fruits
would the membership be willing to
drop back into the old rut, with the
old stone Manse at an inconvenient
distance? Would they indeed? He
asks now that we take another step
forward and rebuild the squat, out
of-date house of worship in keeping
with the growing educational inter
ests of our city. The battle will go
on to a glorious triumph; the new
structure will be built to the honor
and glory of those splendid men and
women who have backed the pastor
in the past and will remain steadfast
in his support.
A word is due here IN retrospect I
recall the fine effort made under the
pasborate of Mr.. Alexander, in ac-
complishing the Sunday School ex-
tension. I recall MIR. Alexander in
laborer's garb working like Trojan
on the walls. Believe me! there are
doubtless better preachers in the
world than Mr.. Alexander, but few
better pastors; as a fine Christian