Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1923-01-27

community Church last Sunday
marked the third anniversary of an
effort in Imperial Valley to try out
the recommendations of the Inter
church World Movement, for over
coming much of the overhead waste,
caused by UNCONVENTIONAL zeal.
In hundreds of small towns in
Southern California, the survey OF
the lnterehurch World movement re-
vealed that there are many half
supported sectarian churches, draw
ing home mission money SIMPLY TO
keep alive these UNCONVENTIONAL
churches. The pastors are poorly
paid, though they receive consider
able outside money from the larger
and Weather churches of their
respective denomination.
The average lay members in
these small town and country dis
tricts, tried to the constant effort
TO keep the church doors open, well
come this movement.
In many towns there are from
four to six churches striving to
support a pastor, keep up a build
ing and raise missionary funds;
when one strong church could min
lister to all the religious needs of
the population.
Statement of Belief
In 1919. following the years Of
united war work, the good people
of Imperial began to consider the
possibility of uniting the four nro-
stestant white churches of that
city. and after several months of
conference and prayer, the new
church was launched January IS,
1920, with AZ charter members, com
ing from seven different eommun-
ions who signed statement of be
lief as follows:
II believe with all my heart that.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and
the Savior of men,
g Accepting Him as my Savior
and seeking the guidance Of the
Holy Spirit, ] promise to obey Him
in all things according to the
measure Of my knowledge Of His,
will. 1t is my purpose to the ex-
tent of my ability TO cooperate
with my brethren in the support of
His church and in the extension OF
its influence. -'
This profession of faith TO be ac-
eompanied by the observance of
such ordinances as may, by the APP
plicant, be deemed essential.
A constitution was adopted as a
basis. which has been
TO suit growing conditions.
the organization came
the question of securing pastor
who was willing TO serve this type
of church, and it was not until
April that one was secured.
McGaughey Answers Call
The Rev. John A. MeGaughey,
who was serving the Interchureh
World Movement as state secretary,
with an office in Los Angeles, fin
ally became convinced that this
was the time and place TO make a
demonstration 10 prove the fede-
rated idea as proposed by the Or
would work; according
~ his resignation was sent 10 New
York and Nav /, he established his
residence in the valley.
The growth has been steady
rather than spasmodic. From AZ
TO nearly 800 in three
years tells the story as the church
roll of members reveals it, but the
real influence of the church is
shown more accurately when one
visits the outlying districts where
the organization through its gospel
department, (ihere are
eight departments of wOrk)
reaches four Consolidated school
districts Sunday school and breaches
sermons twice a month. In the
three years 735 Sunday school pu-
pills have been enrolled. In one Of
these districts a church has recent.
ly been organized with 81 charter
members.
The Rev. MeGaughey has asso-
eiated with him two ordained min
listers who greatly assist In the
work of preaching. The Rev. Os.
ear Sweeney, who was formerly
pastor of one of the churches enter
ing the federation, and the Rev.
II. ii. Hill, who during the past year
Joined heartily in assisting in the
work.
Favorable Comment.
This work has received favor
able comment during the years of
IFS existence. "The Christian Her
add" gave full page about a
year ago telling of the work. 1.-THE
Community Churchman, another
publication has frequently re-
viewed the activities Other pub
locations and newspapers have
taken notice to the work being
done.
All of this publicity has brought
about frequent inquiries and inyi-