The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1936-12-11
RELIGION AND LIFE

II was my privilege during the
last week Of November to attend a
National Conference on the Rural
Church held ut Amcs, Iowa. Leaders
interested in the Rural Church from
California to Maine, and from Mich
igan to Florida were in attendance
for the three-day conference. Major
consideration was given to the rela-
tionship of the Rural Church to the
other agencies interested in the de-
velopmcnt of y more satisfying coun--
try life.
1t is quite evident that insome
sections the influence Of the Rural
Church is waning. What will happen
in the communities in which this is
taking place? That is a question that
does throw under the spotlight some
challenging problems. Careful sur
veys made in Iowa disclosed the fact
that large percentage of the leader
ship i'm the church, in the state, in
the Schools. in farmers organizations,
in all progressive and helpful move,
ments worshipped during childh1pd
and youth in the country church.
That am certain, is also true in
our own state. I know, for instance,
personally most of the leadership
now in charge of the affairs of the
state and the church, and in most
instances the country church was a
real dynamic factor in motivating
them in rendering service that en-
titled them to the places of leader
ship to which they have been entrust
ed. That certainly is true of Cover
nor Eump, our State Superintendent
Of Schools. our Secretary of State,
and many others who have the pri
vilcgc and responsibility of guiding
the ship Of state durin ghese critical
days. Friends also tell men that the
church made very helpful contri
button toward the all-around develop
ment OF ur next Governor.
What then will take the place of
the helpful influences set in motion
by the country church in the lives of
a very large percentage of our pre-
sent leadership? Ny quarter of a cen
fury of working with country COM
munities has convinced me Chat with
out the dynarnic, steadying, and the
challenging influence set in motion
by the church is no solid foundation
on which TO build satisfying en-
munity life. We would not for Il mo.
ment consider gceting along without
our public schools because they meet
very real and definite need in the
development Of our civilization The
spiritual needs to bc met by the
church are evidently inst rs real and
fundamental as the intellectual needs
being met by the schools.
III Russia q deliberate effort has
been made to do away with the in
flucncc CT the church, while a
mcrica in many communities, both
urban and rural. the sane results
and in some ways more damagin.:
results are being achieved by ;hc evil
influences set in motion Ivy selfish
Interests and Ivy the Indifference o.
many who Eve in these communities.
1t Is the short stavc i'm the barr,
that limits the capacity of the bar
rel. II is the lacl: Of interest in the
country church that is one of the
greatest factors in limiting the de
vcorment of satisfying progressive
community life and civilization.
Why not during the Christmas
Season and during the coming win
ter months give serious consideration
10 the pace Of the church in your
community, and in our civilization,
end your responsibility in helping to
'hc program OF the church more Of
fertivc?