The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-05-02
R0TARIANS HEAR
ARMY CHAPLAIN

! ANVIL VIlA kA1lv
The Rotary club was entertain
ed with double feature, con.
sistina of talk by an Army chap.
lain who has served overseas, and
songs by a former opera star, at
its weekly luncheon meeting at
the Friendly Cafeteria at p. m.
yesterday.
Major Richard R. Potter, chap
lain at Camp Davis, told the club
in an informal manner. OF his
experiences in the Fiji islands
and Pfc. Ernest Schoen, also Of
Camp Davis, rendered three sell
ections. He was accompanied at
the piano by william G.. Robert
son Pfc. Schoen sang "Schu-
bert's Serenade'', For You
Alone" and my Wild Irish
Rose the club joining in the
chorus of the latter.
Pfc. Schoen is fornar star
of the Vienna State Opera and
the San Francisco Opera Com
pany.
Major Potter, introduced by
Rabbi M. M. Thurman, program
chairman for May, reliable his
experiences of the average SOL
dier as he goes out in the Pacific.
The chaplain, who has been in the
army for 81 months, emphasized
the harmony of the relations be-
tween the Americans and natives.
He said the Fiji islanders were
the most lovable' of any natives
he contacted in the Pacific. He
Pointed out that the humble and,
in a sense, noble" natives had
been cannibals up until 1850 when
missionaries visited their is
lands.
The chaplain was accorded the
highest honors of the islanders
because he was minister and
witnessed a high ceremony, a
reproduction of the old rites of
cannibaIsm. The native chief
presented him with fruit and other
gifts and, in turn, received a
New Testament and cigarettes.
The club was amused at his
story of the carver drink, a
connection made Of native herbs
and drunk at frequent intervals
during the ceremony. He reveal
ed that 90 per cent of the Fiji
islanders are members of the
Methodist church, excellent guides
and patrolmen and "the best al
lies we had"
Major Potter attended two 9TH
er services. He described in brief
the religious fanaticism of the
Hindus who walked over red hot
Goals in their bare feet. He said
the Mohammedan service was as
bloody and awe-inspiring as any
that might be classed as human.
According to the chaplain, the
worshippers abused their bodies
and seemingly rejoiced in show
ing their faith in that manner.
Jack Carswell introduced the
following guests: Bill Bremen OF
Albemarle, Billy Haas, U.S.N.R.,
David Armstrong of Bladenboro,
and J. E L. Wade.
President Gus Grist presided at
the meeting which was opened
with the singing of America" The
invocation was given by the Rev
Mortimer Glover.
Carroll Tinsley introduced Eagle
Scout Hickey Hintz, Troop &c.
who announced that a Scout Cir
Gus would be held at 8 p. m. Fri
day.
Junior Rotarians for May
James Leroy Wells and Johr
Rufus King, were introduced by
T. T. Hamilton and welcomed BY
President Grist.
/ Adam Smith, who represented
the club at recent meeting
sponsored by the Chamber Of
commerce to devise ways to
assist with the recreational pro
gram at Camp Davis, suggested
that members have their daugh
tiers sign up with the city recre
ational department to act as hos
tesses at camp dances.
Walter Cartier announced that
a Ladies Night" is being plan.
ned for May 10.
Rabbi Thurman announced that
arrangements are being com.
pleted for a hypnotist to enter
tain the group next week and
called for members to volunteer
to act as subjects.