Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-06-01
IMethodisis Approve
Ministers Pensions,
but Postpone Action
BY cospor Names
sfnr stnff carfs.nond.nf

sfar sfaff Correspondent
WESTMINSTER. Md, May ST.
The Baltimore Conference of the
Methodist Church today sent a new
ministers pension fund plan back
to its Claimants Committee for an
other years study Immediately after
it had approved the proposal by a
one-yote margin.
The plan, calling for a $500 900
fund drive this fall, was debated for
more than two hours During the
consideration, a modified proposal
was offered in a substitute motion.
The motion was defeated when the
clergymen voted 81 to IS against it.
while the laymen favored 1t, So to
Sc. Conference rules called for q
majority OF both groups If the mo-
ton were to be adopted.
The conference then voted ap-
|proval of the original plan, 1873 to 1877.
Motion Made by DIR. Robinson.
When the one vote margin was
announced. DR.. Orris G. Robinson,
pastor of Calvary Methodist Church,
Washington, moved that the matter
be referred back to committee for
a report next year. He argued ac-
ton on proposal of such impor-
lance should be deferred, in view of
the close vote. His motion was ap-
proved unanimously.
The Rev. G. Lewis Robson OF
Washington. pastor of Ryland Meth
odist Church. then proposed that /
per cent of the ministers salaries
and per cent from the church
funds this year be given to the
immediate outlay for pensions to
retired ministers. 1t was passed.
Children feel that their fathers
exert little influence on their lives,
the conference was told by its Youth
Study Committee.
Mothers First in Influence.
The committee reported results of
a QUESTIONABLE revealed children
placed their mothers first in infiu-
ence, with ministers second, Sunday
school teachers third and fathers
fourth.
The group said the survey should
be disturbing to mothers because
the profound influence they exert
calls for reviewing of their religious
life and habits, disturbing to
fathers, because they are failing to
contribute effectively to the nurture
OF their children's souls"
The report had an optimistic side.
noting that there is no great fall
Ing away from a belief in God on
the part of our youth"
Ten pastors who were retiring
from active work were honored bv
the conference today. The Rev.
Allan F. Poore, pastor of Wilson
Memorial Methodist Church, and
the Rev. Edgar A. Sexsmith, pastor
OF Rhode Island Avenue Methodist
Church, were two Washington min
listers retiring this week.
An incipient battle over the
adoption of an Anti-Saloon League
Day throughout the conference. +"
when IAN offering" would be taken
to support the league, was averted
when Mr.. Bailey pointed out that
church discipline required such q
motion to be submitted to the Com
mission Of World Service and FL
nance before action could be taken.
~ Laymen Elected. -. =.
The Board of Temperance report
setting the first Sunday in Lent of
l948 aside as a day of commit
ment on the alcohol problem" was
passed. It also voted approval of
an educational program for the
youth and adults of the church.
on the problems related to use
of alcohol.
washington laymen elected for
conference offices today were D.
Stewart Patterson of Emory Church.
conference lay leader; o. Q. Tho
men OF Woodside Church, lay lead
er OF the Washington West District
and, with Marvin Hummer of Ep-
worth Church, lay leader for the
East District. West District as
sociate lay leaders chosen were
Judge C. w. Woodward of Rock
vile (Md) Church, L. E. McDougle
of Metropolitan Church and Alden
Hoage of Eldbrooke Church. East
District associate lay leaders elected
were M. J. Courtney of Bristol, Md,
S. c. Keys of Laurel, Md, and M.
d. Lamborne, ST., Of Lewis Me
mortal Church.
Atomic Energy Touched On.
Resolutions favoring United States
support of the United Nations, world
disarmament and control of atomic
energy by the u. N. and resistance
to 1.-The assumption of the inevita-
bility Of war with Russia were sub
mitted to the meeting by the con-
ference's Commission of World
Peace.
The recommendations also in
Guided an appeal for Congress to
enact emergency legislation admit
ting 100000 displaced Europeans into
the United States over a period of
time, amnesty for conscientious OBJ
jectors" still in prison and study of
social problems such as social Sc
curity, education and labor rela-
lions.