Trouble Arises in Geneva Church

Iowa, 1914

Ackley, Ia., Jan. 9. — From Geneva comes the report that the differences existing in the Methodist congregation have broken into a fierce fight.

The trouble appears to have arisen through the refusal of Rev. T. M. Neilsen — who has been there two years — to move, according to church custom, he having been returned by the last conference. This did not suit a faction, but the parson used moral suasion in efforts to quiet the dissenters.

Now that the trouble is on Rev. Neilson very naturally feels that he should not retire while under fire, especially when the only complaint against him is that some members of his church object to his interpretation of the scriptures. The higher officials of the church, however, will probably order a change before the present two-year term expires, for the reason that it is their custom to move a pastor when local conditions prevent him doing effective work, and as a rule they pursue this course regardless of whether the pastor has been at fault or not.

In the meantime the row stirred up by the dissenting members is looked upon by the officials of the church as a case of insubordination, for the reason that they have done the best they could and think that there should be patience shown the men who have been elected to govern in these matters.