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.

Lammas Day in England

1914

Lammas, as August 1 is popularly called, was formerly our national festival. It remains an important date, not only in Scotland, where this is a quarter day, but in many parts of rural England, where the pasture of "Lammas lands" belongs after August 1 to all parishioners who draw smoke, not through pipes, but chimneys.

"The word "Lammas" is a corruption of Loaf Mass, so-called because on this day it was once customary to present at church a loaf made from the new corn. Perhaps some relic of this custom still lingers among Sussex farmers, who try to get a loaf baked from the new wheat before the end of Goodwood week.

During the eighteenth century the Dissenters of London kept high festival on Lammas day to commemorate the death of Queen Anne. If she had lived they would have been deprived by the "Schism Bill" of the liberty of educating their own children. — London Chronicle.