Where the Money Has Gone
New York, 1895
Rev. Augustus Ross, pastor of the A. M. E. Church at Glen Cove, who was called before the elders to account for the disappearance of $200 confided to his care, has announced that the money was used in paying the running expenses of the church.
The money was raised by the women of the congregation to help erect a parsonage. The women are angry because the money has been spent. Mr. Ross says the money was spent at the direction of the church trustees.
St. Paul's Church Dedicated
St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church in Oyster Bay was dedicated on Sunday with impressive ceremonies. Three services were held. Dr. Andrews, bishop of the New York East conference, preached the sermon. In the afternoon a platform meeting was held, beginning at 3 o'clock, at which the Rev. Dr. Couch made the address, and the Rev. T. B. Aston of Glen Cove, and the Rev. John Robinson of East Norwich and others spoke. In the evening the Rev. Dr. Van Alstyne, presiding elder of the Brooklyn North district, preached.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 1.
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
St. Monica's Church Finances Get Another Airing
New York, 1895
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
The attempt of your last week's newspaper to smooth over the financial muddle of St. Monica's church was very adroit, but it will not go down if you are man enough to give me another hearing on the subject. I never imputed dishonesty to either Mr. Higgins or Mr. Rudden. They are good men. I never questioned Father Dennison's honesty, and I don't do it now, but he is bound to render an intelligent report, and that he has not done except in one instance. I contribute to his church, and I have a right to know about where the money goes. He said on Sunday, week before last, that my call on him to account for the 1893 balance was contemptible. When he referred to the thing at all I expected he was going to give the congregation an explanation, and tell them what he had done with over $800 of a balance. But he didn't tell them a word about it. Has he the money in the bank, or out at interest, or has he spent it, or what? It is easy for him to answer, and there are some who will carry the case to the Bishop if he doesn't.
If you will let me I will go deeper into the business. Father Dennison's first report, year 1892, showed that he had a balance of $1,817.17. In 1893 he gave his flock no account of what he did with that balance. In 1893 he had a balance of $551.68. In 1894 he kept to himself what he did with that money. In 1894 he had a balance of $872.82. In 1895 he suppresses all knowledge about this. In 1895 he had a balance of $481.83. He should have on hand at the date of the 1895 report, January 1st, as follows:
Balance January 19th, 1891, to February 8th, 1892, $1,817.17
Balance February 8th, 1892, to February 1st, 1893, 551.68
Balance January 1st, 1893, to January 1st, 1894, 872.82
Balance January 1st, 1894, to January 1st, 1895, 481.83
[Total,] $3,723.50
Father Dennison must know what has become of this money, and the congregation wants to know, and if they are not told there will be a lessening of contributions, for I know several liberal givers who will shut their pockets.
I for one would like to know how it happened that the church debt increased while so much money is shown in the balances. According to the report from January 19th, to February 8th, 1892, the debt on the church property was $14,000. In the 1892 to 1893 report it was stated at $13,000. In the 1893 to 1894 report it was not set forth at all. In the 1894 to 1895 report, the debt on the church property rose to $14,500. Why should it be so if the money shown by the balances was on hand to meet expenses?
Now it comes right down to this: Is the money shown in the balances in bank, or invested, or spent? Father Dennison knows and must tell. Mr. Higgins and Mr. Rudden don't know a thing about it.
EXAMINER.
[Mr. Higgins showed the editor of THE FARMER the financial report for the fiscal year 1894. That report is right as far as it goes. It pretends to do no more than state the income and the expenditures. As to the yearly balances, any statement respecting them must issue from the treasurer, who is their custodian, and not from Messrs. Higgins and Rudden. If there is a desire on the part of the congregation for information as to the disposition of the balances, the Rev. Mr. Dennison should respond to that desire, for in that matter he is but the servant of the congregation. The suppression of such information but leads to gossip and begets suspicion. The sum of $3,723.50 is so important a matter that a congregation would naturally feel a deep interest in knowing what has been done with it. — ED.]
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Jan. 25, 1895, p. 1.
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
The attempt of your last week's newspaper to smooth over the financial muddle of St. Monica's church was very adroit, but it will not go down if you are man enough to give me another hearing on the subject. I never imputed dishonesty to either Mr. Higgins or Mr. Rudden. They are good men. I never questioned Father Dennison's honesty, and I don't do it now, but he is bound to render an intelligent report, and that he has not done except in one instance. I contribute to his church, and I have a right to know about where the money goes. He said on Sunday, week before last, that my call on him to account for the 1893 balance was contemptible. When he referred to the thing at all I expected he was going to give the congregation an explanation, and tell them what he had done with over $800 of a balance. But he didn't tell them a word about it. Has he the money in the bank, or out at interest, or has he spent it, or what? It is easy for him to answer, and there are some who will carry the case to the Bishop if he doesn't.
If you will let me I will go deeper into the business. Father Dennison's first report, year 1892, showed that he had a balance of $1,817.17. In 1893 he gave his flock no account of what he did with that balance. In 1893 he had a balance of $551.68. In 1894 he kept to himself what he did with that money. In 1894 he had a balance of $872.82. In 1895 he suppresses all knowledge about this. In 1895 he had a balance of $481.83. He should have on hand at the date of the 1895 report, January 1st, as follows:
Balance January 19th, 1891, to February 8th, 1892, $1,817.17
Balance February 8th, 1892, to February 1st, 1893, 551.68
Balance January 1st, 1893, to January 1st, 1894, 872.82
Balance January 1st, 1894, to January 1st, 1895, 481.83
[Total,] $3,723.50
Father Dennison must know what has become of this money, and the congregation wants to know, and if they are not told there will be a lessening of contributions, for I know several liberal givers who will shut their pockets.
I for one would like to know how it happened that the church debt increased while so much money is shown in the balances. According to the report from January 19th, to February 8th, 1892, the debt on the church property was $14,000. In the 1892 to 1893 report it was stated at $13,000. In the 1893 to 1894 report it was not set forth at all. In the 1894 to 1895 report, the debt on the church property rose to $14,500. Why should it be so if the money shown by the balances was on hand to meet expenses?
Now it comes right down to this: Is the money shown in the balances in bank, or invested, or spent? Father Dennison knows and must tell. Mr. Higgins and Mr. Rudden don't know a thing about it.
EXAMINER.
[Mr. Higgins showed the editor of THE FARMER the financial report for the fiscal year 1894. That report is right as far as it goes. It pretends to do no more than state the income and the expenditures. As to the yearly balances, any statement respecting them must issue from the treasurer, who is their custodian, and not from Messrs. Higgins and Rudden. If there is a desire on the part of the congregation for information as to the disposition of the balances, the Rev. Mr. Dennison should respond to that desire, for in that matter he is but the servant of the congregation. The suppression of such information but leads to gossip and begets suspicion. The sum of $3,723.50 is so important a matter that a congregation would naturally feel a deep interest in knowing what has been done with it. — ED.]
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Jan. 25, 1895, p. 1.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Affairs of St. Monica's Church
New York, 1895
Contributions Have Been Liberal and Exceed the Expenditures.
It cannot be said that the people who attend St. Monica's Catholic church are not liberal in their contributions for the support of worship, for during the fiscal year just closed their offerings aggregated $6,973.49. This seems to be quite extraordinary, because the congregation that used to worship at St. Monica's has been thinned by the establishment of St. Mary's church, which seems to have outgrown St. Monica's parish in the last few years. The report of St. Monica's rector shows the expenditures to have been $6,491.66, so that there is a balance in the treasury of $481.83. The church is in debt $14,500.
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
The report of the financial condition of St. Monica's church, which was read to the congregation at Sunday morning's masses, is not a correct statement, unless the statement of last year was incorrect. I see by last year's (1893) statement that a balance of $872.82 was left at the close of the year's business. If that was true the money must have gone amiss, for the balance is not carried into this year's (1894) account, and therefore is not accounted for at all. * * Taking the accounts for the two years jointly, there should be a balance of $1,354.65.
I also notice in this year's report that the church property is insured for $327, and that the premium paid was $252. This cannot be true, and I should advise the church bookkeeper to issue a revised statement. EXAMINER.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1895, p. 12.
Contributions Have Been Liberal and Exceed the Expenditures.
It cannot be said that the people who attend St. Monica's Catholic church are not liberal in their contributions for the support of worship, for during the fiscal year just closed their offerings aggregated $6,973.49. This seems to be quite extraordinary, because the congregation that used to worship at St. Monica's has been thinned by the establishment of St. Mary's church, which seems to have outgrown St. Monica's parish in the last few years. The report of St. Monica's rector shows the expenditures to have been $6,491.66, so that there is a balance in the treasury of $481.83. The church is in debt $14,500.
To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:
The report of the financial condition of St. Monica's church, which was read to the congregation at Sunday morning's masses, is not a correct statement, unless the statement of last year was incorrect. I see by last year's (1893) statement that a balance of $872.82 was left at the close of the year's business. If that was true the money must have gone amiss, for the balance is not carried into this year's (1894) account, and therefore is not accounted for at all. * * Taking the accounts for the two years jointly, there should be a balance of $1,354.65.
I also notice in this year's report that the church property is insured for $327, and that the premium paid was $252. This cannot be true, and I should advise the church bookkeeper to issue a revised statement. EXAMINER.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1895, p. 12.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The News of Richmond Hill
New York, 1895
A musical and lecture for the benefit of the parish fund of the Church of the Resurrection was given in the rectory Tuesday evening and netted $25.
St Andrew's Brotherhood of the Church of the Resurrection are making a great success of their Sunday evening services. Large congregations attend and the financial support is liberal.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1895, p. 12.
A musical and lecture for the benefit of the parish fund of the Church of the Resurrection was given in the rectory Tuesday evening and netted $25.
St Andrew's Brotherhood of the Church of the Resurrection are making a great success of their Sunday evening services. Large congregations attend and the financial support is liberal.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1895, p. 12.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Sunday and Monday Beggars
1900
Ian Maclaren Says There Is No Difference
"The pew is a testimony to the family and ought to be maintained with its doors removed, and it does not matter whether a man pays $50 a year for his pew or 50 cents," writes Ian Maclaren of "The Pew and the Man in It" in the Ladies' Home Journal.
"The church authorities should see that the householder has his pew, with room enough in it for himself, his wife and the children which God has given them.
"There is no reason in the world why the rich man should not pay a handsome sum for his church home. And some of us have never been able to understand why an artisan should not give something for his church home also.
"Surely every man wishes to do what is right in the direction of his church. Every self-respecting man likes to pay for his home whether it be large or small, and it touches a man's honor to live in a workhouse, where he pays no rent and depends on the public. There is no necessity that this home feeling and this just independence should be denied in the house of God, but it rather seems a good thing that the man who works and gives to provide a house where he and the children can live together in comfort and self-respect six days of the week should do his part to sustain the house where they worship God on the seventh day.
"He is a poor creature who will allow a rich man to pay his rent for him on week-days, and I have never been able to see where there is any difference between being a beggar on Sunday and a beggar on Monday."
Ian Maclaren Says There Is No Difference
"The pew is a testimony to the family and ought to be maintained with its doors removed, and it does not matter whether a man pays $50 a year for his pew or 50 cents," writes Ian Maclaren of "The Pew and the Man in It" in the Ladies' Home Journal.
"The church authorities should see that the householder has his pew, with room enough in it for himself, his wife and the children which God has given them.
"There is no reason in the world why the rich man should not pay a handsome sum for his church home. And some of us have never been able to understand why an artisan should not give something for his church home also.
"Surely every man wishes to do what is right in the direction of his church. Every self-respecting man likes to pay for his home whether it be large or small, and it touches a man's honor to live in a workhouse, where he pays no rent and depends on the public. There is no necessity that this home feeling and this just independence should be denied in the house of God, but it rather seems a good thing that the man who works and gives to provide a house where he and the children can live together in comfort and self-respect six days of the week should do his part to sustain the house where they worship God on the seventh day.
"He is a poor creature who will allow a rich man to pay his rent for him on week-days, and I have never been able to see where there is any difference between being a beggar on Sunday and a beggar on Monday."
Monday, June 11, 2007
Using Eggs to Foretell the Future
1915
The White of the Egg is Recommended
This is one of the least known of all methods of foretelling the future, according to the ancient, secret wisdom of prophetic insight. Yet it is one of the most interesting, and easy to perform — though, of course, like all methods of the kind, some skill and practice are necessary in order to interpret quickly and speedily the symbolic interpretations of the signs presented, writes Prof. Sothnos Lalillier in the New York American.
In order to practice this part of cabalistic interpretation, you must procure a fresh egg — as new-laid as possible — and carefully separate the white of the egg from the yolk. Nearly fill a tumbler with cold water and drop the white of the egg into it, a drop at a time. Now place this glass carefully aside for 24 hours, being sure to cover the glass carefully, and that the water does not become warmed by proximity to a radiator, etc.
When you again look at the glass, you will find that your white of egg has congealed into various odd-shaped figures — circles, squares, animals, trees, crosses, etc. — which are to be interpreted according to the formula that follows.
Long, wavy lines denote losses and troubles; straight lines, on the contrary, denote peace, long life, prosperity and happiness.
Squares denote peace and happiness; a ring, marriage. If a letter can be discovered near the ring this will be the first letter of the name of the person you are to marry. If clouds are about the ring, think long and carefully before accepting this person, even if he offers marriage.
If a leaf is seen, speedy good fortune will come your way from some unexpected source. If an anchor is seen, fidelity in love is indicated. If a dog is seen, this is a good sign, if near the top of the glass, denoting faithful friends; if near the middle, doubtful ones; and if near the bottom, enemies to be avoided.
A lily or similar flower foretells happiness, if near the top of the glass; disappointment if near the bottom. If a number of small dots or spots are present, money is coming your way, unless clouds surround them, in which case you will receive bad tidings and notice of losses. A heart denotes a love letter which you will shortly receive. The sun, moon, or stars denote happiness and success.
The White of the Egg is Recommended
This is one of the least known of all methods of foretelling the future, according to the ancient, secret wisdom of prophetic insight. Yet it is one of the most interesting, and easy to perform — though, of course, like all methods of the kind, some skill and practice are necessary in order to interpret quickly and speedily the symbolic interpretations of the signs presented, writes Prof. Sothnos Lalillier in the New York American.
In order to practice this part of cabalistic interpretation, you must procure a fresh egg — as new-laid as possible — and carefully separate the white of the egg from the yolk. Nearly fill a tumbler with cold water and drop the white of the egg into it, a drop at a time. Now place this glass carefully aside for 24 hours, being sure to cover the glass carefully, and that the water does not become warmed by proximity to a radiator, etc.
When you again look at the glass, you will find that your white of egg has congealed into various odd-shaped figures — circles, squares, animals, trees, crosses, etc. — which are to be interpreted according to the formula that follows.
Long, wavy lines denote losses and troubles; straight lines, on the contrary, denote peace, long life, prosperity and happiness.
Squares denote peace and happiness; a ring, marriage. If a letter can be discovered near the ring this will be the first letter of the name of the person you are to marry. If clouds are about the ring, think long and carefully before accepting this person, even if he offers marriage.
If a leaf is seen, speedy good fortune will come your way from some unexpected source. If an anchor is seen, fidelity in love is indicated. If a dog is seen, this is a good sign, if near the top of the glass, denoting faithful friends; if near the middle, doubtful ones; and if near the bottom, enemies to be avoided.
A lily or similar flower foretells happiness, if near the top of the glass; disappointment if near the bottom. If a number of small dots or spots are present, money is coming your way, unless clouds surround them, in which case you will receive bad tidings and notice of losses. A heart denotes a love letter which you will shortly receive. The sun, moon, or stars denote happiness and success.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Watch!
1874
There is no period in a Christian's life without peril of sin. A wily foe attends his steps, watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities which may be made occasions for his fall. The only security for the child of God, therefore, throughout his entire pilgrimage, is in unrelaxing watchfulness. As the citadel is only secure against surprise and capture, when faithful sentinels, with pauseless step, pursue their steady tread along its walls and before its gates, so, the soul, the temple of the Holy Ghost, is alone impregnable against the Prince of Darkness when all its powers, clad in Gospel mail, guard every avenue, with incessant vigilance, against the entrance of evil.
But there are seasons of peculiar jeopardy, when unusual perils beset the Christian, and so insidiously, as to threaten his safety with more than ordinary promise of success. We are passing through such a season now, and there is need of the note of warning which we sound from the head of this article. We have seen and heard enough already to satisfy us that without great caution, the Adversary will gather rich spoils from the present "panic." The scarcity of money will be a strong temptation to many to disregard the sacred obligations by which they are bound to support the cause of God in its various departments. The pressure is so great, the future so threatening, the necessity for retrenchment so imperious, and "withholding more than is meet" so much more consonant with natural inclination, than the self-denial which enhances the gifts we lay upon God's altar, that, without weariness, many good people will be seduced into the sin of "robbing God" who would shrink from wilfully bringing upon their souls so grievous a crime. This is the supreme peril of the times; let Christian people guard against it. Be sure that you are personally cramped by the prevalent stringency, before you make it a plea for withholding your dues from the Church or the claims of charity.
If really straightened, see to it that personal gratification is postponed to the claims of Him whose steward you are. It is right to be provident, but it is safe to give when the cause of God presents its claims, so long as there is anything with which to respond to its demands. The widow of Sarepta passed a "crisis" incomparably more trying than any we experience or are ever likely to encounter; and passed it safely, by dividing her scanty store with the prophet of the Lord. There is infinitely greater danger of damaging your soul by treacherous dealing with duty, than there is of impoverishing yourself by excessive contributions to the Lord's treasury. "Take heed then, and beware of covetuousness," which has a powerful ally in the present monetary stress. There is blessing or disaster for us in these trying times, according as we use them. Let us watch against the evils they threaten, and enrich our experience with all the spiritual benefits they are capable of yielding.
There is no period in a Christian's life without peril of sin. A wily foe attends his steps, watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities which may be made occasions for his fall. The only security for the child of God, therefore, throughout his entire pilgrimage, is in unrelaxing watchfulness. As the citadel is only secure against surprise and capture, when faithful sentinels, with pauseless step, pursue their steady tread along its walls and before its gates, so, the soul, the temple of the Holy Ghost, is alone impregnable against the Prince of Darkness when all its powers, clad in Gospel mail, guard every avenue, with incessant vigilance, against the entrance of evil.
But there are seasons of peculiar jeopardy, when unusual perils beset the Christian, and so insidiously, as to threaten his safety with more than ordinary promise of success. We are passing through such a season now, and there is need of the note of warning which we sound from the head of this article. We have seen and heard enough already to satisfy us that without great caution, the Adversary will gather rich spoils from the present "panic." The scarcity of money will be a strong temptation to many to disregard the sacred obligations by which they are bound to support the cause of God in its various departments. The pressure is so great, the future so threatening, the necessity for retrenchment so imperious, and "withholding more than is meet" so much more consonant with natural inclination, than the self-denial which enhances the gifts we lay upon God's altar, that, without weariness, many good people will be seduced into the sin of "robbing God" who would shrink from wilfully bringing upon their souls so grievous a crime. This is the supreme peril of the times; let Christian people guard against it. Be sure that you are personally cramped by the prevalent stringency, before you make it a plea for withholding your dues from the Church or the claims of charity.
If really straightened, see to it that personal gratification is postponed to the claims of Him whose steward you are. It is right to be provident, but it is safe to give when the cause of God presents its claims, so long as there is anything with which to respond to its demands. The widow of Sarepta passed a "crisis" incomparably more trying than any we experience or are ever likely to encounter; and passed it safely, by dividing her scanty store with the prophet of the Lord. There is infinitely greater danger of damaging your soul by treacherous dealing with duty, than there is of impoverishing yourself by excessive contributions to the Lord's treasury. "Take heed then, and beware of covetuousness," which has a powerful ally in the present monetary stress. There is blessing or disaster for us in these trying times, according as we use them. Let us watch against the evils they threaten, and enrich our experience with all the spiritual benefits they are capable of yielding.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Deadbeat Prophet
Illinois, 1906
Yes, why does not John Alexander Dowie, "First Apostle," pay his debts? That question was bandied forth and back in Zion Sunday and it broke up a meeting arranged by Dowie. Police were called in, but they could do little more than keep the faithful and deluded from strangling each other.
It is a pity that it could not have been answered for Dowie that his debts have been paid. It appears that in these days it is necessary for a man to pay his bills if he lays any claim to being an apostle. The one who will not pay may overlay himself with a coating of seeming sanctity and saintliness and apostleship, but his competitors for the favor of the faithful are likely to get him in a corner at any time and call him a deadbeat The opponents of a professedly pious man are inclined at times to get raggedly familiar with him if he does not and will not pay his bills.
The lesson to be learned from all this is that if you expect to play the role of apostle with success here on earth it has become necessary for you to keep the finances straight. Certainly the time will come when a prophet who does not pay his bills will find himself without honor at home.
—The Daily Review, Decatur, IL, May 14, 1906, p. 4.
Yes, why does not John Alexander Dowie, "First Apostle," pay his debts? That question was bandied forth and back in Zion Sunday and it broke up a meeting arranged by Dowie. Police were called in, but they could do little more than keep the faithful and deluded from strangling each other.
It is a pity that it could not have been answered for Dowie that his debts have been paid. It appears that in these days it is necessary for a man to pay his bills if he lays any claim to being an apostle. The one who will not pay may overlay himself with a coating of seeming sanctity and saintliness and apostleship, but his competitors for the favor of the faithful are likely to get him in a corner at any time and call him a deadbeat The opponents of a professedly pious man are inclined at times to get raggedly familiar with him if he does not and will not pay his bills.
The lesson to be learned from all this is that if you expect to play the role of apostle with success here on earth it has become necessary for you to keep the finances straight. Certainly the time will come when a prophet who does not pay his bills will find himself without honor at home.
—The Daily Review, Decatur, IL, May 14, 1906, p. 4.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
To Abolish the System of Pew Rents
New York, 1909
West Genesee Street M. E. Church Takes Decisive Action
Free Seats After January 1
Rental System, Rev. J. C. B. Moyer Says, Made Many Uncomfortable and Affected Church Attendance
Pew rents are to be abolished at the West Genesee Street M. E. Church, beginning January 1. The free seats system was adopted by the Church Society after the entire matter had been carefully threshed out by the Finance Committee, the Official Board and the pew renters, and final action, at the meeting of the quarterly conference this week, was unanimous.
For months there has been a feeling in this parish that church attendance suffered because of a pew rental system. It was argued that more persons would attend church if the rule of "first come, first served," so far as sittings were concerned, prevailed, and after January 1 the promoters of the free pews will have an opportunity to observe how much difference there is under the new system.
The pastor of the church, Rev. J. C. B. Moyer, favored free pews. He said yesterday, "I believe it is a good move. During my pastorate the church attendance has shown an increase, but it has not been as large as it should be in a community so thickly populated. The rental of pews made just a few feel uncomfortable and inconvenienced a much larger number."
It was said that the rentals from the pews at the West Genesee Street Church amounted to only between $800 and $900 and that the finance committee was of the opinion that the current expenses of the church could be met to better advantage under a free pew system than at present.
There is a general tendency among churches of the country to abandon pew rentals and throw the houses of worship open to the public. It is believed that those who would rent pews would give the same amount in other ways and that visitors might help to swell the finances by contributions that would not be forthcoming under the old plan.
Free pews have been much discussed in conventions and among individual churches during the past few months and it is believed the action of the West Genesee Street Methodist Church will be followed by other churches of Syracuse in the near future.
—The Post Standard, Syracuse, NY, Nov. 13, 1909, p. 7.
West Genesee Street M. E. Church Takes Decisive Action
Free Seats After January 1
Rental System, Rev. J. C. B. Moyer Says, Made Many Uncomfortable and Affected Church Attendance
Pew rents are to be abolished at the West Genesee Street M. E. Church, beginning January 1. The free seats system was adopted by the Church Society after the entire matter had been carefully threshed out by the Finance Committee, the Official Board and the pew renters, and final action, at the meeting of the quarterly conference this week, was unanimous.
For months there has been a feeling in this parish that church attendance suffered because of a pew rental system. It was argued that more persons would attend church if the rule of "first come, first served," so far as sittings were concerned, prevailed, and after January 1 the promoters of the free pews will have an opportunity to observe how much difference there is under the new system.
The pastor of the church, Rev. J. C. B. Moyer, favored free pews. He said yesterday, "I believe it is a good move. During my pastorate the church attendance has shown an increase, but it has not been as large as it should be in a community so thickly populated. The rental of pews made just a few feel uncomfortable and inconvenienced a much larger number."
It was said that the rentals from the pews at the West Genesee Street Church amounted to only between $800 and $900 and that the finance committee was of the opinion that the current expenses of the church could be met to better advantage under a free pew system than at present.
There is a general tendency among churches of the country to abandon pew rentals and throw the houses of worship open to the public. It is believed that those who would rent pews would give the same amount in other ways and that visitors might help to swell the finances by contributions that would not be forthcoming under the old plan.
Free pews have been much discussed in conventions and among individual churches during the past few months and it is believed the action of the West Genesee Street Methodist Church will be followed by other churches of Syracuse in the near future.
—The Post Standard, Syracuse, NY, Nov. 13, 1909, p. 7.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Cut Pastor's Salary Despite His Revolver
1932
ATLANTA, Ga., April 22. — Brethren of the Sin No More Church here are without a pastor.
The "renancial" committee met to talk over money matters and compare the littleness of the income with the bigness of the outgo. They decided to cut the pastor's salary.
But the pastor, the Rev. H. J. Blakeley, happened to be present and strongly objected to the move. The argument became heated and the Rev. Blakeley whipped a big revolver from under his coat tails to enforce his point of view.
He did. But after the pastor had gone the committee called the police. Officers sought the gun-toting pastor but in vain.
—New Castle News, New Castle, PA, April 22, 1932, p. 20.
ATLANTA, Ga., April 22. — Brethren of the Sin No More Church here are without a pastor.
The "renancial" committee met to talk over money matters and compare the littleness of the income with the bigness of the outgo. They decided to cut the pastor's salary.
But the pastor, the Rev. H. J. Blakeley, happened to be present and strongly objected to the move. The argument became heated and the Rev. Blakeley whipped a big revolver from under his coat tails to enforce his point of view.
He did. But after the pastor had gone the committee called the police. Officers sought the gun-toting pastor but in vain.
—New Castle News, New Castle, PA, April 22, 1932, p. 20.
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