Protest Against Hanging

Iowa, 1909

During the recent trial of the negro Junkin, in Centerville, for a capital crime committed in Ottumwa, a sensation was created by the publication of an appeal to the Christian sentiment of the people to prevent the hanging of the accused person.

This appeal was on high grounds — the thought that the taking of human life is not a proper function of government and is in violation of the command to not kill. The appeal was signed by William R. Benkert, as chairman of the executive committee of the United Christian party.

There was much criticism of Mr. Benkert for this action, but it was entirely consistent with the principles advocated openly and courageously by the organization of which he is the head. That party has a platform which is not at all original and doesn't claim to be a new thing. In fact, the party might be open to the charge of plagiarism, for the platform entire consists of the Ten Commandments.

The United Christian party appears not to have attracted national attention, but that has not prevented the party going ahead and holding national conventions, maintaining an executive committee and engaging in the distribution of literature, Mr. Benkert is a resident of Davenport.

The last national conference of the party was held in the famous Watch Tower on Rock Island in May, when plans were laid for organizing the various states and this was left largely to Mr. Benkert. He has the very great advantage that his wife, Mrs. Katherine Benkert, is secretary of the committee, so that there is not to be any friction in the workings of the organization. In fact, he is quite ready to concede to the secretary leadership in the good work and to accord to her more of the credit for that which has been accomplished than he takes to himself.

—Humeston New Era, Humeston, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.

Birthday Surprise Party for Rev. H. P. Lane

California, 1916

Rev. Henry P. Lane, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, was pleasantly surprised Monday evening at his home, when a number of the members and friends of the congregation arrived to celebrate his fifty-eighth birthday.

In order that the pastor might forget that he was growing older, most of the guests came dressed as children. This group of "grownups" made merry during the evening, playing all the children's games that could be thought of, and in which the pastor heartily took part.

As a token of deep appreciation, N. P. Smith, on behalf of those present and others not present, presented to Rev. Lane fifty-eight crisp one-dollar bills, one for each year of his life. The gift was visibly a surprise indeed, and in his acceptance Rev. Lane expressed his sincere expression of good will.

Mrs. Lane, the hostess, had arranged refreshments, which were greatly relished at the close. Among those present from out of town were Herrick Lane and wife, of Eagle Rock and Paul Lane of Catalina, both sons of Rev. Lane.

—The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, CA, Feb. 4, 1916, p. 1.