Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
August 30, 1962
NUMBER 17, PAGE 3,10b

The Ugly Truth

Frank Lewis

This article grows out of a genuine concern for the brotherhood. In the past ten years I have seen the promotions of men destroy life-long friendships. So it is with an attitude of love and devotion to my fellow Christians that I write the truth about one of these promotions.

Some five years ago, I was living in Millington, Tennessee, and worshipped with the church there, I worked in a grocery store to earn a living for my family. One afternoon Brother B. F. Haynie, Jr., who was the preacher for the Millington church at that time, came into the store all excited and asked me if I could go into Memphis with him that night. I questioned the nature of the trip was told that it concerned the purchase of the Howard Manor Motel by the church for a home for the aged. I agreed to go with him. We had the first meeting at the Highland church building, with most of the surrounding congregations represented. Brother Haynie presented to these present the fact that Sister Howard was planning to sell the Howard Manor Motel and would like for the church to buy it for the purpose of making it into a home for the aged. I admit that Brother Haynie is a good salesman. He said that the church could not afford to miss such an opportunity. Everyone seemed to be sold on the idea. I now wonder how many were blindly led into this awful plot. After many meetings and much work and promoting, it was decided that the church would purchase the motel at the price of $80,000.

It was on one of these trips with Brother Haynie, that I asked who would have the oversight of a home of this kind. Brother Haynie informed me that we would have to have the elders of one of the congregations in Memphis to oversee it, since we did not have elders at Millington, and that it would not be scriptural unless elders had the oversight of it. All this time we did not have anyone who had the desire to live in the home. Nevertheless, plans were being made as if there were aged people without food and shelter waiting to go there.

We found ourselves in the motel business and it was as such by the church for almost a year. Sister Roberts was selected to be the manager of the motel under the oversight of Union Avenue church of Christ. Later we were told that the state would not give charter under these conditions. Therefore the elders relinquished their position and a board was selected. In order, to keep down too many questions it was announced that these directors would all be elders, although two men were chosen who were not elders. These were Tom Mitchell and N. L. Lewis. Finally, after much persuasion a sister Epply came to live at the home. She had been a member of the church about two years. Her brother owned a grocery store, cotton gin and a large farm....Needy? You be the judge!

Sister Epply stayed at the home a short time. It was decided that we did not have the services to take care of her and her sister was called to come and get her. All this time Sister Roberts was renting rooms to anyone who came along. Several times I passed by and saw whiskey bottles and beer can that had been thrown out by guests. She also handed out pamphlets which said to go to the church of your choice. On the front lawn of the home was a sign showing directions to and the location of the Second Baptist Church. This was the church of Christ at work!

Since the purchase of the motel, between $150,000 and $200,000 has been spent in remodeling and converting the motel into its present state.

Finally, a Brother from the Raleigh congregation sent his mother there to live. I wonder if he has ever read 1 Tim 5:8. I pray God to forgive me for ever having anything to with this dumping ground for old folks. I saw this dear old lady after she came to this home to live. She asked me if I had seen her son. She told me the next time I saw him, to tell him to come and see her and just carry her for a ride in his car. You may wonder why I would write this article. I am sure there are those who have been misled into supporting such things, as I was. If there are people in this home to be cared far, then by all means let them be cared for, but is it asking too much to do it scripturally?

As of February, 20, 1962 there were 23 old people in this home. With an investment or near $280,000, not counting the cost of up-keep and medical expenses, I wonder if you would want to use the word "expediency" in connection with this? The church is continually being asked to support and contribute to this home. Although the application blanks which I have require $60 per month for room and board. This does not include medical care.

Brethren, it's my honest belief that we should expose at all times any such unscriptural practice being carried on in the name of the Lord's church. I have long since repented of ever having anything to do with this awful thing. I realize that I will not be popular in the eyes of men, but I seek to please God in all things. I pray always for unity in the brotherhood. Let us rely on the Bible as a guide from earth to heaven.

— Jackson, Tennessee