Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 4
August 21, 1952
NUMBER 16, PAGE 13b-15

News

Wallace-Ketcherside Debate

It was my privilege to attend all sessions of the debate at Paragould, Arkansas, between G. K. Wallace and W. Carl Ketcherside. The debate concerned Carl's hobbies relative to located preachers, evangelistic authority, and Christian colleges. While both men carried on the discussion with force and enthusiasm, yet it was conducted upon a high plane, both men acting as Christian gentlemen throughout. Brother Ketcherside, because of his personality, his command of the English language and his ability as a speaker, will make some showing, regardless of the theory involved or who his opponent may be. But I unhesitatingly say that brother Wallace did a good job in meeting him in this discussion. Ketcherside constantly raised false issues, put up straw men, and made his fight against them. In most cases the thing he attacked was a thing that did not exist in the first place. He endeavored to sustain the charge of "one-man pastor system" on us in the discussion of the local preacher. While there may have been some instances in which a preacher endeavored to rule a congregation, brother Wallace showed that such is not true in the work of the local preacher as generally practiced by our brethren. But when Ketcherside affirmed that the evangelist has authority over a congregation till elders are appointed, brother Wallace made the charge of a "one-man pastor system" stick against them. Often, too, that "one-man pastor" would not be more than 19 years old. And it was shown that not only did this man exercise authority over the congregation where he lived, but at the same time was "overseer" of other congregations at distant places. One of the preachers, Fred Killebrew, confessed that he had been guilty of this, arising to make the confession during Wallace's speech, and said he would not do so again. Within a few moments he jumped up and said he did not mean to be confessing but merely meant to say he was sorry. On the school question brother Wallace made no effort to defend the policies and managements of schools, but he made his defense upon the foundation of them — that they have a right to exist even though there should be a mismanagement of them. The debate is to appear in book form, and you will be able to read it in its entirety.

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Wilhite-Garner Debate

Thomas B. Warren, 1327 Fourteenth St. Galena Park, Tex.: "Beginning June 9th and continuing through four nights, brother J. Porter Wilhite met Albert Garner, a Baptist of the Association group. This debate grew out of Garner's tirade against the Lord's church in a little booklet called A Few Aspirins For Campbellism. This book should have been answered, and it was — by brother Wilhite, in a booklet called Operating On A Baptist Doctor. Brother Wilhite destroyed every stand Garner took in the book, and did the same in the debate. In the discussion on the Establishment of the Church, brother Wilhite showed by the Baptist definition of the church that it could not have been established before Pentecost. In the plan of salvation, salvation by a dead faith, out of Christ, was pinned on Garner. I moderated the first three nights, but had to leave for a meeting on the last night. But those who heard say that was the best night, if any could be preferred. Two or three days after the debate, an elderly couple, who had been Baptists for years, were baptized into Christ. Truly, public discussions of the Word of God do good."

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Notice

Gus Winter, 309 Beech Ave., Casa Grande, Arizona, July 31: "Am publishing without profit a serial now appearing in two brotherhood papers on the subject "Is Infant Baptism Scriptural?" in tract form, sixteen pages, clear type, good paper. A good tract to convince those who have been sprinkled as infants that this is not scriptural baptism. Cost of printing and mailing should not exceed $3.25 per 100. Anyone interested, kindly write me at the above address."

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Murray Marshall, 309 South 15th, Frederick, Oklahoma, Aug. 5: "Brother C. E. McGaughey of Springfield, Mo., held us a fine meeting at Frederick with both congregations working together. The meeting held in the City Park at night resulted in eight baptisms and six restorations. It helped both congregations. Brother McGaughey upheld the truth in the finest way, speaking against error and for the New Testament way. My brethren consider it the finest meeting ever held in Frederick. Brother Glen Boyd led the singing. Frederick looks forward to 1956 when brother McGaughey is to return for the City Park Revival. I began last night a revival at Franklin, near Waco, Tex."

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Lawrence Hazelip, 1609 William St., Valdosta, Georgia, Aug. 5: "From June 2nd through June 13th we conducted a very successful Vacation Bible School with the cooperation of our sister congregations. Three hundred eighteen were enrolled and the average attendance was 210 each day. From June 15th through 27th we conducted a gospel meeting with the church in Griffin, Georgia. Attendance and interest were good. Four were baptized. Horace Huggins is the faithful preacher there and is doing a fine work. From June 29th through July 15th we were with the church in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Seven were baptized. Weldon Warnock, student at Florida Christian College, is working with this congregation until school begins. These brethren have recently purchased an old dwelling and have remodeled into a satisfactory place to worship. The building is located at 315 East Sultana Drive. From July 19th through July 31st we were with the Penns Chapel congregation in Warren County, Kentucky, 12 miles from Bowling Green. Nine were baptized and twelve restored. At present we are in a tent meeting with the congregation in Tifton, Georgia. Pat McMahan is doing a good work here. The Tifton church has purchased some nice lots at 1625 North Ridge. The foundation has been poured; the brick and tile are on the lot for a nice building. Bill Long, a student at David Lipscomb College is leading the singing and conducting a children's class. He is an excellent song leader and a splendid co-worker."

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Iceland

There is no congregation of the New Testament church among the Icelandic people in Iceland. The predominate religion is Lutheranism. The Pentecost, Adventist, Salvation Army have already started work there. There are some Catholics there. The five weeks that I was there with the Fred Smiths of Crawfordsville, Indiana, we had services at the airbase for members serving in the armed forces there. On June 29 the first complete service was held. The boys at the airbase were encouraged to be faithful and we were made to appreciate our blessings at home more.

Iceland is a field ready for harvest. How many laborers have we? It would be best to have some one with a knowledge of the Scandinavian languages so that they would be able to learn the Icelandic language quicker. Support would have to be about $400.00 a month. Is there anyone interested in going? Or is there anyone interested in helping to send someone?

The climate in Iceland is pleasant in the summertime and doesn't get any colder in the winter than it does in Indiana. The wind blows a great deal making it unpleasant at times.

If you are interested in helping to get the work started in Iceland you may write to the church of Christ, Crawfordsville, Indiana, and we will furnish you with all the information that we can.

— Gene Warman

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Bill McCown, 176 Ohio Street, New Braunfels, Texas, Aug. 8: "I am to meet Mr. Marvin Hicks of the Pentecostal Church in a four nights public discussion on the questions of Holy Spirit baptism and the church question. The debate will be held in New Braunfels August 26-29 inclusive. Your prayers are solicited and your presence at the discussion will be appreciated."

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Esten Macon, Box 101, Richard City, Tennessee, Aug. 8: "Capacity crowds attended the meeting at McMahan church in Cannon county. This was my fifth meeting with these brethren. They have erected a fine building with their own efforts. One person was baptized and one restored during the meeting. I directed the preaching in order that the lost might be saved and the saved might not be lost. I begin August 10 with the Lone Cedar church near Florence, Alabama."

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Joseph H. Cox, 1044 Lotus Ave., Louisville 13, Kentucky, July 29: "The Preston Highway church continues to go forward in the work of the Lord. The elders here are men of great vision and zeal. Since recently completing our new commodious meetinghouse, the increase in attendance of many neighborhood visitors is noticeable. Brother Foy E. Wallace, Jr., is scheduled to be with us in a gospel meeting from September 7 through 14 of this year. Three have been baptized, two restored from digression, and eight by identification since my last report."

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Glen A. Parks, 105 Prospect, Camden, Arkansas, Aug. 11: "Recently the church at Locust Bayou, 12 miles from Camden, conducted a meeting in which I did the preaching. Interest was good from the beginning. Two adults were restored. In the work here at home three adults have been restored recently. At present we are in a good meeting with brother Sterl A. Watson doing the preaching. Sterl is doing some fine work in this meeting. He formerly lived and worked with this church. One has been baptized to date. We are expecting others before the meeting closes tonight. Our daughter, Modena, continues to improve in her recovery from an attack of polio which she suffered in April. She is yet at Children's Hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas, but we are told that she will be able to leave the hospital in about six weeks. She is being fitted with braces on both legs, but we hope and pray that she will not have to wear these too long. Continue your prayers for her recovery."

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John G. Bills, 4133 Middlesex Drive, San Diego 16, Calif., Aug. 10: "Had fine services at Linda Vista today. Two restored. August 3rd was a great day: two baptized into Christ, man and wife, the man from Catholic sect, two confessed wrongs. At 2:30 in the afternoon we had song services. Every congregation in San Diego area was represented. Today Jas. W. Nichols, of the Herald of Truth Broadcast, spoke at Front and Beach. Many from all congregations were present."

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Ira B. Sandusky, South Park church, Beaumont, Texas, Aug. 11: "Began work here July 1st after some nine years on the west coast in Oregon and California. Good to be back in Texas after that period of time gone. Some ten added since we began, with four Lord's day, August 10. One adult baptized, three transferred. We press on and give the glory to the Lord. Am enjoying the articles in the Guardian each time it comes to me."

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Joe H. Morris, 2707 Ky Ave., Paducah, Kentucky, Aug. 14: "One was baptized in a meeting at Bardwell, Ky., which closed last night. Brother Coleman Pugh directed the singing excellently. I begin a meeting at Kuttawa, Ky., August 18. The work goes well here at Clements St."

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H. C. McCaghren, 3238 Nebraska St., Dallas, Texas, Aug. 13: "As a result of our radio program over station KTER, Terrell, Texas, plans have now been made to hold a religious discussion with Mr. L. L. Brown, Baptist preacher of Wills Point. This debate will begin on Monday night, September 1 and continue through the 4th. Each session will begin at 8 p.m."

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Fred A. Amick, 2528 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, Calif.: "Lord's day evening we closed a splendid eight days' meeting. Eight persons were baptized, one restored, and three were identified. This made a total of 12 baptisms for the last five Lord's days. Hoyt Houchen, from Central congregation in Amarillo, Texas, did the preaching. Brother Houchen is not only a very capable speaker, but his deep love for the truth is an inspiration to all true sons of God. His fearless proclamation is praiseworthy. We were enriched by his labors."

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Olen Holderby, Casa Grande, Arizona, July 31: "We have enjoyed a fine increase in interest and attendance this summer, not suffering a decline because of the hot weather. There have been three baptisms and two restorations since our last report in the Guardian. Special Announcement: From July 6-19 the congregation here supported me in a meeting in Eloy, Arizona, in which there were three baptisms and two restorations. Norton Dye is doing a good work with this band of Christians. The best of interest prevailed throughout, many heard the gospel for the first time, and a number from among the denominations were set to studying their Bibles. The elders here have asked me to state that they are willing to send me anywhere within reasonable distance for two or three such meetings a year. Any place that desires such a meeting should write me or the elders in care of: Church of Christ, Casa Grande, Arizona. It is suggested we be contacted several months ahead of the desired meeting time. We hope that we can be of service to the places that are not able to fully support a gospel meeting."

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Robert A. Bolton, Box 245, Lometa, Texas, Aug. 11: "My meeting in Elm Grove resulted in one baptism. Foy E. Wallace, Jr., closed a ten-day meeting here last night resulting in three baptisms. We anticipate other fruits of this effort will be manifested in the days to come."

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Thomas C. Sweeney, Rt. 3, Franklin, Tennessee, Aug. 11: "The meeting at Jones Valley, Hickman county, Tenn., closed with two baptisms and one restoration. Brother Granville Tyler conducted a very pleasant and successful meeting at the Leipers Fork church of Christ near Franklin, Tenn., recently. I am now preaching for the church at Forrest Home, also near Franklin. One was restored last night. Brother William Hayewood will be with us in a meeting from Aug. 24-31."

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William R. Ward, 504 N. Fourth, McGehee, Arkansas, Aug. 12: "We have just concluded our first Vacation Bible school in McGehee, Ark. We had two hundred and five enrolled. We have had one restored and one, who was formerly a Quaker, baptized. I am now in a meeting in Halley, Ark."

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W. Curtis Porter, Monette, Arkansas, Aug. 15: "D. N. Jackson has postponed the debate that we had scheduled for Aug. 26 at Jonesboro, Ark. Other announcement will be made later. I am to meet C. E. Hunt, Baptist, in a four nights' debate at Livingston, Calif., beginning Sept. 8. Will then go on to my doctor for my annual visit with him at Berkeley, Calif."

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Abe Lincoln, 911 Hallum, Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 11: "The work continues to go well here. Just finished a good meeting with the North Side church in Colorado City, Texas. We had three baptisms and one restoration. When in Fort Worth worship with us."

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Central Church Of Christ

San Diego 2, California To the church of Christ Wherever this may come, Greeting:

While brother Charles Degenhart, Jr., was minister of the Central congregation, located at the corner of 18th and G Streets, San Diego, he made a report in the Dec. 6, 1950 issue of the Firm Foundation (and maybe other papers), wherein a definite implication was made that Central was the only scriptural congregation in the San Diego area by stating, "If you have a son in the armed services and he is sent to San Diego for training, be sure to advise him to attend Central if you desire him to worship and work with a church that is standing true and firm for every principle taught in the New Testament. It is a sad fact that others in the San Diego area can make the claim but they cannot prove it."

We, as the congregation wish to state that the above statement was brother Degenhart's personal feeling, and that the congregation does not concur with him in it. We deeply regret that we have allowed so much time to elapse before correcting the implication made in his report. We desire the forgiveness of any congregation who has suffered because of the erroneous implication.

Read and approved by the congregation, August 6, 1952.

Signed:

A. D. Kirk Jim T. Koiner Phillip S. Fields J. P. Swinney Robert W. Lehmann John Daugherty Charles P. Pennington