Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 8
August 30, 1956
NUMBER 17, PAGE 14b-15

Church Of Christ

Morton, Texas

To Whom It May Concern:

As most of the members of this congregation know, we have unimpeachable proof that brother Byron Willis has been guilty of stirring up strife and division in the congregation over a period of years, by working against the programs of work as outlined by the elders of the congregation and working against several of the preachers that have been hired by the elders to work with the congregation from time to time.

It is also a known fact that brother Mark Philbrick, since coming to Morton, has been factious, instrumental in stirring up division in the church and rebellious towards the elders of the congregation.

In view of the proven facts in the ease of each of these men, and all efforts to get them to repent and correct their ways having failed, and in view of the scriptures: "Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them." (Rom. 16:17); "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the traditions which he received of us" (2 Thess. 3:6.); "A factious man, after the first and second admonition, refuse." (Titus 3:10.) We want it to be understood that before either of these men can enjoy the fellowship of this congregation, that they must make due amends for their actions, by repenting of their sins, asking the prayers of the congregation and bring forth fruits of repentance.

Due to the fact that it is being told that this action was brought about because of the questions of: "How Churches of Christ Can Scripturally Co-Operate" and "Institutional Homes" to care for children and the aged, we want it to be clearly understood that such is not the case. We believe that many of the trends in the church today are very dangerous and that it is certainly a time for serious study of these questions with much prayer, but we have not made such questions a test of fellowship, nor has this congregation been guilty of discrimination against members of the church or any preacher for meetings and the like because of their views concerning these matters.

We deeply regret that such action became necessary, but feel that we must let brethren know the facts in the case, to the end that these brethren be caused to repent to the salvation of their souls.

Faithfully, Elder: F. J. COLLINS

Elder: W. M. DOSS June 29, 1956

Sterling, Illinois Dear Brother Tant:

The church here at Sterling, Illinois had its beginning about six years ago. Since that time we have enjoyed much Christian growth. We now have our own building which will seat about 250 in the auditorium and eight separate classrooms. The membership of this congregation is approximately 75-80 faithful Christians. This is quite remarkable inasmuch as there were only 13 people (including children) at the first meeting. We have supported a full time evangelist for most of the time since our beginning. We have had since the beginning of 1956 a thirty minute radio program heard every Lord's day over the local station.

This letter has been written at the instruction of the church in the interest of finding and securing an evangelist to work with this congregation. Brother Lacy Williams, who is the present evangelist, plans to leave the first of September this year. It is felt that you might be able to help us in this effort. Either by suggesting someone who might be interested in this work or possibly if you yourself should be available.

The church here at Sterling has grown fast and many have been converted in recent months. We feel that our greatest amount of growth and spiritual development is yet to come. It is felt that a man who has had considerable experience in local work could do much for the church now. This is somewhat of a mission point and opportunity is certainly at hand to save many souls. The people here are very receptive to the truth and little prejudice is to be found.

Concerning the salary the church is able to pay $100 per week. Although we feel limited to go beyond that we are most concerned to get the right man. We do not have a preacher's home. Rent and living conditions are reasonable for this size community. Sterling and Rock Falls (they are twin cities) have a combined population of about 20,000. We are located about 110 miles straight west of Chicago in one of the nations richest agricultural areas. Sterling and Rock Falls provide far above average in the way of industry, schools and an excellent place to raise a family.

Brothers Roy H. Lanier, Sr. and C. P. Roland, Vice-President of Freed-Hardeman College, have held meetings for us within the last 18 months. Should you choose to contact these men concerning the work here, we would encourage you to do so.

In closing we would request that you give this letter your immediate consideration. Please send your reply to: Charles K. Nusbaum, R.R. No. 4, Sterling, Illinois.

Yours in Christ, Charles K. Nusbaum,

Sec. West Park Church of Christ James E. Cooper, 407 Jackson St., Campbellsville, Kentucky, Aug. 1: "One has been baptized here since we began June 3rd. The attendance is growing. We had a record crowd on July 28th. I preached in a tent meeting at the Taylor County Fairgrounds July 8-22. Brother Earl Fly of Valley Station, Kentucky is scheduled to preach in a meeting here September 3-14. We continue to meet in a rented room above Lerman Bros. Store. I will be in a tent meeting at Murfreesboro, Illinois August 16-26."

Eugene Britnell, Box 83, Tuckerman, Arkansas, July 30: "We closed a good meeting last night in which Brother Charles G. Caldwell, Jr., 'of Gary, Indiana preached. One was restored and two baptized into Christ during the meeting. In addition, the church was greatly edified by the good lessons presented by Brother Caldwell. He is a man who loves the truth; has the ability to proclaim and defend it, and is standing firmly against all innovations and departures from the divine pattern. On August 13 I begin a meeting in. Trumann, Arkansas, where Brother Bob L. Woodward preaches. We continue to make progress here."

M. T. Bishop, Box 397, Haskell, Oklahoma, Aug. 1: "July has been the best month for the church here during 1956. Attendance and contributions have averaged the highest, and we have seen no sign of 'summer slump' yet. One was baptized and two placed membership here recently. Visit with us when passing through Haskell."

J. Lee Hines, 2037 Brookhollow Drive, Garland, Texas, July 16: "On June 24 I closed a good meeting at Kim, Colorado. The congregation there is small, but spiritual. They would like to correspond with some single preacher who stands for the church as opposed to institutionalism. Write Oliver N. Reed, Box 38, Kim, Colorado. I go next into Kentucky for a meeting which will begin August 12. I will announce the place after I have conducted the meeting — too bad I can't trust my brethren, for preachers influence the churches, sometimes, to cancel meetings. I preached a funeral of a 98-year-old sister in the Lord, at Arcadia Park church last week."

Luther G. Roberts, Box 6086, Amarillo, Texas, August 1: "M. C. Cuthbertson did the preaching in a meeting with Wolflin Village Church of Christ here July 15 to 25. Six were identified and three of the number restored during the meeting. The preaching was true to the Word of God and many visitors from other congregations attended the meeting. The church was strengthened by the teaching done. This congregation now has 92 members which is a gain of almost two and a half times since the church was started under the direction of the elders of the Pleasant Valley church some five months ago. Plans have been finished for the first unit of a building for the church which is to be erected on a beautiful site overlooking the city of Amarillo. At present the church is meeting in the Coronado School building at 34th and Georgia."

Richard Donley, Box 232, Topeka, Kansas: "One was baptized at Highland Park yesterday. We expect to begin work on an addition to our building in the near future. When it is completed we shall have ample class rooms to carry on our teaching program. Much progress has been made in the past two years, and it is our prayer and hope that we shall be able to do much more in the future than in the past."

W. E. Fortney, 162 Harrison, Clarksburg, West Virginia, July 30: "The mission meeting at Anstead, West Virginia was successful. We were able to establish a congregation of 12 members. All of these had already been baptized into Christ. Some of them had been away from the church for 30 years, and some had been worshipping with other congregations. Each one was very pleased to be a part of the new congregation. They will meet temporarily in a lodge hall, over the Chrysler garage, on Route 60 in Anstead. Brother Clifton Inman arranged the appointment for this meeting. Eight Mile Ridge and Sancho congregation and 'Charles Hullderman supported the meeting. Brother I. D. Janney led the song service and did his part well. Brother Dean Miller preached the first night of the meeting."

William O.Hall, Box 701, Olney, Texas, Aug. 6: "One restored and one baptized at the evening service, August 5."

Minnesota Needs Our Help

Derrel W. Shaw, Box 2427, Philrich, Borger, Texas: "The Bunavista congregation where I preach in Borger, Texas, supported me in a meeting in Wadena, Minnesota, July 6-15. Some of the impressions I received while there must be shared with others and I pray that by means of this article there will be Christians and churches who will learn of the needs and opportunities in Minnesota.

"Brother Harry E. Johnson preaches in Wadena and he is the only preacher in the western half of the state (there are only. four preachers in the entire state). Brother Johnson is laboring tirelessly and his labors are being rewarded as there have been 23 baptized in the Wadena-Park Rapids area since he moved there 16 months ago. He has driven many miles to go into homes and teach the Bible and there are more opportunities to do so than he can possibly take care of. Also, he preaches on the radio Monday through Friday and twice on Sunday and makes many more contacts by that method. He desperately needs help now while the interest is so high. The church in Wadena needs $525 to complete their radio contract to the end of February, 1957. There are large wealthy congregations in the land who could supply part or all of this need out of their abundance. Will someone do it?

"The church in Park Rapids, just north of Wadena, needs a preacher to work with the 13 faithful members there. There is no question that many more souls could be saved if a man were fully supported there to help do the great work that Brother Johnson cannot get done alone. There are preachers who could go and congregations who could send them. Are there those among us who are willing to say, "Here am I, send me"?

"The churches in Wadena and Park Rapids are representative of the situation which exists throughout Minnesota and many other states of the nation. Those brethren are struggling and sacrificing because they love the Lord and the souls of men. We say that we have the same love. If we do, then we are going to awaken from our state of indifference and begin to send money and preachers that we might share our blessings with those who need our help. If you feel that you can help, and desire further information, write to: Mr. Harry E. Johnson, Box 382, Wadena, Minnesota."