The Meridian Debate
In keeping with the tradition that the moderator in a religious discussion report those events of general interest, this brief analysis is submitted. The brevity of these remarks in no way reflects upon the quality of the debate, but is the safest way of remaining impartial in the presentation of these facts.
Background
The church in Meridian, Mississippi, was at one time at peace and at work, but the divisive doctrine of digression began to be pressed upon several members by outside forces, which, as has been witnessed nationwide, resulted in a faction across town, endowed with a physical plant, preacher and a surplus of financial and moral support from those of like views. No phase of the work of the loyal church which meets on 7th Street was hindered by this division. To the contrary, the contributions, attendance and activities have steadily increased under the capable oversight of godly elders, through the ministration of zealous deacons and the combined efforts of a dedicated membership. Recognition must be extended Reginal Ginn, Walter Henderson and A. C. Glider, as faithful preachers of the gospel, who, along with the afore mentioned brethren, have fought the good fight.
The Debate
For six evenings, March 18-23, 1963, brethren A. C. Glider and W L. Totty defended what each believed to be the truth. The propositions that were under discussion have appeared in this and several other religious journals, thus a restatement is unnecessary. It might be noted that they were essentially the same as the Birmingham Debate. Brother Glider affirmed the unscripturalness of churches of Christ building and maintaining benevolent organizations the first three evenings, then brother Totty affirmed the scripturalness of churches of Christ supporting the Herald of Truth the last three sessions.
Attendance was excellent most every time. Visitors were evidenced from West Texas to Florida and from Alabama to Canada, and most all in attendance were commended for their good decorum.
Among the outstanding developments of these six sessions, there are three that are herein submitted:
1. Both disputants, in their very first speech, admitted that they were discussing matters of FAITH and not opinion. This matter was settled the first hour of the debate.
2. For the twelve speeches that were allotted to brother Totty, not once did he ever admit what the discussion was about. He would not admit that the first proposition had to do with churches of Christ building and maintaining benevolent organizations, but discussed "three children up a tree" whose parents had drowned and asserted that his opposition would let them run in the alleys and eat out of garbage cans with the cats and dogs. He did not once discuss or define the arrangement involved in the second proposition, namely, the Herald of Truth. He spent his speeches on extraneous matters.
3. During the debate brother Totty issued two propositions and the invitation to brother Glider for a discussion at Garfield Heights, Indianapolis, Indiana. Brother Grider accepted the invitation and signed the propositions for the debate at Garfield Heights. Dates for this discussion are pending.
Results Good will always be the result of a religious discussion when folk come with an honest and good heart. Good results have already been realized from this discussion. The 7th Street elders have reported a substantial increase in contribution and attendance since the debate. Several people have learned the truth and are diligently at work at 7th Street as a direct result of the debate. A. C. Grider is to be commended for his fearless stand in defense of the truth.
Tape Recordings
A speech by speech review of this debate has been tempted, but this writer does not have the time nor these publishers the paper to run such. The transcriptions, as it happened, is available for those who would like to hear all that was said, and it will be worth your time and money. Contact A. C. Grider, 2914 7th Street, Meridian, Mississippi, or this writer, 1570 Maria Drive, Jackson 4, Mississippi, for the tape recording. We will lend you our tapes or will put you in contact with someone in your area that has the recording.
Charts There was such an interest shown by those attending the debate in the numerous charts used by brother Grider that several are of the opinion that they should be made available to the brotherhood in inexpensive booklet form. If you would like to see these charts in print, get a letter in the mail at your earliest convenience encouraging brother Grider in this work that it might be done immediately. Elders, preachers and teachers will find these charts useful in classes, debates, sermons and personal work and study.
— 1570 Maria Drive, Jackson 4, Mississippi