News
R. Ervin Driskill, 2509 Gould St., Columbus, Ga., August 9: "I closed a good meeting last week with the church at Kingville, Ala. Curt Johnson, local song leader, did his part well. This was my second meeting with this church. Six were baptized, and two were reclaimed. I am enjoying the Guardian; appreciate the article by Marshall Patton. I am doing all I can to discourage the churches, where I labor, from taking the Lord's money and using it to support institutions on anything else, not under the elders of the local church. There are a host of brethren behind the effort of the Guardian to save the church."
—O—
W. Earl Mansur, Box 642, San Pablo, Calif., August 10: "The church in Hawthorne closed a meeting last Thursday, in which I preached, and ROY Ragsdill led the singing. Six were baptized, two restored and two identified. The church there is in the midst of a building program, but it did not hamper the meeting. Randolph Dickson is the preacher for this church and doing a commendable work in that area. Wright Randolph of San Bernardino closed a meeting here in San Pablo recently in which two were baptized, and the church edified. The work here is moving along in a nice way, especially in attendance for the Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services."
—O—
W. E. Fortney, 162 Harrison St., Clarksburg, W. Va.: "The meeting at Mt. Zion, near New Martinsville, W. Va., resulted in two baptisms, and one restoration."
—O—
Bob Craig, Huntington, Texas, August 16: "I closed a meeting Monday night at the Rocky Hill church, near here, in which two elderly ladies from the Baptist Church were baptized I am now in a meeting with the Ball Hill congregation, also nearby."
—O—
Raymond Whittington, Marietta, Oklahoma, August 15: "We have been with the church in Marietta since July 6. In the past two weeks there have been two baptisms, and several to place membership here, and the attendance has been fine. I am now in a meeting at Leon, Okla. Two have been baptized there thus far."
Max L. Johnson, 410 S. College Ave., Tahlequah, Okla., August 14: "One baptized Saturday, and one restored yesterday."
—O—
Jack W. White, New London, Texas, August 11: "The church here is about as it was at last report. One lady placed her membership with us a short time ago. From July 15 through 23rd, I preached in a meeting with the church at Graceton, Texas, with night services only, during the week. Eleven persons were baptized, and four were restored to their first love. Splendid attendance throughout meeting. The brethren there are in process of erecting a new building. The church there is alive and at work. Visit with us."
Herbert Fraser, Cleburne, Texas, August 12: "C. E. McGaughey is to be with Westside, August 27 through September 3, with evening services beginning at eight o'clock. A vacation school is to be conducted on the week days. The work here has continued in a very fine way indeed during the summer months. It is a very enjoyable work."
—O—
Robert P. Cooper, 2201 Gordon St., Hopewell, Va., August 9: "We have been working with the church here for the past two months. Interest and attendance continue to be good, although quite a few are away from time to time on vacations. One young lady was restored last Sunday morning. We have started a weekly radio program, which is heard each Sunday morning from 9:00 to 9:15, on the local station, WHAP. We feel that this will do much good in advertising the church. The local congregation recently supported a mission meeting in Floyd County, in which Martin Lemon, a local boy, preached. A tent meeting among the colored people of Petersburg is to begin, August 28. Brother Cook of Miami, Florida, but formerly of Hopewell, is to do the preaching. When in this vicinity, visit with us."
—O—
Will M. Thompson, Box 195, Anadarko, Okla., August 10: "I closed a meeting at Roff, Okla., Sunday night. It rained every day but one during the meeting. Three were baptized. I'm at home for two Sundays, and then to Harrison, Ark., for a meeting beginning the 18th. Thence to Huntsville for another meeting."
—O—
Steve Hudgins, Box 6. Charlotte,
Tenn., August 14: "Sunday, August 13, at Glenwood in Humphries County, Tenn., R. L. Wallace, who had been a Baptist (Free Will) preacher, and two others, were baptized. In a meeting there in June, he had asked several questions concerning the name of the church, and at that, time stated that he was going to give up the Baptist name, for lie knew it was not in the Bible. He made an announcement of this before the congregation for which he preached, and soon decided to obey the gospel according to Acts 2:38. Glenwood is a mission point and it is believed that this will be a great help in the work there."
—O—
Cecil B. Douthitt, Box 67, Brownwood, Texas: "I have notified the
elders here that I am going into meeting work. I am now booking
meetings, and hope to keep busy a round the year in that type of work."
—O—
Vaughn D. Shofner, 1506 Twenty-Fourth Place, Lubbock, Texas, August 14: "The work at Southside has been exceptional this summer. Bible school attendance averaged 284. Wednesday night service averaged 162 in July. Extra chairs are being used in the auditorium during the Sunday morning service. Four have been identified, and two restored recently."
—O—
Kentucky Debate Draws Big Crowds
Miller Highly Praised
According to Houston P. Mayfield, Ky., who acted as chairman moderator, the debate between James P. Miller and L. R. Riley (Missionary Baptist), both of Kentucky, which took place in Mayfield, July 31 to August 3, was a distinct victory for the truth.
The grandstand of the fairgrounds at Mayfield was obtained for the debate, and people brought folding chairs and ever variety of light chair. Brother Hollis and Pat Hardeman, who was moderator for Brother Miller, estimate the crowds as high as five to eight thousand. A hard rain did not deter the crowd one night of the debate. They describe the debate as reminiscent of pioneer days when members traveled great distances to attend debates.
Brother Miller is much the younger and less experienced in debate, but has a commanding appearance, and according to the brethren reporting, never was ruffled in spirit, nor at a loss for the most effective answer. This is easy to understand, in view of his study of controverted doctrines, comparative religions, and his directing his collegiate work toward the end of polemic preparation. He literally engaged in hundreds of debates while in college, at one time being on a debating team that toured the United States.
"Brother Miller made constructive arguments which were unequalled in clarity and power," according to Brother Hollis, "He begged Mr. Riley to say something in reply to at least one chart. Riley's only reply was, I'd be lonesome without the charts.' Perhaps so, but Riley was thoroughly miserable with the charts, and all of Miller's arguments, which were unequalled in clarity and power.
"In Brother Miller's first speech, he exposed the difference between Riley's arguments and his creed, on the one hand; and between those two and the Bible, on the other hand. Riley accustomed only to making 'quibbles', never recovered from the masterful exposure of Baptist doctrine. Let it be said to Riley's credit, that he conducted himself as a gentleman throughout the discussion. The debate never became a 'dogfight' as many had predicted. There were no hard feelings, though error was never harder pressed. Brother Miller proved himself one of the best in this debate.
"The churches in this area are so highly pleased with the discussion, that they have extended to the Missionary Baptist Churches an invitation to make this an annual affair, with outstanding representatives participating. No reply has been made as yet, but we hope the Baptist Churches will select a representative for next year's discussion, and accept the invitation. After suffering this crushing defeat, it is a question whether they will be courageous enough to try again. Several Baptists have already obeyed the gospel as the direct effect of the discussion."
—O—
Paul Hutchinson, Route 2 Box 45, Imperial, Calif., August 14: "One year ago the Crescent City church was established and the first meeting conducted by Foy E. Wallace, Jr. Since that time they have worshipped regularly in a church building at 5th and G Sts., which is equipped for services exclusively. It is a good old building, although one of the land marks of Northern California, having been built more than eighty-five years ago. Brother Charles Swan and his wife were among the faithful few attended the first gathering. They are faithful members and Brother Swan, while a regular construction engineer, is conducting the services and preaching. They are growing steadily and hope to have a strong church there in due time. Eureka, Calif., and Grants Pass, Ore. are eighty-five miles distance on either side, so there is a great field to work in. Members of the church, when traveling through the scenic wonders of the North Land are cordially invited to attend services with them. I have been interested in the work there, having spent several summers near Crescent City."
—O—
J. H. McBroom, 1819 Glen Echo Rd., Nashville, Tenn., August 9: "On the first day of this month, I began my second year with the Green Hills Church. During the first year, thirty-five people placed membership with the congregation, and three adults were baptized. Three elders were selected by the congregation. The first unit of the meeting house was begun on the corner of Castleman Drive and Hillsboro Rd., but has been slowed down because of a lack of steel. We hope to receive the steel in time to complete the unit by fall. Last Sunday seven splendid people placed membership with the congregation. This is a loyal New Testament church with a bright future."
—O—
W. H. Dorriety, 110 River Falls St., Andalusia, Ala., August 10: "I have recently held meetings at the following places: Manchester, Ga., no additions, but some visible results. Boyken community, near Red Level, Ala., two baptized. This was the first effort in that community. Crestview, Fla., twelve baptized, six restored. Among those restored was a young doctor and his good wife. Mott community, fifteen miles above Red Level, Ala., eight baptized, one restored. Thus far I have three more r meetings booked for the summer. This month we begin our third year with the Andalusia congregation and the work here continues to grow.
This congregation is well blessed with highly capable elders, that have been faithful to the church for many years, the youngest has been a member of the church for over forty years. We also have a daily radio program, and the following preachers alternate in this work: Quentin McKay of Opp; H. J. Regester of Cedar Grove; Lewis Casey of Florala; and R. L. Huffman of Georgiana. I appreciate the Gospel Guardian very much. Several of this congregation read it."
—O—
Olen Holderby, 2661 N. Santa Rita, Tucson, Ariz., August 8: "The work at the Catalina congregation for the past six months has resulted in six baptisms, and two restorations, plus a fine increase in both attendance and interest.
I closed a twelve-day meeting with the Parkhill-Keys congregation, near Tahlequah, Okla., July 27. It resulted in two baptisms, and one restoration. The building was well filled at all services. The building, of average size, would not accommodate the crowds a part of the time. Several denominations were represented throughout the meeting, and their interest speaks well for the future possibilities of this small and relatively new congregation. I enjoyed the assistance of several from the Tahlequah congregation, where Max Johnson is doing a good work."
—O—
Wm. E. Wallace, Box 471, Asher, Okla., August 12: "Frank L. Smith closed a fine meeting here August 9. Outside interest was better than it had been in the past. An elderly couple was baptized. Bro. Smith's ability as a gospel preacher stood out as he presented fine lessons. We expect the work here to move forward as the church has been strengthened by this meeting."
—O—
Cleo N. Blue, West Plains, Mo., August 1: "I have been working with the church here since the first of the year. Progress is being made . To date, sixteen baptized, thirteen restored, and three have placed membership.
Have held meetings at the following places: Thomasville, Mo., four baptized; Rocky Comfort, Mo., two baptized; McCrory, Ark., Route 1, fourteen baptized, and nine restored; Ash Flat, Ark., six baptized, and eight restored.
Will be at Little River and Keiser, Ark., this month in meetings."
—O—
Dan F. Fogarty, Box 7, Coleman, Texas, August 1: "The meeting at Burkett, Texas, closed last night, with seven baptisms, three restored, and one placing membership. Staff North of Abilene directed the singing and did a splendid work.
Burkett, Texas, is located some 50 miles south of Abilene, Texas, and is in need of a preacher. This congregation of about 150 members has been a pillar for many years, striving to maintain New Testament principles. Here is a fine work for someone. If you would like to locate here, with a field ripe unto harvest, with much work to be done, contact the elders, Burkett, Texas."
—O—
Basil C. Doran, P. 0. Box 10086, Houston, Texas, August 11: "As part of the missionary program of this congregation, I was sent to New England for two meetings during the month of July. Eight days, 9 to 16, were spent with Jack Lewis and the church in Providence, Rhode Island. To my way of thinking, Brother Lewis is doing a wonderful work there, there were many outsiders in attendance at each service. Five were baptized and one restored. A very successful vacation Bible school was conducted also, with an average attendance of twenty-five each day, while the total enrollment was thirty-three.
—O—
"From July 17 to 26, we were with Harold Thomas and the church in Bangor, Maine. Brother Thomas has been in New England for a number of years and is loved and respected by members of the church and outsiders as well. According to those who are familiar with the work in Bangor, this was a very successful meeting. Two were baptized during my stay there, and many who were not members came again and again to hear the truth. A vacation Bible school was conducted during this meeting also. The average, I believe, was something over seventy-five. My wife accompanied me and taught each morning in the Bible school.
"The only regrettable part of this work, as far as the meetings were concerned, was they were too short. I am confident if it could have been possible to have continued longer, more would have become obedient to the truth.
"These gospel preachers in New England are doing a great work at a personal sacrifice. If I may, I would like to suggest to the brethren everywhere that you investigate this work in this part of your great country, and if at all possible, assist them in a financial way. If at all interested, contact Jack Lewis, 1248 Elmwood Ave., Providence, Rhode Island, or Harold Thomas, 516 Union Street, Bangor, Maine. The brethren here at Garden Oaks are making plans now for me to return to New England next year for an extended work.
"I am now in a very promising meeting with the church at Spring, Texas. This congregation is also being assisted by the Garden Oaks congregation. My next meeting will be with the Elmwood Church in Dallas, Texas, where Texas A. Stevens serves as minister, beginning August 28.
"When in Houston, worship with us."