That Lufkin Debate -- April 11-14
As the time rapidly draws near for our debate in Lufkin, there are sobering considerations which weigh heavily on the mind of this writer, and probably on the minds of thoughtful brethren everywhere. It bids fair to be in many ways one of the most significant debates since the great Otey-Briney debate of 1908. Ironically, it discusses the same general question of that debate — how churches of the Lord may cooperate to evangelize the world.
Brother Harper and I both feel that others could more ably represent the opposing concepts than can we. But circumstances have combined to place us in the role of leading the discussion, and each of us is determined to do the very best job of which he is capable. We have known each other for many years, have worked together in at least one gospel meeting, and are about equally "inexperienced" in this field of formal debating. Incidentally, I have invited Brother and Sister Harper to be my guests and stay in my home during the time of the discussion. As this editorial is being written I have not yet had a response to the invitation, but will probably hear when Brother Harper returns from Jacksonville, Florida, where he is engaged in a gospel meeting.
Attendance at the Lufkin debate seems likely to swamp the town's facilities for caring for guests. There is one first-class hotel in the city and several smaller ones; and quite a number of tourists courts and motels along the main highways which pass through Lufkin. Nacogdoches is only 20 miles away, and if Lufkin is over-crowded, ample accommodations can be found at Nacogdoches. Of course many of the Christian homes in Lufkin will be open to visitors, and all of us will do our best to see that our guests are comfortable. I have invited W. Curtis Porter (who will moderate for me), James W. Adams, and Brother and Sister Hoyt Houchen to stay in our home, in addition to Brother and Sister Harper. Other homes will be able to take two, three, or maybe as many as five or six guests, providing sleeping facilities for as many as possible. The city has ample restaurants and cafeterias to take care of all who come.
It is fairly evident that this discussion will be in a sense a "make-or-break" event. That is, it, is certain to make a tremendous contribution toward removing the growing barriers and tensions that are developing, clarifying the issue and strengthening the ties of fellowship and brotherhood, or else it will inevitably widen the breach (which some with "quarantines" and pressure campaigns are seeking so desperately to promote) and sharpen the differences that exist. It is the daily prayer of this writer that there will be no Abilene debate — that Brother Harper and I will be able between the two of us to so fully and clearly bring out the truth of God's word concerning the matter of "cooperation among New Testament congregations" that when the Lufkin discussion ends we will find ourselves in full and complete agreement. That is the way it ought to be. That is the way every child of God in the land should be praying that it will be. If such should happen, we will no doubt turn the Abilene event (scheduled for June 20-23) into a. joint effort by both of us to teach, and encourage the brethren who plan to attend there to practice, exactly what the New Testament sets forth as to how churches can, and can not, cooperate in the work of the Lord.
— F. Y. T.