The Grider - Barb Debate
For four nights, May 29-June 1, I met Vernon L. Barr in debate at Somerset, Kentucky. The debate was held in the National Guard Armory. It was the third time in thirteen months I had debated the Missionary Baptists in Somerset. In May of last year I met W. E. Sherrill there for four nights. That debate is in the process of being published. It will come off the press by October 1. In December of last year the Baptists brought in Hoyt Chastain to meet me for four nights. Chastain hurt the Baptist cause more than he helped it with his admission that he could kill a thousand men and never ask forgiveness and still go to heaven. Then the Baptists sent for Vernon L. Barr to represent them. Barr was by far the weakest of the three men. Failing to counteract the arguments I presented on charts, Barr resorted to threatening me with bodily harm. He said he could out-box me and out-wrestle me. He even said he would "slap me clear out of the armory." It was a sorry spectacle. I think the Baptist people had him to thus act so as to give debating a "bad name" in Somerset so they could gracefully get out of any further discussions. Despite Barr's conduct, the debate did good and the brethren were well satisfied with my efforts. It isn't likely that the Baptists will ever debate again in Pulaski County.
I see in the August 10 issue of the Baptist Searchlight a report of the debate in which this statement appears: "In every debate held here before, the Campbellites have openly challenged for another, which showed they were not satisfied, but this time they did not peep' about wanting another debate with Baptists." The truth is (and a tape recorded speech will show it) I challenged the Baptists to bring on Sherrill, Chastain, and Barr and I would be glad to meet all three at once. And the further fact is, the Baptists have been and are challenged every week on the Somerset radio for further debates. And the still further fact is, I NOW challenge Sherrill, Barr, Chastain, or anybody else the Baptists will bring in to meet me in Somerset in debate.
The Searchlight (it should be search-for-light) further declared that Barr had propositions drawn up to meet me in Bowling Green and that I was "meekly quiet." The first news I had of such a thing came in the mail today when I received a copy of the Baptist Searchlight. I challenge Vernon L. Barr to meet me in debate in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Now let's see who is "meekly quiet." Furthermore I challenge Barr to meet me in Louisville where I am moving the first of 'September. Again let's see who is "meekly quiet."
My prediction is that Vernon L. Barr will never meet me again in debate. It would be good to meet him and publish the debate. I shall be glad to enter into such an agreement with him anytime.