USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Extracts from the minutes of the yearly meeting of Friends held in Philadelphia, 1923 > Part 3
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We are informed that these camps are organized by the War Department to extend Military Training to High School boys and College students throughout our country.
Believing this movement to be wrong in itself and that it threatens to extend Military Training in the schools, we are united in appealing to the Board of Education to re- consider its action, and to the Superintendent of Educa- tion to prevent the movement in the schools under his care, so far as it may be in his power to do so.
The following letters to the Board of Education and to the Superintendent were approved by the Meeting, and a committee consisting of Alfred G. Scattergood, Margaret M. Cary and Charles J. Rhoads appointed to present them in person to the Superintendent and the officers of the Board of Education.
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Third Month 30, 1923
Dr. Edwin C. Broome, Superintendent of Education, Philadelphia, Pa.
Dear friend :- Report has been made to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends in session this week at Fourth and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, that permission was grant- ed by the Board of Education at a recent meeting for the Civilian Aide to the Third Corps Area of the War Depart- ment of our Federal Government, to have speakers present the subject of Citizens' Military Training Camps to the boys of our Philadelphia high schools, subject to thy approval.
We believe that this movement is promoted by the War Department as a means of training boys of high school age in military tactics, and so of directing their future thought and development along lines of military service. While we have full sympathy with outdoor activities and summer camp life for boys of school age, we believe it should be entirely free from military features. Therefore, we protest against the action of the Board of Education in granting this tentative permission and we pledge thee our full support in keeping such a movement out of our Philadelphia schools.
Educators, physical directors and a very large number of leaders along educational lines have gone strongly on record against Military Training in all forms for boys of school age. They point out that such training is physically a disadvantage to growing boys and is in no way a substi- tute for the finely organized courses of physical education developed in the United States. Furthermore, Military Training necessarily develops in the minds of school boys, thoughts of antagonism, race prejudice and international suspicion that are unsocial and undemocratic in their nature.
The propaganda under consideration emanates from the War Department at Washington and is a movement to introduce into our Public School system, Military Train- ing which through the influence of leading educators has gained practically no footing in our regular school system.
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We trust that this entering wedge which we regard as dangerous and insidious in its tendencies may not enter the Philadelphia school system.
Signed by authority and on behalf of the Yearly Meet- ing of the Society of Friends held at Fourth and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, Third Month 26th-30th, 1923.
Third Month 30th, 1923
To the Board of Education of the City of Philadelphia,
19th Street above Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends now in session at Fourth and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, has learned with deep regret of the tentative permission grant- ed by you on Third Month 28th, to representatives of the War Department of our Federal Government, to present the subject of Civilian Training Camps to boys of high schools in Philadelphia.
We believe this movement is stimulated by the War Department as a means of introducing indirectly into our public schools, a system of Military Training that the War Department is desirous of extending.
The consensus of leading educators throughout the United States, including particularly physical directors who are experts in such matters, is strongly opposed to Military Training for boys of high school age, not only because it is actually a physical disadvantage to them, but also because it is opposed to the spirit of our free institu- tions. Boys cannot be trained as soldiers without imbibing the mental attitude and spirit of the soldier. This implies the development of unsocial and undemocratic tendencies which are to be deplored at any time, but particularly now when our thoughts should be directed toward reconstruc- tion and international good will and co-operation. We would be untrue to the spirit of the founders of our Commonwealth if we did not protest against your recent action and if we did not strongly urge upon you a recon- sideration of your decision.
The matter of which we are writing may seem to some of you a trivial one. It is, however, insidious in its tend- encies and such small beginnings in a bad direction may
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easily grow to a movement that will be hard to check and attended with danger to the best development of the boys committed to your care by our city.
Signed by authority and on behalf of the Yearly Meet- ing of the Society of Friends held at Fourth and Arch Streets, Third Month 26th-30th, 1923.
The attention of the Meeting was called to the fact that during the time we have been in session the Legisla- ture of Pennsylvania has passed, and the Governor has signed, the Bill for the enforcement of the anti-liquor legislation of. the United States and that for the first time in a long period of years there can be in this State no saloon legally licensed for the sale of alcohol liquors. This result has been brought about largely through the endeavors of Governor Pinchot. The Meeting expressed its great satisfaction that this epoch making legislation has been enacted, and appointed George Vaux, Jr., James G. Biddle, Francis Goodhue, Jr., Lucy B. Roberts and Margaret Jenkins as a Committee to prepare a letter to be signed by the Clerks, conveying to Governor Pinchot a suitable message on our behalf expressing our thank- fulness at the outcome of his endeavors in bringing about this most important forward step.
Information was received that a bill had been introduced on Third Month 28th in the Pennsylvania Legislature, making legal the betting on horse racing in Pennsylvania. The Society of Friends has always believed that betting is un-Christian and that it has a most demoralizing effect on the community.
This Meeting protests against the consideration of the bill in question, and directs that proper action be taken to oppose the passage of the proposed act.
The subject was referred to the Legislative Committee of the Representative Meeting.
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A proposition was introduced by Joseph H. Haines and fully united with by the Meeting that in our letters to the Yearly Meetings held in Iowa, Ohio and New England, we include the Minute adopted by the Meeting at a former session, which it was directed should be sent to President Harding and others at Washington.
This is done with the thought that they may be drawn to agree with us in our conclusion and perhaps address similar communications to them, thus adding to the weight of our testimony.
The report of the Friends' Fiduciary Corporation was read and the following nominations for Corporators approved :
Wm. T. Elkinton and others.
The report of the auditing committee was presented. It is directed that it be printed in full in the "Extracts." The auditors are continued for another year, as stated in an earlier Minute of this Meeting, and committees asking for appropriations are requested to make their requirements known to Wm. T. Elkinton, Treasurer, before the Fourth- day of the week preceding Yearly Meeting.
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Minute of Exercises
The following Minute reviewing some of the exercises that have been before the Meeting at its various sessions was now read and adopted :
Our sessions this year have been marked by a large variety of important religious concerns. But through this variety has run a unity of aim: the upbuilding of all our members in a living faith in Jesus Christ, and a full dedi- cation to His service.
At our first session the enlarged interest of the Yearly Meeting in the Missionary work of our members was a source of great satisfaction. We were reminded that the early Friends were very active in going out into new fields. In this move therefore, we are taking a step towards the position of early Friends.
In considering the revision of our Discipline we were reminded that ofttimes it is we ourselves who need revi- sion, not only the Discipline; yet in nearly every subject we are now facing the world, not ourselves .. The language of religion may vary; the nature of religion remains the same.
As we met on Third-day morning, our hearts were bowed in reverent prayer to our Heavenly Father that the broadening of our interests and outlook should be accom- panied by a true deepening of our spiritual experience, so that there should be no shallowness in our lives, but rich- ness and power.
The letter to the Meeting on the general subject of Evangelism was a clear call to us all as members of the Church of Christ, that we should be true fishers of men. Whether this call is for service abroad or at home, whether in the ministry of the spoken word or in that of the quiet Spirit-filled daily life, the challenge should find a ready response in all our hearts; "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?" Whatever gift we have brings with it a respon- sibility for its use. As the life-giving faith in Jesus Christ works in our souls, we shall more and more become wit- nesses to Him in whatever place or in whatever ways He calls us.
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The subject of Gospel ministry repeatedly claimed seri- ous attention. At the session Third-day afternoon, the revised form of the Eighth Query called forth a stirring appeal. Many of our members are active men and women who in business, in social life and in home life are devoting their lives to the cause of Christ. But lives must not become so full of good things to be done that no time is left for the work of the Gospel ministry. The call is especially urgent to young men and women to keep to moderation in these things, and to be ready to give way to the secret spiritual exercises in their souls. "Covet earnestly the best gifts," and again, "Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." In considering the Queries on Fourth-day morning, the Men's meeting was forcibly reminded of the inestimable importance of the ministry. Ministry is a "gift," and people are "called" to its exercise, but the gift is one that we should strongly desire, and we should eagerly listen for the call and joy- ously obey it when it comes. Unless we have a very clear intimation of duty, we should not go to meeting expecting to speak therein, and just as truly, we should not go to meeting with our minds definitely made up that we are not going to have a call to speak. "There is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
In the Women's meeting a special concern arose for those meetings which school children attend, that for them we should covet especially the gift of teaching, that we may present the truths of the Gospel in simple messages. And, indeed, it was asked : "What must the children think of grown people who have never a word to say for Jesus Christ?"
In both meetings our hearts were warmed by the faith- fulness of Friends attending various colleges who gather together in small groups for times of worship after our usual manner. The outreaching love of home meetings should go out richly to these young people, that they may be strengthened by the sense that we are all "mem- bers one of another."
In the Women's meeting the right use of leisure time and the choice of recreations and amusements was dwelt
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upon. Our test in this matter is to consider whether we desire to reach the highest and best of which we are capable, or are content for our lives to be on lower levels. We shall have to forego many things that are only pleasant if we want to hold steadfastly to those which are best.
Throughout our sessions we have had numerous other special messages, many of them leading us into the very fundamentals of our Christian faith. In the providence of God, spiritual power and spiritual messages are conveyed from one to another through personal messengers. As a religious Society we stand or fall by our meetings for wor- ship, and, on the other hand, there is immense value in the human touch, and many an effective sermon is preach -. ed out of meetings ; we must be at all times spiritually alert, ready for whatever variety of service our Heavenly Father may call for.
The reports of the Peace Committee and of the Social Order Committee brought home to us that these matters are not detached concerns upon the minds of some Friends, but that they are closely connected with each other and with all else that tends towards the Kingdom of God.
Our enthusiasm for Peace should be a religious enthus- iasm, not simply an economic or political doctrine; and Peace should become a Christian conviction, not simply a Quaker peculiarity. Likewise, sensitiveness to the prob- lems of the Social Order is part of our practical Chris- tianity, and of our effort to base our lives upon the Golden Rule, as taught by the Prince of Peace. As we yield our lives to Him, and mind our calling, we shall find ourselves serviceable vessels, useful to others in this day of oppor- tunity, and in a united fellowship of Christian service we may all together help bring to the world a better day.
We have been favored during the sessions of the Yearly Meeting to know the presence of our Lord's Spirit in our midst. Thankful for the blessings accorded us, the Meeting now concludes, to assemble at the usual time next year if consistent with the Divine Will.
DAVIS H. FORSYTHE,
ANNA RHOADS LADD, Clerks.
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ANSWERS TO QUERIES
First Summary Answer
Most of our meetings for worship and discipline have been regularly held, and have been attended by the greater part of resident members on First-day mornings. A num- ber of non-members who attend some of these, add much by their presence, and occasionally share in the vocal exercises.
On five different occasions small meetings have been omitted, when members were in attendance at other meet- ings, or when absent from home, or when prevented by physical inability.
Four meetings were not held because of an epidemic of a contagious disease.
Elklands Preparative Meeting reports three meetings for worship and one for discipline not held on account of severe weather conditions, and Caln omitted two First-day meetings.
Some outlying country meetings have been held on First- days during the summer months only, or by special ap- pointment. Among these are a few small meetings belong- ing to Western Quarter, and those held at Tuckerton and Barnegat and other occasional appointed meetings under the care of Burlington and Bucks Quarter.
The meetings in the Poconos and at Eaglesmere as well as elsewhere, have continued to be held during the summer months, to the satisfaction of many Friends.
Mid-week meetings are comparatively small, excepting some of those for discipline where increasing attendance and interest have been encouraging.
One such, held in the late afternoon, with an interval for lunch before the evening session, was satisfactory, and substantially increased.
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The presence of a large number of school children or college students at some mid-week meetings for worship, adds responsibilities and opportunities.
Meetings held in the morning on weekdays, especially in the city, do not seem to meet the needs of our younger business members, who find it difficult to attend. The question is raised : Are we cultivating in our young people a desire for more frequent seasons of spiritual refresh- ment, in company with their religious associates ?
The diligent attendance of older members and the devo- tion of many Friends in our smaller meetings, is noted with appreciation ; and the desire has been expressed that more may come to realize the blessing to be gained in these ยท quiet hours of communion.
With some exceptions, the hour for gathering is ob- served, and a reverent attitude, consistent with a spirit of worship, prevails when assembled.
Second Summary Answer
Though our membership is varied in life and thought, we enjoy a large measure of love and unity.
All our Meetings are concerned to discourage tale- bearing and detraction.
One report states there is little occasion to exercise this care, because all endeavor to keep the "unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace." Another, that its "members are careful to discourage unkind or unprofitable conversation respecting other persons," while another realizes that "one of the fruits of a Christian life is the 'love that thinketh no evil'."
Endeavors are used to end differences, few of which are known to exist among us.
Third Summary Answer
Outward evidence appears to warrant an affirmative answer to this Query.
We believe that many are in large measure successful in their effort to achieve the high standard of worship called
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for, and that they cherish a Gospel Ministry which, com- ing from God, touches the springs of life in their hearts.
It is suggested that some Friends are too prone to wait, when the exercise of a gift might be for the good of the group; and individual faithfulness in sharing the life of the meeting is encouraged.
One report states that there is more vocal Ministry from the body of the meeting than formerly.
The faithfulness of college groups is appreciated by Friends.
Fourth Summary Answer
While our speech is at times extravagant, as is the tendency of the time, we believe our members generally, endeavor to show forth simplicity and sincerity in their lives. We realize, however, that we fall short of the standard set us by the Gospel of Christ, and believe that many of us need to exercise greater simplicity in our homes and daily living.
The Holy Scriptures are frequently read in our families, but we acknowledge that greater devotion to this practice would benefit us, both as individuals in our daily relation- ships, and as a group of Christians seeking after Truth.
A concern is felt to bring up our young people in like practice and to guard them from those influences which would tend to hinder their religious life, at the same time to inspire them to become strong men and women conse- crated to a life of love and service.
One Meeting says that "the manner of our individual lives is often the subject of earnest and moving appeal by our ministers."
Fifth Summary Answer
We believe our members generally avoid and discoun- tenance the unnecessary handling and use of intoxicants, and that many Friends lend active support to the enforce- ment of the prohibitory regulations.
There is much diversity of practice among us in the choice of recreations. Our testimony against theatres,
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operas and dances is not upheld by some of us. It is felt that few are habitual participants in those diversions which Friends have so long deemed harmful, and that most of our members find their deepest pleasure in recreations of a simple wholesome type. One report discourages attend- ance at moving pictures of doubtful character.
Many Friends endeavor to observe moderation on all occasions. Simplicity which accords with the Gospel of Christ is encouraged at the time of marriages, and all of. us need to remember the beautiful example set us by the life of our Lord.
Sixth Summary Answer
The Quarterly Meetings report that their members in need of assistance are cared for, and that provision is made for our children to receive sufficient education to fit them for the duties of life.
There is, we believe, an increasing concern felt and ex- " ercised toward our younger members to the end that they may become more vitally interested in the Society and more familiar with its principles and practices.
One of our large Meetings reports that the children's First-day meetings, the First-day school and the day school are especially effective, they feel, in promoting the religious life of the young people, and another states that the meetings for worship, the day schools and First-day schools, the meetings of the Young Friends' Fellowship groups, one or more special classes and other activities of our Meetings have a like tendency as evidenced in the life of younger Friends, at the same time there is report from others that there is need of more effort in these directions.
In the case of young people of college age and of those living at a distance, we acknowledge that we have often accomplished but little. We earnestly hope that our younger Friends who are prevented from taking part in Meeting activities on account of duties in the home or because of absence, are conscious of the outreaching love of our Meetings and realize that each individual is essen- tial to the perfect fellowship of the whole body.
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Seventh Summary Answer
Our testimonies in regard to the several subjects men- tioned in this Query are in very large degree maintained. The statement is made that in these days, when in connec- tion with many business matters, affidavits are required, some are not sufficiently careful to bear a full testimony against oaths.
We feel that the spirit of militarism is especially to be guarded against, and we believe this can best be promoted by endeavoring to exercise a spirit of international good- will.
A few Friends are concerned to aid in a constructive educational program to promote world peace, but we ac- knowledge that some others have perhaps not yet grasped the full significance of the Gospel of Christ as a solvent for international difficulties.
It is felt that a more positive stand should be taken against a tendency, which is all too evident, to resort to methods of chance in apparently worthy causes and there- by weaken the testimony we profess against all kinds of gambling.
Eighth Summary Answer
With slight exceptions alluded to in some of the reports we believe our members value and practise business in- tegrity and domestic economy.
The extreme needs of the world should incite us to observe simplicity and economy in our manner of living.
The demands of business often make it difficult for some members to give adequate time to the interests of the Meeting. This, both the Meeting and the members them- selves deplore, and recognize the loss sustained by both.
Labor has been extended where there seemed a call for it.
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Ninth Summary Answer
In dealing with offenders we believe the service has been performed without partiality and in a loving Christian spirit, and that it is only as we are guided by this spirit of Truth that we are able to help or to judge in the authority of Truth.
We realize that there are many differing viewpoints among us, but we trust it has been our desire sympathet- ically to promote that Christian fellowship and religious. life in the membership that will advance our individual interest in the Christian religion.
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SUMMARIES TO THE ANNUAL QUERIES
First:
Hannah E. Sheppard, an Elder and member of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, deceased Ninth Month 6, 1922, in the eighty-eighth year of her age.
John E. Carter, an Elder and member of Germantown Monthly Meeting of Friends, deceased Twelfth Month 1, 1922, in the eighty-fifth year of his age.
Deborah S. Allen, an Elder and member of Media Pre- parative and Chester Monthly Meetings, deceased Fourth Month 4, 1922, in the eighty-first year of her age.
George B. Allen, an Elder and member of Media Pre- parative and Chester Monthly Meetings of Friends, de- ceased Twelfth Month 3, 1922, in the eighty-third year of his age.
Mary Y. Webster, an Elder and member of Media Preparative and Chester Monthly Meetings, deceased First Month 20, 1923, in the seventy-fifth year of her age.
James H. Moon, an Elder and member of Falls Month- ly Meeting, deceased First Month 19, 1923, in the ninety- third year of his age.
Beulah M. Rhoads, an Elder and member of Haddon- field Monthly Meeting, deceased First Month 13, 1923, in the ninty-fifth year of her age.
Rebecca Matlack, an Elder and member of Chester Monthly Meeting, N. J., deceased Fifth Month 26, 1922, in the seventy-fifth year of her age.
Second :
Birmingham Preparative Meeting and the meeting for worship at Birmingham, were discontinued in Eleventh Month, 1922.
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Bradford Preparative Meeting at Marshallton has been discontinued since last report.
Rancocas Preparative Meeting now holds but two ses- sions a year and omits its other mid-week meetings for worship.
Haddonfield-Salem Quarterly Meeting states that for more than twenty years Friends residing in or visiting Orlando, Florida, have been interested in gathering to- gether for a meeting for worship on First-day mornings in the winter months. Originally the meeting was held in the home of our late friend, George Abbott, and later in one of the hotels.
The attention of the Quarterly Meeting was directed to this situation by Elizabeth Abbott Christ, and after care- ful consideration we appointed a committee in Twelfth Month last to assist in the maintenance and oversight of the Orlando Meeting.
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