Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1920 — PLAN BIG CHURCHMERGER [ARTICLE]

PLAN BIG CHURCHMERGER

PROTESTANT CHURCHES OF LAFAYETTE TO B|MLD _ SBOO,OOO CHURCH. Lafayette, Ind., March 11.—Proporing the erection of a cosnmtinity church coating $500,000, which would house all -Protestant denominations in West Lafayette and Purdue University, the formation of an organization of laymen was announced today, following a conference of church officiate in West LaThe plan is the most ambitious church federation enterprise ever attempted in the state. Both the Methodist and Baptist congregations have large churdl structures in West Lafayette, and these denominations as well as several others, have student pastors at Purdue. Recently the Methodists declared their intention of erecting a SBOO,000' church building opposite the Purdue campus to replace the present church, which is said to be too small to accommodate the membership. ’a : The Baptists were the first to suggest the federated church and have succeeded in interesting W number of Methodist laymen. The feeling throughout West Lafayette, supporters of the movement say, is. that one large and jwwerful church could better serve the spiritual and social needs of the town and university than any number of competing churches and pastors. The success of the project, it is said, rests on the decision of the Methodists as to whether or not they are willing to abandon their plans for the new Methodist church. Committees were appointed today by Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Disciples of Christ, and they will meet soon to take action. Node of the pastors of the churches is taking an active part in the movement. It is said none of the churches will lose its identity in the proposed federation, although the congregations would unite tar religious service and local church work, but all present connections, such as mission work and other denominational activities will be carried on separately by the various denominations. The proposed church would serve several thousand, persons.