“What Most Retards The Growth Of QuakerIsm ?— To the Editor of the Friend:—Perhaps the following clipping from the New Bedford Evening Standard, if true, may partly answer the question.

Richmond, Ind., February 13th.—The congregation of the East Main Street Friends is about to make a radical departure from its Quaker simplicity. The patriarchs say, ‘Our congregation has gotten along without one for 85 years, and why buy one now?’ The new element in disregard of the protests of the aged minority are planning for the introduction of an organ to assist in their musical services. The move is with the coming of the new pastor, Rev. Albert Ware, of New England. Mr. Ware is the first pastor the congregation ever had regularly employed.”

Reference Data:

The Friend, Vol. 79, 1906, page 271