WHY IMPORT ENGLISH PREACHERS?

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3229, 27 May 1911, Page 4

WHY IMPORT ENGLISH PREACHERS?

‘There is one form of learned' taitmi which we seem only to import, and to have nothing to exchange for,” says the New York “World’s Work.” “We ask a great many preachers from England, but England never asks us to send any of ours in return. “New York City, which had already imported the Rev. Dr William 8. Rainsford, Rev. Dr Hugh Black, Rev. Dr S. Parkes Cadman. Rev. Dr Charles E. Aktkl, and hall’ a dozen others, is now bringing over still another Britisn precaher, the Rev. J. A. Jowett. “Why is it necessary to go abroad for ministers to fill the best-paying pulpits in this country? Is it because America is producing no theologians, priests, or pulpit-orators competent to take the highest positions? Is piety deficient here, or learning? Is it because the American preacher’s voicepronounciation, and manners are less pleasing than the English clergyman’s, or haply because the home-made parson is less familiar with , our temptations and needs?

“Imported wines, English butlers — yes, if we would he fashionable. But why English preachers?”