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REPRESENTING THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF 2X2 HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS ON THE INTERNET
To The Church Without a Name, The Truth, Two By Twos
1911 (Lancaster Record)
First Convention Held in Kentucky
July 6, 1911, p. 5
July 27, 1911, p. 6
Unnamed Religous Sect Holding Convention Near Lancaster, Kentucky
Our constitution gives to everyone the right to worship God in concordance with the dictates of their own conscience. And we have neither the desire or intention of either interfering or criticizing anyone in the exercise of this prerogative.
For the last few years, a little band of worshippers have been gathering in different parts of the country, at each other’s houses, in schoolhouses, often in the open air, or wherever they might, to worship God according to their belief and teachings. This small band of a few years ago, has grown gradually until now perhaps 300 souls are numbered in its following. They have been criticized, often adversely called "Mormons," "Holy Rollers" and other names, all of which were equally distasteful to them. However, they were not daunted from their worship by the opinion of the world, and they seem to be continually gathering strength.
They are now holding what they term a Convention or Special Meetings, on the premises of Mr. Hunter House, about three miles from Lancaster on the New Danville Pike. Delegates are there from far and near: Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois and far off Canada. They came unostentatiously on foot, on horseback and on the trains. Representatives of The Record visited the Meeting on Sunday afternoon, and found more than 300 people camped at the meeting place. Clean comfortable tents afforded sleeping quarters, as well as dining room and kitchen. Reaching there shortly after noon hour, we were courteously invited to dine with them. Three services were held during the day, and at the conclusion of the afternoon service, one of the speakers announced that there would be a service at 7 o’clock in the evening, and that no one need leave the grounds, that they would be glad to feed all who would care to stay and eat with them.
These services were marked with the utmost simplicity and were absolutely free from any fanatical actions or anything that would indicate that they were not a body of religious people deeply intent upon their worship. Every member carried a Bible and looking over the audience, we were surprised to see many citizens of the country, whom we had known in former years to continually disregard the laws of God and to frequently violate those of man. And the thought came to us that if these people succeeded in recalling people of this class, they were undoubtedly doing a good work for the Master.
Their services differ somewhat from the services usually heard in our churches. But we were unable to find any grounds for the various accusations which we have heard against them. As to their creed or doctrine, from its tenor we are satisfied that it has nothing in common with the Catholic religion. And from a remark by one of their speakers bitterly scathing as to the Mormons, we were assured it was not in sympathy with that church. They are extremely reticent as to their doctrine or manner of worship and frequent questioning of those who seemed to be in authority elicited the sole reply that they were followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene. They teach humility in all things and follow out their teachings to the letter.
We heard three speakers, one of whom appeared to be Irish, while the others were apparently either Scotch or of that descent. They were unusually intelligent men and presented their views in a clear concise manner, and in such simple language that the humblest of their followers might understand. The Meetings were in progress for three days last week and closed Monday. We were told the leaders folded their paraphernalia and departed for some other place to hold meetings.
July 6, 1911, p. 5
The Tramp Preachers are again holding their annual convention at Crocknacrieve, near Enniskillen, and in comparison with former years there is no falling off in numbers or the enthusiasm of the members of this sect.
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During the past month some 30 male members of the sect have been engaged in preparing for this annual fete. A large tent has been erected on the lawn with seating accommodation for some 3,000 people, and some dozen wooden halls and marquees have been erected on the grounds for sleeping accommodation, whilst Mullaghmeen, the residence of Mr. W. H. West, has also been transformed into a suitable place for the men for sleeping.
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Large numbers have arrived from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada, England, Scotland, and all the colonies.
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The principal meeting on Sunday was in the afternoon, when some 2,000 people were present, some coming a long distance. Mr. William Irwin, the leader and founder of the movement, was the principal speaker.
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Meetings are held each day and are well attended. Amongst those present is Mr. Irvine Weir, who was one of the first party to conduct a mission in Enniskillen town some six years ago, in connection with this work. Since then he has been conducting missions in various parts of America, and was in San Francisco the time it was destroyed by earthquake.
July 27, 1911, p. 6
The annual convention of the ‘Pilgrims’ was continued on Sunday in glorious weather, and amid much enthusiasm. From ten o’clock in the morning every road that one would look to were to be seen crowds of people flocking to Crocknacrieve, the scene of the convention, by bicycles, motor cars, and a large number by foot. The morning meeting was given to those who wished to speak, a large number taking advantage of the open meeting. In the afternoon there was an enormous crowd, the large tent being packed. The principal speakers were Miss Barton, Miss Smith and Mr. Bill Carroll. All visitors were heartily invited to participate in the tea provided after this meeting. Mr. Edward Cooney was the most important speaker at the evening meeting.
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