Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0350
Otis Gatewood vs McCullough (Mormon)
October 9, 1941
Salt Lake City, Utah
(By Arthur W. Francis, Jr.)
September 16 - 17.
Men fear the Mormons in their stronghold. Otis Gatewood has no fear of these religious impostors. Tuesday and Wednesday nights he met them courageously and victoriously in our own fine new building. Bro. Gatewood did such a fine job the first night that Mr. McCullough spent 20 minutes of his first speech Wednesday night still trying to answer him. Bro. Gatewood was so completely master of the situation that we were proud to be members of the Church of Christ and for him to be our representative.
On September 16, the proposition was: "Resolved, that the 'Book of Mormon' is of human origin." On September 17, the proposition was: "Resolved, that the Bible is the final and complete revelation from God to man." In his wonderful defense of the Bible as the word of God and His last revelation to man, Bro. Gatewood gave McCullough testimony and questions it was impossible for him to answer successfully. Both men conducted themselves well, and the debate was a demonstration that religious discussions can be carried on in a decent manner. Mr. McCullough said he would meet Bro. Gatewood again if it would be arranged - unless the Mormons excommunicated him for doing so - over McCullough's protest the entire debate was recorded. To make it doubly sure, a court stenographer and dictograph both were used. If the debate is published it will have to be without McCullough's name.
Preachers from Rocky Mountain states there: Wright Randolph, H. A. Collard, Arthur W. Francis, C. B. Middleton, Harvey Childress. All were well pleased with Bro. Gatewood's defense of the truth. Overflowing crowds came both nights. Hundreds were unable to get inside. Thursday night Bro. Middleton's public address system was used outside. Nothing has advertised the church in Salt Lake City like this.
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