Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0559
J. B. Nelson vs G. W. McGraw (Missionary Baptist)
December 5, 1901
Poarch, Oklahoma Territory
(By J. W. Dunn)
At Poarch, Oklahoma Territory - Sept. 5-12.
Subject: Baptism, apostasy, establishment of the church. Mr. McGraw came a few days early and said they would begin the debate or he would leave. The brethren sent for bro. J.B. Nelson and he came 50 miles the next day. The debate began under an arbor - large crowds.
Bro. Nelson completely overthrew McGraw the first day. He never revived during the debate and quit early several times. McGraw tried to jingle the Baptist chain from Oklahoma to Jordan, but bro. Nelson gave it an examination and links were found missing in many places - in fact, from 1607 back to Jordan. McGraw asked to be excused one day early, but our brethren held him to his agreement. Our brethren enjoyed the debate very much, but the Baptists asked to be excused, as McGraw desired to go home to see "Becky" (his wife).
Bro. Nelson is a rapid speaker and speaks with much force. He shows a good knowledge of the Bible and possesses a good memory, quoting with ease most of the scriptures he used. He had a ready answer for McGraw's arguments and would answer many of them without referring to the notes he had taken. He is a young man and an ex-student of the Nashville Bible School.
Two persons have been baptized; a Methodist and a Baptist. Others say they are convinced that the church of Christ is modeled after the apostolic plan. Both speakers used nice, clean language during the entire debate and treated each other as gentlemen. Neither became angry. McGraw is one of the cleanest debaters among sectarians. Truth, though, when it falls on Baptist theology, crushes it to the earth.
VIEW NEXT REPORT >>