Jon Gary Williams
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0790


Debate held at Corbin, Ky., Aug. 11-14, 1958.

Discussed the benevolent work of the church Alvin Holt, Landon, Ky. had attacked faithful churches on the Corbin, Ky. radio station. He had spoken abusively of faithful congregations, faithful preachers, and orphan homes. During the debate they had two 30 minute programs daily. Holt and Grider spoke at different times and contradicted each other. On speaker said that God always stated the "how" of doing whatever he commanded; to deny this was to deny God. That night on one of Grider's charts in large bold letters was the expression: "No, the 'how' Is not given in God's word." One day on the radio, Grider affirmed that the church is its own hospital. That night he had great difficulty explaining that he did not mean that the church could not use another institution to c are for the sick. (He called homes like Potter's Orphan Home "devilish institutions."

Repeatedly, bro. Totty affirmed that the church is all sufficient in all that God intended it to be. The home as God ordained it is all sufficient in all that God intended it to be. Though the home is all sufficient, it cannot save the souls of its members without the church. Though the home must depend on the church, that does not mean that the home is not all sufficient in al that God intended it to be, cannot care for orphans without a home. Bro. Totty made it clear that God did not say how the home had to be arranged that cares for orphans, but that some kind of a home is necessary. Supporting homes like Potter's Home is one right way churches can do what God commands.

Grider presented a chart with space on it for Totty to write a scripture reference that authorizes orphan homes like those Totty was defending in the debate. Bro. Totty wrote James 1:27 in the space and challenged Grider to write a reference on the chart that authorizes putting orphans in "private homes" which was one thing Grider endorsed. Obviously, Grider could not produce such a passage, so his "argument" proved to be no argument at all. James 1:27 infers a home of some kind.

Before, and during the debate, Grider and his associate said things designed to bring reproach on bro. Totty's reputation. Grider said, "The darkest day in the history of the church of Christ was when W.L. Totty aligned himself with it." He also expressed his desire that those of us who defend church support of orphan home would join the Christian Church, and he said the sooner we do so the better he will like it. Such rash statements magnified the weakness of Grider's position. Because of Grider's insinuations, bro. Totty gave him a good rebuke. The faithful brethren rejoiced and felt vindicated because Grider got the rebuke. One reason they rejoiced was because Grider represented Alvin Holt who had been so abusive. Bro. Totty performed in his masterful manner in the debate and did a lot of good for the cause in Corbin and vicinity.

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