RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MEMBERS [N THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH Thesis for the Degree of M. A‘ MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE Spencer Mulholland 2946 mum I',‘ II» I I'll 1.0.4.‘ This is to certify that the thesis entitled RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF LEBABERS IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH presented by Spencer Mulholland has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for _l11§«_8.L61§__, degree in,_ 50 Cl 0.1 DEV C/W/F: ' Major professor Date- jecemherjstalié 7 M-795 RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MEMBERS IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH BY SPENCER MULHOLLAND A THESIS Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS Department of Sociology 1946. Inhale BIBLIOGRAPHY Free Methodist Discipline. The Free Methodist Publishing House, Chicago, 1895 McGeary, J. S. The Free Methodist Church. A Brief Outline History of its Origins and Developments. W. B. Rose, Publisher, Chicago, 1910 Roberts, B. T. Why Another Sect. "The Earnest Christian" Publishing House, Rochester, N. Y. 1879 Schlesinger, A. M. Political and Social Growth of the American People, Macmillian Co. N. Y. 1941 Spring Arbor Junior College Catalogue, Spring Arbor, Mich. 1945 The Vista, Greenville College Yearbook, Greenville, Ill. ‘ 1945 The Quiver, Pontiac High School Yearbook, Pontiac, Mich. 1925 The Free Methodist, Weekly Church Publication, Winona Lake, Indiana 1945 Bound copy. Tyerman, L. Life and Times of Rev. John Wesley, M. A. Harper Bros. N. Y. 1872 18?881 lirllll. ll fl fllll ll! III [I I. [ll ll |l\.fll., I II (I f fl ll [I'll l l lil‘! fll. . I. w t . INDEX CHAPTER I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The New Church: Methodism in the 1850's The Schism Beginnings RECREATION AT FIRST: IN EARLY DAYS In early Methodism In the new church RECREATION DURING THE MIDDLE PERIOD Importance of taboos Avoiding the appearance of evil Conflicting views CHAPTER II. METHOD USED IN CONDUCTING THE SURVEY The survey: How taken Form When taken Where taken CHAPTER III. RECREATION ATTITUDES IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH AT THE PRESENT TIME A change in the social thinking of the church ATTITUDES: . Ministers over fortyefive years of age Ministers under forty -five years of age Free Methodist ministers raised in the the Free Methodist Church Free Methodist ministers who have belonged to other churches Free Methodist ministers who are parents of younger children Free Methodist ministers who are fathers of older children Ministers serving west of the Mississippi River Ministers serving east of the Mississippi River Free Methodist ministers who have played organized sports Free Methodist ministers not having taken part in organized sports Free Methodist ministers who did not attend college Free Methodist ministers who attended college 71 Small city of six thousand population Industrial city of seventy-five thousand population College town of four thousand population Country community of one hundred and fifty population CHAPTER IV. GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION TAKEN FROM THE REPLIES TO THIS SURVEY OF MINISTERS 59 63 67 75 79 87 AND LAYMEN OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH 91 RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MEMBERS IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH CMHmI HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The New Church: Methodism in the 1850's In this survey of recreational attitudes, two definite social problems are to be considered. The first involves a comparison of conflicting relationships within the Free Methodist Church and the second the consideration of the adjustment of the church to the totality of social and cultural changes. In ascertaining the present attitude of the Free Methodist Church of North America toward recreation, it will be necessary to consider the early history of the church as well as the attitudes expressed on the subject by the Free Methodist Discipline and accepted church historians. To understand better the situation recreational attitudes will be considered in the following order: first, those existing in the early days of the church, second, those attitudes existing during the middle period and third, the attitudes at the present time. There is likely to be some confusion in regard to the use of the words recreation, diversion and amusement. In the 1850's and 60's the term recreation was very seldom used. The words diversion and amusement had the same meaning as the modern term recreation. In fact, the term amusement is still used in religious circles to cover all that the general public considers in the recreational program. Therefore, the three words will be used interchangeably. Looking at the Methodist Episcopal church in the year 1850, J. S. McGeary, an outstanding historian of the Free Methodist Church, states that about this time two very significant events took place that greatly affected Meth- odism.1 First, the United States census reveals the fact that the church was the largest Protestant church numerical- ly in the country and that it owned the greatest amount of church property. Second, the leaders of the church assumed an attitude of compromise on the slavery question. This period was called by Dr. Stevens, the editor of the Chris- 2 tian Advocate and Journal, Methodism's "transition state”. Shortly after this time the church appeared to lose its religious fervor and to lean upon its accomplishments. The results of the census were broadcast in every newspaper in the land and particularly from every Methodist pulpit. However, with the popularity there came a decline in spiritual emphasis. In the midst of this general deflection there were among both ministry and laity those who did not take kindly to the new order of things. They believed that Methodisn 1. McGeary, J. si'fihe Free Methodist Church. A Brief Outline History of Its Origin and_Q§velopment. p. 15 W. B. Rose, Publisher, 1910 Chicago 2. Ibid, p. 15 \Ilrf fllflfllllll'llllll'lll‘l 3. had been raised up to spread scriptural holiness over the land; they believed that only as the Methodist Episcopal Church held to her peculiar doctrines and usages and insist- ed upon them could she fulfill her mission; they believed that for her to fail to do this was to be false to God and humanity. About this time some Methodist preachers united with secret societies. “Many other Methodist preachers were opposed to all secret societies on the ground that their influence was inimical to spirituality and tended to create cliques and parties in the church, thus interfering with its peace and harmony. Early in the sixth decade of the nineteenth century the lines were closely drawn between the two types of Methodism in the Genesee Conference in western New York. Apparently the secret society question was the spark that started the flame, but it was only an incident. The real issues were deeper. They were pride of accomplishment and the slavery question.4 Thus, there were factions within the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 1860's. This was especially true in the Genesee conference. One of the causes of the trouble was a drift away from the earlier emphasis of the church. Doubtless at this time many members of the 3. McGeary,§i S. The Free Methodist Church. A Brief Outline History of Its Origin and Development. p. 17 W. B. Rose, Publisher, 1910, Chicago. 4. Ibid, p. 20 5. Ibid, p. 20 church were taking a more liberal view in regard to amusements than they had formerly taken. The Schism. The factions took the form of the "Regency" and the "opposition." Mr. Roberts, a minister in good standing traveling one of the better circuits of the Genesee confer- ence wrote an article on "New School Methodism" for the Northern Independent, a paper then in Auburn, New York. This article defended the views of the opposition. At the Genesee conference of 1857, Mr. Roberts was charged with immoral conduct for wrnnng this article. He was acquitted. During the next year a layman named Estes wrote a pamphlet defending Roberts. This pamphlet was scathing in its language. At the next conference, 1858, Roberts was again tried for immoral conduct for having aided in publishing the Estes pamphlet. Although Roberts stated that he had nothing to do with the article and that he did not see it until it was in print, he was found guilty and dismissed from the conference. He appealed to the General Conference. Soon others were dismissed for similiar reasons including J. McCreery, L. Stiles, Jr., W. Cooley and A. Hard. They never claimed that they withdrew from the Methodist Church because they disagreed with its dectrines or disliked its followers, They claimed and their followers, to this day, claim they were put out of the church for holding to origin- al Methodist doctrine. The men mentioned above were the nucleus of the new church which was later called The Free 5. Methodist Church. They were not unlearned and ignorant men. Several of them, including B. T. Roberts, held Master of Arts degrees. After the expulsion of Roberts and McCreery a call was issued for a layman's convention. This call, written by S. K. J. Chesbrough, when circulated for signatures was signed by over one hundred layman, representing twenty-two of the circuits in the conference. They met at Albion, Orleans County, New York, Wednesday, December 1, 1858 for the purpose of organizing. Abner I. Wood was elected pres- ident; I. M. Chesbrough, G. W. Holmes, S. C. Springer, G. C. Sheldon, J. H. Brooks, George Bascom and C. Sanford, vice-presidents; S. K. J. Chesbrough, W. H. Doyle and J. A. Latter, secretaries.6 One hundred and ninety-five laymen, representing forty-seven different charges in the Genesee Conference, enrolled in the Layman's Conference each declaring himself in full harmony with its objectives. A committee on resolutions was elected consisting of S. K. J. Chesnrough, W. H. Doyle, G. W. Estes, S. 8. Rice, John Billings. A. A. Ames and J. Handley. They brought forth a declaration in which they declared their "adherence to the doctrines and usages of the fathers of Methodism”, their "earnest and hearty attachment to the Methodist Episcopal Church". The statement dealt at length with conditions and events in the conference. The declaration 6. McGeary, J. S. The Free Methodist Church. A Brief Outline History of its Origin and Development. p. 30 W. B. Rose, Publisher, Chicago. 1910. also characterized the "expulsion of Roberts and McCreery as an act of wicked persecution calling for the strongest condemnation"; and declared "the utmost confidence of the layman's conference in them not withstanding their expulsion.” Furthermore the layman recommended that Roberts and McCreery "travel at large and labor for the promotion of the work of God" and pledged $1,600.00 for their support. The men who composed this layman's convention were not novices in temporal matters or in the affairs of the church. There were among them physicians, merchants, con- tractors and farmers-—all men who had succeeded in the various callings which they had chosen. They were men of position in the church, local preachers, exhorters, Sunday School superintendents, class leaders, and stewards. They were men who enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people in the communities where they lived. This group of laymen also helped to form the new church. They were nearly all expelled from the Methodist Church for participation in this convention.7 With two ministers and a large number of influential laymen, without a church, they looked to the organization of a new church. This organization came about by a society in Illinois forming an independent church which they called the Free Methodist Church. The name appealed to B. T. Roberts and his followers who used it when they called for their next National Convention. This convention was asked to adopt a 7. MCGeary, J. S. The Free Methodist Church, A Brief Outligg History of its Origin and Development p. 37 W. B. Rose, Publisher, Chicago, 1910. discipline for the new denomination. The call was as follows: "All societies and bands that find it necessary, in order to promote the prosperity and permanency of the work of holiness, or organize a Free church on the following basis, are invited to send delegates: "1. Doctrines and usages of primitive Methodism, such as the witness of the Spirit, entire sanctification as a state of grace distinct from justification, attainable instantaneously by faith; free seats and congregational signing, plainness of dress. ”2. An equal representation of ministers and members in all the councils of the church. "3. No slave—holding and no connections with secret oathebound societies. Each society or band will be entitled to send one delegate at least, and an additional one for every forty members." 8 Thus under the apple tree in I. M. Chesbrough's back yard at Pekin, New York the Free Methodist Church was for- mally organized. Beginnings. From this small beginning the new church grew rapidly. At its first General Conference in 1862 there were 35 ministers and 2,498 members. The following statistics show the growth to 1878. 1866 1870 1874 1828 Members 4,889 6,556 7,466 10,682 Preachers 85 128 137 313 9 value of Church property---$358,270.00 8. McGeary, J. S. The Free Methodist Church. A Brief Outline History of its Origin and Development. p 57 9. Roberts, 3. T. Why Another Sect. p 326'"The Earnest Chris- tian" Publishing House, Rochester, N. Y. 1879 During this time the work had spread to Illinois, Eastern New Yerk, Pennsylvania and Michigan and a little later there were circuits from'New York to California. By the turn of the century only forty years after its organiza- tion the church controlled three schools and a large publish- ing house and published a weekly periodical as well as a great deal of Sunday School literature. The schools, A. M. Chesbrough Seminary at North Chili, New York; Spring Arbor Seminary, Jackson County, Michigan and Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois were thriving. The first two schools were Academies or High Schools and the third was a four year liberal Arts College. The Publishing House in Chicago was doing a flourishing business. The Free Methodist paper was enjoying a good circulation and the Light and Life Sunday School Literature had gone a long way toward making the “trade name” that to-day is so popular with Sunday School workers. From the humble beginning in 1869 the Free Moths odist Church had made much progress by 1900. Free Methodism continued to grow particularly strong in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and the far West. In Pennsylvania the sections around Pittsburg and 011 City were centers, in Michigan the country southwest of Detroit was . strong, in Illinois the territory just south of Chicago was fertile soil for the new church, and San Francisco and Seattle had thriving societies in the far West. This group had become aggressive and was establishing churches all over the United States and in the eastern part of Canada. Also, turn its missionary interests it had sent missionaries to Africa, China, Japan and India. The early pioneers of the church would move into a community and stay until a new society could be formed then they would immediately leave to start another society somewhere else. They were typically Methodistic in their pioneer work. Their stay averaged only three or four months. No established churches paying comfortable salaries, no luxurous modern parsonages were theirs. The work they did was purely a church work. Their life was not a selfish one. During this early period at least one important change was made in discipline. At the first General Con- ference a clause was inserted against the use and sale of tobacco. Also from the early history of the church a definite stand was taken in regard to dress and worldly amusements. More will be said about the amusement clause later. The firmness with.which the early Free Methodists stood by their principles marked them as peculiar. Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska followed the other states in rapid succession with active societies. It was not long until it was clear that they would firmly establish their work in all but the Southern States. It is easy to understand that with their anti-slavery attitude they could not gain a foothold in the South. 100 RECREATION AT FIRST: IN EARLY DAYS In early Methodism. In England, at the time of Wesley, Methodism took a very definite stand in regard to Amusements. We quote from a sermon by Mr. Wesley in 1778. "Diversions are of various kinds. Some are almost peculiar to men, as the sports of the field, hunting, shooting, fishing. Others are indifferently used by persons of both sexes, as races, masquerades, plays, assemblies, balls, cards, dancing and music; to which may be added, the reading of plays, novels, romances, newspapers, and fashionable poetry. Some diversions, which were formerly in great request, are now fallen into disrepute. The nobility and gentry, (In England at least), seem totally to disregard the once fashionable diversion of hawking; and the vulgar themselves are no longer diverted by men hacking and hewing each other in pieces at broad sword. The noble game of quarter staff, likewise, is now exercised by very few. Yea, cudgelling has lost its humour, even in.Wales itself. Bear baiting is nowvery seldom seen, and bull baiting not very often. And it seems cock fighting would totally cease in England, were it not for two or three right honourable patrons. It is not needful to say anything more of these foul remains of Gothic barbariry, than that they are a reproach, not only to all religion, but even to human nature. One would not pass so severe a censure on the sports of the field. Let those, who have nothing better to do, still run foxes and hares out of breath. Neither need much'be said in defense of seeing a serious tragedy. I could not do it with a clear conscience at least, not in an English theatre, the sink of all profaneness and debauchery; but possibly others can. I cannot say quite so much for balls, or assemblies; which are more reputable than masquerades, but must be allowed, by all impartial persons, to have exactly the same tendency. So undoubtedly have all public dancings. Of playing at cards, I say the same as seeing of plays, I could not do it with a clear conscience. But I am not obliged to pass any sentence on those that are otherwise minded. I leave them to their own Master; to Him let them stand or fall. "But supposing these, as well as the reading of plays, novels, newspapers, and the like, to be quite innocent diversions, yet are there not more excellent ways of diverting themselves, for those that love 11. or fear God? Would men of fortune divert them- selves in the open air? They may do it, by cultiva- ting and improving their lands, by planting their grounds, by laying out, carrying on, and perfect- ing their gardens and orchards. At other times, they may visit and converse with the most serious and sensible of their neighbours; or they may visit the sick, the poor, the widows, and father- less in their afflictions. Do they desire to divert themselves in the house? They may read useful history, pious and elegant poetry, or several brances of natural philosophy. If you have time, you may divert yourselves by music, and perhaps by philosophical experiments, but above all, when you have once learned the use of prayer, you will find, that this will fill every space of life, be interfused with all your enployments, and wherever you are, whatever you do, embrace you on every side. Then you will be able to say boldly: With me no melancholy void, No moment lingers unemployed, Or unimproved below; My weariness of life is gone, -Who live to serve my God alone, And only Jesus know." 10 At the time the Free Methodist Church.was organised the Methodists were still following in spirit this attitude of their leader in England. It was expected that every Methodist would oppose dancing, card playing, the theater, etc. These views were not set down specifically. They did not need to be. The church.was so closely knit together in loyalty to early teaching and their interpretation of the scriptures that they were willing to face the world and oppose many popular activities. Not only did they oppose in a passive non-participation way but their preachers preached against many of these popular activities listed above, their 15. Tyerman, E. LI?e and Times of Rev. Jofifi WesIey M.A. pp SIT-I8 Harper andfiBro ere, New York 1872 12. class leaders, Sunday School teachers, and church colleges taught that such things were evil. In the new church. It is quite natural that the Free Methodist Church would follow the early teachings and oppose the same amuse- ments the Methodist Church opposed. Like any other new organisation they were at first even more active in.their opposition to such.things than the church from which.they care. We quote an early Free Methodist Discipline forbidding: 'Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity, doing what we know is not for the Glory of God; as belonging to secret societies, the taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus, singing those songs or reading,thoee books 11 which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.” For many years partly because of this Methodist background and partly because of the general attitude to- wmrd recreation.in the 19th century the early Free Methodists were very conservative and careful of all leisure time activities. II. Free MethodIsE Disci line. p. I9 The Free Methodist PubIIsEing House, Chicago, 1895. 13. RECREATION DURING THE MIDDLE PERIOD Importance of taboos. Let us take up briefly the sociology and psychology of the taboos in the period at or near the turn of the century. The Methodists were not the only ones to disapprove of most of the amusements of the day. The Calvinists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Baptists were also of the same mind. In fact the term Christian or church member at that time branded a person as a killjoy in regard to such things. These views not only had root in religious back- grounds, but also in social and economic conditions. This was the age of individualism, of frontiers, and of capital- ism. The industrial revolution was in its infancy in America. This was the age of financial genius with Rockefeller, Harriman, Aldrich and Uncle Joe Cannon leading the way.12 The doctrine that every man could, with hard labor, become a millionaire or President of the United States was preached everywhere. It was as much a sin from the capitalist's standpoint to "waste” time and money in amusements as it was from the churchman's. There was not the need to relax that there is to-day. The world was slow. Very few automobiles, aeroplanes, electric appliances or production machines were in use. A man would work for himself, without being driven by l2. Schlesinger, A. M. Political and Social Growth of the American People 1865—1940 Macmillian Co. N. Y. 1941 p. 297 14. machinery or bosses from daylight to dark, and then retire, instead of turning on the lights and working half of the night as many do to-day.13 If he did not succeed in the city he Would go west and make good on the frontier. He did not need golf or active sports for exercise because he received all the exercise and fresh.air he needed in his work. Avoiding the appearance of evil. Because of this conservative background the Free Methodist Church was very careful that her membership not be involved in the amusements of the day. They took up slowly with the new leisure time sports that sprung up with urban life, the electrical age and the growth of the indus- trial revolution. This change from a rural culture to an urban culture did not take place until more Free Methodists moved to the city. Other Protestant churches, even in the city, took a conservative attitude toward this change to urban life. Play had a bad name. It looked bad for a grown person to be found doing arything but work. To the minds of many people a person either had to place himself with the outcast, the pool-room bum, or not take part in any recreational activity. It was a common thing to hear or read that certain I3. Schlesinger, A. M. Political and Social Growth of the Aperican Poop e 5- . p. 2 Macmillan Co. N. Y. 1941. 15. games or activities were not evil of themselves, but that the Christian should avoid them or he would be considered a pool-room frequenter. ”Avoid the very appearance of evil" was a common statement and the church member guarded his reputation very carefully. There was still no common ground between the leisure-time crowd and the Christian. This is not strange because there was very little common ground between the leisure-time crowd and the respectable citizen. Conflicting views. There soon appeared a strong movement in the cities toward recreation for the children. Living conditions were such that something had to be done. The situation was different in the country where the children could help with the work. They did not have so much idle time. It was not long until the man who worked in the office felt his need of outdoor exercise. Colleges also began extensive athletic programs. The office and professional men playing for the sake of better health and the college and ex-college men playing for fun, soon made up a notice- able number of American citizens. With this group taking an interest in recreation it was soon on its way to a more respectable place in the life of our country. People soon learned that every game participated in by adults did not have the smack of the bar-room or the pool-room. The young man who wanted to make good in his profession Wesinger, A. mitical and Social Growth mite American People 1865-1940. The Macmillan Co. N. Y., 1941. 16. was called upon to play golf or tennis with his clients and other members of his profession. Play was becoming necessary. This produced a conflict among the older people brought up under the old system and the new generation. The older people just could not understand how grown people could waste their time playing. This conflict did not appear as quickly within the Free Methodist Church as in most groups because the church consisted largely of the laboring class. However, it did appear between parents with children in High School and College and their children. For a long time Free Methodist children were not allowed to participate in interscholastic events. There has been a vast change along this line in America the last few years. Now recreational facilities are available to everyone. It is the accepted thing for laborers and women to participate as well as other groups. The attitude, of the people, has changed and now recreation does not have the old pool-room stigma. Diversions and amusements with.their taboos have passed as far as the general public in concerned and recreation with.all of its benefits has taken their place. Within the Free Methodist Church there has also been a change of attitude. Athletics make up a part of to-day's 15 ‘curriculum of its church colleges and secondary schools. I5. GreenvilIe College Yearbook. The Vista. 1945 17. Children for the last twenty or twenty-five years have been allowed to participate in public school sports although usually with the caution to not take part in the social activities that go with suchsports.16 The fourth generation Free Methodist church has a liberal sprinkling of profess- ional, office and business people within its ranks who take a more liberal view toward recreation. However, even in this generation there is much opposition to smoking, drinking,l7card playing, dancing and movie going.18 The last three activities, although not mentioned in the discipline, are tabooed from pulpit, Sunday School room and church schools.19 The purpose of this thesis therefore is to study from the sociological viewpoint the various attitudes within the Free Methodist church and to ascertain the factors responsible for bringing them into being. Another objective is to discover the attitude at the present time within the Free Methodist Church. This information will be not only interesting, but useful in the study of other social phenomena. Although it is understood that the Free Methodist Church is primarily a spiritual organization, a record of its social thinking is of interest to the student of sociology. It is a known fact that every religious organization is also social I6. Pontiac, Michigan High School Yearbook. Quiver.l925 17. Free Methodist Discipline. 1944. The Free Methodist Pub. House, Winona Lake, Indiana. 18. Spring Arbor Junior College Catalogue. 1945 19. Weekly Church Publication. The Free Methodist. 1945 18. and makes a social contribution to the life of the country in which it exists. Social and religious organizations have contributed to the building up of the Free Methodist Church in the past, and will in the future, contribute to other groups. Therefore, this study may help in the building of a better society by aiding in this process of reciprocity. 19. CHAPTER II THE METHOD USED IN CONDUCTING THE SURVEY The survey: How taken. This survey has been conducted by questionnaires given to laymen and ministers of the Free Methodist Church in order that a study could be made of conflicting relation- ships within the Free Methodist Church and of the Free Methodist Churches' adjustment to the totality of cultural change. One hundred ministers in the United States and Canada selected on the basis of location of their residence, their age and the type of circuit they serve received sheets one, two, and three of the questionnaire.20 (See appendix 1). To ascertain the layman's view samples of four congregations were taken. Two hundered and thirty laymen responded to the questionnaire. Country, ififll town, city and college town congregations were chosen. Sheet number one includes questions such as age, place of birth, number of children, etc. and was made out for the ministers only, in order that comparisons might be mgge in regard to the beliefs of men having varied backgrounds. No special effort was made to keep the identity of the answering minister a secret to the conductor of the survey. However, as is seen by reading the accompanying letter, sent to each pastor, a promise was made not to divulge the identity of any cooperating pastor in the study. This statement is made 20. See Appendix III for actual location of ministers surveyed. 21. See Appendix III for location of congregations surveyed. See Appendix I. 20. to enlighten the reader as to the conditions under which the pastor checked the questionnaire. It is possible that some men felt under some pressure even though this effort was made to make them feel absolutely free in their reply. An attempt was made to make the study purely scientific. The survey is made simply to record the beliefs of Free Methodists in regard to the types of recreation considered by many to be social necessities. This survey has not been conducted to influence anyone to change his views or to trap anyone into the predetermined thinking pattern of the conductor of the survey. The purpose of the survey is that of fact finding in order that comparisons of conflicting attitudes within the Free Methodist Church may be made and that the adjustment of the Free Methodist Church to cultural change may be studied. Variations between groups that have had different environmental backgrounds will be discussed. Some of the groups studied are: those raised within the Free Methodist Church as compared with those coming from other churches, those having attended college as compared to those not having attended college, and those having children over fifteen years of age as compared with those not having children over fifteen years of age. These variations show at least to some degree the social and socio-psychological effects of the different backgrounds upon the group. Also the adjustment of the Free Methodist Church to such social change as the modern physical education program of the public school will be considered. This study 21. of present day attitudes will be of interest to the student of modern socio-religious life in the light of the Max‘Weber studies?3 Thus by the facts gleaned in this survey a better understanding of modern socio-religious life is gained. The survey was taken in such a way as to aid in attaining this purpose. The congregations were given only the two sheets dealing with actual amusements?4 The questions asked the ministers were not asked the congregations because it was desired that the laymen answer without fear that their identity would be known. It was made plain that their own minister would not work with the conductor of the survey. Therefore, he would not know how they answered the questions. The samples were taken in churches in Illinois and Michigan?5‘The‘b1anks were given to each one attending the service. There is a possibility that some who were not members of the Free Methodist Church filled out blanks. Some may even have opposite views from those of the church. E932. Sheet number one was made out specifically for the ministers, in order that comparisons might be made in regard to the beliefs of men having varied backgrounds.26 Here such questions as age, number of children and age of conversion were included. Sheets two and three consist of a list of amusements. This list does not include only the list of amusements generally considered taboo by the Free Methodist Church, neither does it consist of the border—line amusements. As many of all types of amusements 53. Persons, Talcott. The Structure of Social Action. McGraw-Hill Book Co. N. Y. 1937 fill CV“- Ann-ma... T A!- n-- A__ _--n.n__ q-v-r At A. A . qe .— 22. as possible are included in order that fair judgment may be used in all choices made. Opinions are registered on the basis of a strong or mild approval or a strong or mild disapproval with room for a neutral reaction and remarks. In this way an attempt is made to measure every type of attitude. When taken. This survey was taken between November l, 1945 and January 31, 1946, since this is Just about the middle of the conference year for the ministers. Their conferences are held in the summer. The time of the year may have helped to ascertain more correct attitudes, because the minister has been long enough on his new circuit to reflect any influence the circuit might have upon him. It is also a good time as it is about mid-way between General Conference the last General Conference having been held in 1943 and the next one to be held in 1947. Thus, the ministers are not likely to be influenced by the debate of the last General Conference nor by the propaganda leading up to the next one. Of course, these same factors are true in regard to the laymen. The layman has had his present pastor long enough to reflect his attitude; but he is hot influenced by General Conference talk. Where Taken. The questionnaire was sent to ministers 27 in every section of the church. Every conference was contacted. Every geographical section was given an opportunity to respond. Every type of circuit, the large, 27. S39 Appendix III 23. the small, the city, the country, the small town and the college town, was sampled.28 The congregations sampled were selected on the basis of type. Since the conductor of this survey lives in the Middle West, the congregations in that area were used. However, not every church was taken even when it could have been easily sampled. They were selected as to size, location, etc. No two congregations of like type were sampled. It must be kept in mind that this survey is a selected sample. Thus the data are significant in showing the variation in attitudes of groups.located,in different parts of the country. This type of survey is very much like the Gallup Poll and other similar methods of checking the state of public opinion. The total findings of each division of this survey are in large cemplete tables at the conclusion of each chapter. These tables are general and complete, in order that the interested reader may easily find any specific conclusion. The small tables and the chapter conclusions deal only with the most striking examples of each group of tabulations. Of the questions asked the ministers only the ones upon which there was found to be a marked division of opinion are used. Analysis of the general vote will be found in Appendix II. 28. See Appendix If? 24. CHAPTER III RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH AT THE PRESENT TIME. A Change in the Social Thinking of the Church: Influences Responsible for this Social Change Factors within and without the Free Methodist Church have combined to bring about a new outlook in regard to recreation. The industrial revolution and the rise of modern urban life worked from the outside and wealth and prosperity worked from within the church to bring about the change noted in this chapter. The discussions in regard to golf, bowling and basketball illustrate these points. Also it was found that due to modern influences ministers over forty-five years of age are favorable toward dhildren's card games, that ministers serving west of the Mississippi River are not always liberal and that ministers not having taken part in organized sports show a strong interest in baseball, basketball and football. Again it was found by this survey that the ministers lead the way both in definite approvals and disapprovals. (See appendix II). They approved seventeen amusements by seventy five per cent or more and disapproved fourteen by seventy five per cent or more. The laymen only approved seven amusements by seventy five per cent or more and disapproved ten by the same percentage. This shows that the laymen either do not think for themselves or that they are afraid to express their views. This demonstrates the strength of social control. 25. ATTITUDES Ministers over forty-five years of age. Forty-eight per cent of the thirty men over forty-five years of age favor the playing of children's card games, such as authors and old maid, while only forty-three per cent of the thirty- five younger men voted sympathetically. This survey does not show why the men believe as they do but it does show that there is a slight favoring of these games by the older men. Although the attitudes of ministers, as indicated in Table 1, show that the difference may be due to chance they are significant in pointing out the fact that a particular form of amusement has general acceptance. Table l ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD CHILDREN'S CARD GAMES Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Over 45 yrs of age 3O 14 48 8 27 8 27 Under 45 yrs of age 35 15 43 15 43 5 l4 Thirty per cent of the older ministers favor non-profit church suppers. The Free Methodist Church has always taken a stand against church suppers to help pay the expenses of the church. Because of this definite stand most Free Methodists have been opposed to all church suppers. However, in the last few years there has been a shift in this view largely due to the fact that many meals have 26. been served at District or Conference gatherings. Some have thought church suppers for fellowship on a non-profit basis to be all right. The survey simply stated church suppers, but several wrote in that they favored the fellowship non-profit type. In fact, practically all of the approval was given on this basis. A number of the undecided also asked the question about the kind of church suppers meant. While there is still a strong disapproval of church suppers it appears there is a definite deviation toward non- profit church suppers. Table 2 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD CHURCH SUPPERS Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Over 45 yrs of age 30 9 3O 21 70 Under 45 yrs of age 35 4 12 25 71 6 17 § Convivial drinking of soft drinks approved. Soft drinks as such are not considered amusements. Rather convivial drink- ing of soft drinks is considered an amusement. Another place where the older men show a more liberal attitude is in regard to soft drinks. Eighty-seven per cent as compared to seventy-one per cent of their younger colleagues favor this amusement. Since this has never been a subject of discussion in the church there seems to be no reason for the fact that the older men are stronger for this amusement. Their 27. favorable attitude again is shown better by their being less strongly opposed and by their being more definitely undecided. Table 3 may be interpreted in the same manner as Table 1. Table 3 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD CONVIVIAL DRINKING OF SOFT DRINKS Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Over 45 yrs of age 30 23 77 4 13 5 10 Under 45 yrs of age 34 24 71 8 23 2 6 .. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH WHO ARE OVER 45 YEARS OF AGE 28. mm 4- , may 2211mm 3 1 AMUSEMENT gm NG' MI‘n STR1 DEL MI" E 1 +NQ. g No. L—NL—i—muh—er—z-iL—E—a Emu..£h27lafialc 1111;0— 19.91.123.11 4 1g 11' 37 8 27 5 17 2 7 3o . W11 '12 4Q 12 ~40 2 ’7 ,2 7 2 7 ga_ Soccer 6 2O 11 317 2 7 2 7 9 3O 39—1 mm 18 12 ga 2 7 1 3 go Golf 2 7 18 60 g 10 2 - 7 g 11 ga_ W 11 g7 14 48 1 '5 1g- 10 29 mm. 9 30 32 1a 1 1L 1 '5 7 23 AL 739111115 :5 4 1g 12 40 6 2o 7 2'5 gal Jishins 15 50 15. 50 3L mung 1'5 41 as so 2 8 r ga_ 1m. 10111913821115 1,... ,W- I 1511 1 ga_, m 2L£7 :L Pool; 1 j; 29 9 so minus 1 :5 22 9'; 30.. mm 2 a 25 as 1 g :1 gal. W 217 5'2. 9 3g 3 10 l L 30 m 19 '2: 10 :53 1 a W 1'5 as ,1 2 8 z 23 32. ,W2 31 1o 18 '60 2 8 5 2o 3 ga__ mate 2 8 12 40 3 1o 5 17 2;; go m2 3 1o 8 g 20 5 20 2g 2 a 212M”) 5 29 1 3Q... 29 f 311219.54" 'd- . T . 422321211 D 15111133917111 .Ul‘DECji o 7 r . AMUSEMENT 213211211, 11:111 Sham .111". A; i " L . 1110.4 95 N04; ,z_,,=i\zci._ga L#m_¢_,__. " Mina ’ gar 9:1 1 a m 17 19 6g 5 17 1 g _ 1.12.16.11.21 7 31.12.141.224 3 30 W 22 as. .122! 391 3Q. WLaufijfl 1 1 3 10 1 10 an. Camalag __1_§, 53 11 n 1., 3 2L WArmHL—fl 3o 1 Sagas 30 1 Church \ E 319... m 9 30 21. i 3 39- M 30 00 W40 33 14 17 2 '8 1 10 1 a 1:17 mm ,1 3 1 1,0 11 57 5 17 IL 13 30 M 21 a 3L Wall 57 13 43 30.. Roler , m ., 5 17 18 60 1 13 3 iglazag is 1 3 9 30 30 8 3 10 go mic 4 45 1:0, 35 L 6 32. g 10 0- .§-__29l11;_39_22I-122l_1l19_ i r g 27 lO 33 9 go g 10 ga_ Luz Radio 42921.29— 2 j 15 so a 17 go. 1229.125. 5 17 11 37 7 21 7 .39... Dancing ; .1st .1 9'1 1 ‘5 . Public ‘ 7W- '5 [1o 3.0.. 30. Ministers under forty-five_years of age. The younger ministers are much stronger than the older ones in favor of active sports such as baseball, football, basketball and soccer. This is, or course, as expected because a man is much more likely to favor something he can take part in than something he cannot. This question came up when the questionnaire was being made up. Will the men vote more strongly for the activities they are able to participate in? The replies seem to answer the question in the affirmative. The vote on golf is surprising. The common reaction has been that golf was all right for old, retired men, but that it took too much time for an active man. A number wrote this reaction on the questionnaire. However, the vot- ing shows the younger men outvoting the older men eighty- six per cent to sixty-eight per cent for golf. When the fact that golf was absolutely taboo twenty-five years ago in the church is taken into consideration, these figures are outstanding. They show a change in attitude. The change is perhaps due to the public golf course that is divorced from the social golf club of a few years ago. The social life connected with these earlier clubs was distasteful to the church. The fact that a man can play golf with his own friends and then go home without entering into the social life of the club has changed the church's attitude. Football pulls a strong vote from the men under 31. forty-five years. These men are much nearer to the foot- ball picture both in high school and college. Thus, the game influences them more directly than the older men. Amos A. Stagg and Fritz Chrisler have helped to place the name of football on the approved list of the church. Also universities like the University of Illinois that ban all liquor from their football stadiums have helped. These facts with the more stringent safety rules now used in football are, no doubt, responsible for the new attitude toward the game. Table 5. ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD THE MORE ACTIVE SPORTS Under 45 yrs of age Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Baseball 35 34 98 l 3 Football 35 21 60 12 34 2 6 Basketball 35 35 100 Soccer 35 3O 86 l 3 4 11 Tennis 35 34 97 1 3 Golf 35 3O 86 l 4 11 Table Tennis 35 34 97 l 3 Bowling 35 - 9 26 21 60 5 14 Track 35 33 95 2 6 Over 45 yrs of age Baseball 30 27 9O 2 6 l 3 Football 30 15 50 13 44 2 7 Basketball 30 24 8O 4 l4 2 7 Soccer 3O 17 57 4 l4 9 30 Tennis 30 27 9O 2 7 l 3 Golf 30 2O 67 5 l7 5 17 Table Tennis 29 25 85 1 3 3 10 Bowling 3o 5 16 18 60 7 23 Track 3O 19 63 9 3O 2 7 32 -- RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH WHO ARE UNDER 45 YEARS OF AGE Tablaé 4__A£.‘ERQIAL 1121;225:7112 mar. 3 AMUSEMENT STRONG MED STR1 in MI". E 4 , NO. 95 No.2,}; N0- 9; 170. film; L W11 17 451 1'1 l 3 35 mu 3 9 18' 31 4 11 s 23 2 6 35‘ sk all :19 54 16 46 35 jag”: 14 4o 16 46 l 3 4 11 35 m 22 63 12 :5 '55 ‘1: 10 29 2o :7 1 3 11 35 W 23 661 11 :52 1' 3 315 m 17 49 9 26 9 26 35 gaging <1 26 12 34 9 s 14 35 ,m 21 60 14 4o 2 '55 W 21 6o 13 37 7 ' 1 3 33 am; I 16 46 17 49 1 g 3 35 We. 31 69 2 6 6 35 m :14 9'? l 3 -5 ML 1 3 32 94' 1 3 4 mums: :52 91 1 :1 2 6 35 m 1 3 33 94 1 3 35 m 21 6 10 29 2 6 1 3 1 3 35 W 26 '74 9 35 W 8 :5 19 5L 2 6 5 ML ‘5 Dominant 17 18 5.8 6 5 14 9 5 We a 14 1o 29 3 <1 12 34 a 14—315... Chan 6 117 13 ‘51 11 5 14 , 90 5 Man; 9 26 on a? A 11 6 ' 3' ' Fflpnt'd i Tm ‘ , T __12m.z~ * ..21§A_am.:2*m.;_luicsria g AMUSEMENT flannmnm firmigiimtanm 1 ‘ . i i L , W0 % NO. filmed a an. 31' 3.2-“? MAM—‘1 1' L ".33 97 31 - I F— r aim—.1 3 1821.21.13.48; 1'1 9 15 , Wrestligg ' ‘9 18 58 g: 14 35 W 33 l 3 31 .322! 3 34 We 3 9 221126.21 LALJ , 199212—3131 14 2.13.7 1.3.1.); 3 35 M 30 .86 11 35 m 34 97 1 3 35 Church ' 52222:; 3 3 39 57 5 15 6 11,15. W 33 94 ,__I_|._, 3 35 Wantlznlifl 9 L 9 3 35 __gperas 1.1... 2 8 234.9 29 5 15 4 m 33 97 1 ‘ 3 34 Ice mag, 23 fig 35 Roller 1.13 _ mm... 41 17 .2 6 J.— 3 34 W .59 9 122.111.227.331 35 W 3 illicit; 3 35 mm 11.321211. 9 2§__'_l 3 35 W11 11 11 10 29 3 9 35 L11: Radio 41195111 5 13 3'7 Ill-+13- ~5qu?”— M 12 3 5 3 3§__4___J.2 11 34. Dancing ' .(ml ,1 3o 85 4 34 Public ' i, i 2 59 .26.} 34. Free Methodist ministers raised in the Free Methodist Church. The group of men reared in the Free Methodist Church are nearly as strong for original church principles as their forefathers. This is outstanding due to the fact that the church is very nearly one hundred years old. These second and third generation men are very definite in their opposi- tion to lodges, alcoholic drinks, smoking, gambling, etc. This speaks well for the leadership of the church because if these men were dissatisfied they would express it. Criticism is always more likely to come from a life time member than from a newcomer. Also the fact that these men do constructive unhampered thinking in regard to other amusements is clear by this survey. The fact that they change their attitudes about them as time brings about changes in amusements or in world or national needs is proven here. The changing attitude shows that the church is somewhat progressive in its recreational attitudes. Bowling and golf demonstrate a changing attitude to- ward a sport after the sport is reformed. By written remarks on the questionnaire some of these men expressed themselves as favorable to the sport if it could be taken from its old surroundings. All of these sports along with public roller rink skating could be approved by this group if a few changes were made in the way the sport is conducted. Movies are not condemned as such but the way they are carried on is condemned. Educational movies and clean 35. entertainment movies are accepted, but Hollywood movies are out. This was also written in under remarks. It seemed to be quite common to accept the movie and at the same time condemn its present use. This is interesting due to the fact that these men have been raised in a Hollywood age. Also it is interesting from the fact that the church disci- pline has never taken a definite stand against the movie. It seems that the voting of these life-time Free'Methodist ministers would make a good sociological study. 36 RECREATIONAL ATT ITUDES OF FREE METHODIST MINISTERS WHO WERE REARED IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH 3 1412167- - ,Mml. 215122501121; UMJECI. § AMUSEMENT STR NGL' MIT)I STR1 171 MT!) f 4N0. 7 NO. no- 1 mm Adam—$21.:- .. .Baashafl . 2o gg_w_ga 51 1 - 2 1 2 1 2 4_ ,mn 7 15 24 51 7 15 8 17 1 LJEL Basketball "2 49 21.1.4514 2 1 2_,_1 2 474 mgr 18 38 24 51 1 2 1 2 3 6 41 71m 28 6o 16 34 1 2 2 4 47 2.617 9 19' g1 66 3 6 IL 2 3 6 ML 20 43 v18 38 1 2 8 17 41.. M 1 2 1g 28 16 35 11 24 5 11 m 27 58 2o 47 ! M 26 55 21 45 41 M 24 51 17 g6 5 11 1 47 W, 42 922 4 2 4 463, ML 46 98 1 2 47 Pan]. 2 a ,4;_92 1 2 1 2 ' 7.3111141“ 2 4 44 94 1 2 47 m 1 42 92 2 a 1 2 46_ m 29 62 14 3o 4 9 47 m 34 72 13 28 47 Jhacksra 9 '19 21 58 L 2 1o 21 W 8 17 29 62 1 2 8 17 1 2 gg__ W6 6 13 26 AA 5 11 11 2a 13 $6... wimam .8 17 21 43 6 3 8 17 _a__4_51_, Lam—.4.-19._24 51 .2 6 13 LFQAJT... Miner 46 98 IL 2 37. TOTALHnB ALE“LWW~£HKLLLLH “—me 4*“ nib—9+ E‘LYG‘LACHG—YQ? A4L§ imiH— 1_1_ lszjizFLlflllh.) ALL2 1.1... 1: 1.12.71 1: 1.1 . .2 .111 1111111... 1.111111 11.11.111111111 N 1.1.11..£11% m1: 111 11m£112$1 M1,-..11 W111 A .11 1111111111111 . ww11 .11 1 11 11111111 1 m1“... gmfl 11.1 mm .1 .11. mm... .- 431.0% "M; Jfi 2,. .21 W mm .. P.“ m 1 m m a 0 wt mm Mm .111 1m 1... 1.1.11.1. v 38. Free Methodist ministers who have belonged to other churches. An interesting item of the survey is the fact that ministers coming from other churches disapprove comics and radio entertainment more strongly than life-time Free Methodists. One reason may be that they are more taboo-conscious than men raised in the Free Methodist Church. Many have belonged to churches much more liberal in their views and thus have given such things more thought. They have been instructed by their elders in the other church to accept many types of recreation they personally opposed. Because of this their views have become more prominent. The very fact that they left the other church shows that they were dissatisfied with its views and the fact they came to a conservative church like the Free Methodist, shows that they were conservatively minded. This same attitude also becomes apparent in appraising the more active sports. The men coming in from other churches "out-conservative" the conservatives. In nearly every case they are more strongly negative. By their written remarks it is plain to see that they feel these sports have no place in a Christian's life. They say there is nothing wrong in them, but Christians have better things to do. Some said the sport is all right for children, but not for adults. These men are nearly all older men and thus are closer to the pre-industrial revolution recreational attitude. At that time all recreation was considered to be sinful. 39. The life-time Free Methodists are nearly all young men. They were raised in the industrial age and are thus closer to the new attitudes. Table 8 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE'METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD FOOTBALL.AND NEWSPAPER COMICS Football Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Other churches 15 7 47 7 46 l 7 Life-time F. Ms.47 31 66 15 32 l 2 Newspaper comics Other churches l7 5 31 12 71 Life-time F. Ms. 47 20 43 24 51 3 6 #0 RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES 0E FREE METHODIST MINISTERS WHO HAVE BELONGED TO OTHER CHURCHES 1mg 9 m1. D1811 FEML UMJ‘ECj. :0; 1 AWM STRt NG‘ M1111 STE 111 MTD 5 1N9. 1 Nb. 1 110. 1 no. 1M1; W41 25 11 69 1 6 16 .W11 1 7 6 ' 40 5 33 2 13 1 7 15 . W11 '7 44 7 M 1.....6 1.4.1194 Jamar 1 7 7 so 1 7 1 7 4 £11.. m 8 48 7 41 1 6 1 6...,_1_7_ 1161: 3 19 g 56 1 6 1 6 2 13 16 W 5 29 8 48 1 6 3‘ 1 417 m ' 5 31 51 31 1 6. 5 31 16 ‘m 1 25 7 44 1 6 4 25 16 W 9 5:5 8 48 17 m_ 41 6 :58 1 ‘5 18 LL 1M 1 6 1o 59 1 18 1 16 2 121114 Wm . 11 00 2-1. m 16 9 1 6 17 Poo; IL? 17.... W 11 oo 17 M 17 oo 1 fill-mine 11 65 5 29 1 6 1 ,W 3 '19 j '10 3 19' 1 6 1.116.111. pm 11 6 10 51 3 18 2 12 1 6 17 W 8 so 51 31 1 6 13 16 M 1 6 6 :17 4 2e 2 13 3 19 16 m 2 13 11 6 1 1o 16 mm; , I “1 $£L 5 L7 T Qflont'd- . '1‘ ,MML s P 11mm; or QLLHEEQSLAL _ I * AMUSEMENI‘ STBQNG ' MI"D STROIEL MI" A = L 1ND.“ % ND. Lm._1__m._£_.m._1 . _ June . 21.11.141.16 A 25 11. W 24.11.19 59 5 29 1 W14._1,_12+§9 a. 15. Wm 59 7 #1 mm__._19__52 41 1.?1 ‘ m 17 11. Church 7 I m 1 6: 13 17 3 18 m 17 100 11.1 ,m 6 35 5 1°19 J 18 1 ‘m 31 L159: 1§ .2166: K 11.1100 11. W 9 53 '1 AIL JL 5 Roller mm A 25 9 51 3.. 3.4 41 . W 1 6 4 3 53 3 1.1. w1521-3111111:- 2.42.112. 3 11 W 3 13 1 so 5 11 W. 5 31 7 14 IL 25 1.5. Luz Radio Immune: 1 Z 10 72. l4 1 14 M .2114 7 go 4 39 1A Dancing if 4mg; -2... 15 10° JL Public ; , , 13 17 1 6 1 11 Debating l 12 75 3‘! 19 1 6 16... 42. Free Methodist ministers who are parents ofgyounger children. The parents of children under fifteen years of age are very consistent in their voting except in three instances, on soft drinks, newspaper comics and comic books. This topic will be handled later. Generally speaking this division has very few differences to discuss. It is true the younger parents approve of the more active sports more strongly than the older ones, but this has been discussed in the forty- five year age division. The consistency of this voting seems to show that the children are a leveling influence. They tend to bring the older men more to favor the active sports and they tend to lessen the opposition of the younger men to parlor games. Table 10 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD THE MORE.ACTIVE SPORTS Baseball Parents with Number Approved Disapproved Undecided children Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Under 15 yrs 28 27 96 1 4 Over 15 yrs 38 34 89 2 6 2 5 Football Under 15 yrs 28 17 61 10 35 l 4 Over 15 yrs 38 19 50 15 39 4 11 Basketball Under 15 yrs 28 28 100 Over 15 yrs 37 3O 8O 4 10 3 8 Tennis Under 15 yrs 27 26 96 l 4 Over 15 yrs 38 34 91 2 5 2 5 43. Younggparents change attitude toward old maid, etc. The attitude toward parlor games is shown in the voting in regard to old maid, authors, etc. As shown in an earlier chapter, the young ministers voted against these games. Now when the division is purely on the basis of children the results are a little more even. Forty-six per cent of the ministers with children undefi fifteen years of age approve and forty-five per cent of the ministers with children over fifteen years of age approve. This all helps to demonstrate the consistency of this group. Table 11 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD AUTHORS, OLD MAID, ETC. Parents with Number Approved Disapproved Undecided children Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Under 15 yrs 28 13 46 12 43 3 10 Over 15 yrs 38 17 45 12 32 9 24 44. REEREATIONAL ATT ITUDES OF MINISTERS OF'THE’ FREE MHODIST CHURCH ‘ WHO ARE PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE T MEL—1 215121191111 UNDEQ. o AMUSEMENT STR m : MFD' STRONG 131-1) E 4 *NO. 1 no. 1 no. 9’ no. $— .110. L Mull—11M 14 so 1 ,Mll 5 18 12‘ 43 3 lo 7 __1________2_8__‘ ‘Basketbgll 416 57 12 43 28 1 m 13 48 12 44 2 7 27 1mm: 19 7o 7 26 1 4 427 Half 7 25 17 61 1 4 3 191281 Win: 20 :11 25 1‘ 4 28 m 17 61 4 14 6 21 31‘ 1mm 29 lO 36 7 2 _3_ _1_Q__1_2_8_4 m 18 64 1o 36 28 _Hnn11ns1,. 18 64 9 32 1 4 28 m 14 50 12 43 2 7 28 re ace 1 4 26 1 28 _aazds1_ 281 O 28 m1 1 g 9 1 4 28 W 1 26 93 1 28 4191181 25 89 2 7 1 4 28 W 20 71 4 1411 4 1 2 7 28 42912811111 23 82 5 18 A 28 NW 5 19 15 56 2 7 5 18 21_ ,W 4 14 15 54 2 7 4 14 j 10 28 1 W 4 14 9 32 7 25 5 18 31 10 V' 28 Jim: 4 14 10 35 3 10 4 11111125128; W i 2 25 14 50 1 4 4 14 2 1 28 45, f 1 m 12 Cont'd- JMALQJEQEEQM mm; 3 AMUSEMENT mgc; 1:13. 511316111! 11er ‘ E 1 _ *NQJLLEJO 51% ML 93 13:11 fi‘ZJJN’O1 #7:; m . 4.1.4411; 211.261..-- 1428. Boxing g 7 7' £111 L 15 3 11$ Wrestling "1 4 7 26 11 41 4 1 4 4 566121 31% hE—qr—J—TF-fi: Beer 2 100 25, aonm1m_1__11___1§59' 5 183 11 622;; __25__21__L 4 1 4 4 uT Lila—fliifi 4 21-, Snoring 100 25L Me};- 1 ‘4 L47 61 5 A19 2 7 2L Lodges 4 1 4 1.22 1 4 Concert;- £41414; 7 1 4 1 1.27.1 3301'" 10 37 5 18 7 i 18 21.4 m 1 4 3.8.. £3.19», ___1_:(_ 6 33 1 4 21. ant-.13 o 37 16 57 L 4 14 1 281. , LP. gone; A4 7 =26 11 41 1 31. , 60316 Book: :1 L 15 59 *1? Radio 11 30 1g 44 J 26 21.. mimic 11 41 7 26 6 g. 11 21.. float; 4 15 9 3; 8 ELL-113L721- m 2 7 L 15 11 41 4 15 21. m 1 IL 23 35 3 4% 21.7 m 1 4 19 7o 6 22.1 4.27.. 46. Free Methodist ministers who are fathers of older children. A surprising turn in the voting in this division is the way the older fathers favor soft drinks. Either those with older children have seen the need of such things or their children have influenced them to their opinion. Table 13 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD CONVIVIAL DRINKING OF SOFT DRINKS Parents with Number Approved Disapproved Undecided children Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Under 15 yrs. 27 19 7O 5 18 2 11 Over 15 yrs 38 29 76 5 13 4 11 Comics win greater favor with older fathers. Again fathers of children over l5 years of age voted more strongly for newspaper comics and comic books than those with younger children. The same answer may be given to this as to soft drinks. In fact, this is much stronger proof of the influence of the children because in the division of ministers at forty-five years the younger ones were stronger for comics than the men over forty-five years. Now when the division is entirely on the basis of children the men with the older children are more liberal. 47. Table 14 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD COMICS Parents with Number Approved Disapproved Undecided children Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Under 15 yrs 27 8 30 18 67 l 4 Over 15 yrs 38 15 40 2O 53 3 8 43 RECREATIONAL A'r'r ITUDES or MINISTERS or THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH WHO ARE PARENTS OF CHILDREN OVER 15 YEARS OF AGE 13mg 15 A ‘JPPRQVAL DISAPPRQZALM, g AMUSEMENT STE 111 MED, STR4 :11 MI" E ‘ _ 1N0. 71 1101 . 110.152 1111 no L; "732551111 11 23 so 1 .3 1 5 ’ 2 5 32 Football 3 8 1; 42 lo 26 5 13 4'11 38 Basketball 1; 34 17 46 2 _5__2_ 5 3 8 ~31— _§occor 6 16 16 42 2 5 4 ll 10 26 '58 Tennis 16 4244-5 49 2 5 ' 2 5 38 Golf 5 1 _23 62 3 8 2 E5 5 13 38 L Jennie 13 35 21 56 l 1 8 I 58 Quo‘its 6 16 21 56 1 3 1 3 9 24 38. Bowling 1 3 6 13 14 31 a 21 9 24 38 Fishing 19 51 18 49 37 Hunting 14 37 21 5 1 3 38 1125:}: 10 26 7 45 8 21 -3 2 5 7 3, Horse Race. 37 97 1 '5 318... er I 9 1L 5 1 Poolf 1 3 36 9 1 3 38 Billiards L 3 36 9 1 3 13.8., Mes 12 5 3 84 2 5 1 :5 58_ Swimming 22 58 11 29 3 8 1 3 1 3_ 38 ebatigg 22 ‘69 14 38 1 3 :11 hecke s 6 16 22 2 EL 6 16 2 5 4L 4 11 25 66 2 5 6 16 3 38.. uthors. etc .3 8 14 37 3 8 9 24 9 24 138__ 5 13 12 32 8 21 L 11 , _2_4___38_+ l 5 13 221L63__9__ 33- 49. I112? 91;_9E1112111211 E.19 E211 .01 L 5 8 J 31n431 a 5 m n 11%m L 3 8 Avm 5 5 m m23.4_ 141 31215.21 11.;3313 m2 E9. u 39 9 am 9m EEmm .mfim 57 311 J 31.2 171mu Z6 4 9m9W91EE m9 EEBEE mg 9 E ,9. DEE a .3: Em 999.1HEEEEEEE NE E E n EE E m E. E .9. a. 82.19 H In flaw .517 ”451% 9E .47 Mflmuam .4615. ...... 93% E3 Am .1 ,1: 3 1: m m m a a m m}... ”Mt“. mm M .1 mm 50. Ministers serving west of the Mississippi River. For a great many years the western part of Free Methodism has been considered liberal. Perhaps the west acquired this reputation by advocating instrumental music in public worship. They were opposed by most of the east in this move. They were, generally speaking, the stand-patters. From the stand of the west came the idea that western Free Methodists were more liberal in all their views than the eastern. When this survey was first mentioned several suggested to the conductor of the survey that it would help to show how the two groups stand. In the past western ministers have defended themselves by saying that they are not liberal in everything and eastern ministers have pled that while they are "standpatters" on some issues they are not necessarily always conservative in their views. Neverthe- less, the idea has persisted that every easterner is not only a conservative, but a moss back reactionary and every westerner is not only a liberal, but a very red radical. At this point it should be pointed out that in Free Methodist church circles the term radical has been used interchangeably with reactionary. However, this survey will follow the generally accepted definitions of these terms and also the generally accepted order. (Radical, liberal, conservative, reactionary). In other words the western part of the church has been considered left wing and the eastern right wing. The figures in this division blast the above 51. mentioned ideas at least by the voting on three subjects. The west is much stronger against football than the east. It also opposes bowling and authors, etc. with more intensity. In regard to football there is a possibility that the pagentry‘and extreme showmanship of western football draws their disfavor. It may also be that their contact with the game has been thru the large universities and bowl games and not through personal contact by playing or by their children playing. In the east the game is played more in the high schools and in the grades than it is in the west. Whatever the reason, western men are definitely more opposed to football than eastern men. Table 16 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD FOOTBALL Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. 'Pct. No. Pct. Western ministers 22 9 4O 12 54 l 4 Eastern ministers 42 27 66 12 28 3 7 Bowling taboo in the west. There has been considerable talk that the church is now swinging to bowling. The swing is not"big? but it is evident and strangely enough it is in the east. The only reason given for this change of attitude is the taking of the bowling alley out of the pool hall. There seems to be no criticism of the game itself. The criticism has been of the company it kept. Since bowling has made an effort in some places to break 52. away from its old associates it is getting a slight vote of confidence by the church. Table 17 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD BOWLING Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Western ministers 22 3 l3 14 64 5 23 Eastern ministers 41 ll 26 25 61 5 l2 Authors,_old maid, etc. favored weakly in the east. It is clear by the voting that the west is weaker in support of authors than the east. The vote shows thirty-seven per cent western men approving and forty-six per cent eastern men approving. However, the western men who are undecided seem to lesson their opposition. Perhaps a large number of the group would approve the amusement if they had been more definite in their voting. Table 18 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS or THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD AUTHORS, OLD MAID, ETC. Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Western ministers 22 8 37 7 31 7 32 Eastern ministers 43 2O 46 17 39 6 l3 53. RECREAT IONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE" FREE METHODIST CHURCH SERVING WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 1 Tabl XML DIS PM UNDER 3 7' Emusmmm LSIRQNG' 11131 STRONG: M.I"D E” 1 ~NQ. 95 No .21 110.194 no. £41711 L ‘ mil 8 36 11 5o 1 4 3 14 22 Eootbgll l 4 8 ' 36 6 27 6 211 l 4 E Basketball '10 45 9 41 ELLLELJ §occer 6 26 11 48 2 9 4 17 23 4 __T_e__nn_is 12 9534—8 35 1 4 2 9 ‘23 ‘ 1&1: 4 18 12 55 l 4 1 4 4 181 T. Tennis _10 43 10 43 3 13 23 Quoitg 7 35 511 25 1 5 7 33 , jgwling 1 4 2 9 9 41 5 23 5 23 225+ :ishing 12 55 .10 45 22 Hunting 19 43 lo 45 2 9 22 , £293 A 5 23 14164 2 9 4 22 , Horse+Race. A 22 Q m 96 L 4 22 Pool; ' 29 91 2 9 2__J Billiards g 22 91 2 9 223 Movies 4 2 91 l 4 22_ swimming 11 50 4 18 2 9 l 4 4 18 22 Debating __16 71 6 27 h 3 Qheckgrs 3 14 ll 50 l 4 23 2 9 22__ pominoes 3 151,212 57 1 S 4 l9 1 5 2L gthorsjgtc. 3 l4 5 ray; 4 27 7 32 22 Chess 3 l4 1 1-33 1 5 19 7 3:5 21 121211212 13 14 121 5. 3 14.1....4 14.1.22.— {is E. 5k TOTAL *2}... F 34.—.32. FLJL 1422... 2- 2L. 2: .1 W. T. .. 2.: 2:; U. T: .. . Z 2.: .. .mw24n: m a .744 2.2.”;22122 mrjm‘fixf 4 2 1m m71%52_.: 2.122... m 2 .. . 2...: mmmzsafi1 an ,7. Lsgnaim5wm, .4... 2; 22-2 2.». m... .124 m 4 W m m n 9 fi 8 1 3 J.5 L i L1 L 1 L 2% 1 an n 1 m J2 .2 a .2 .2 . W , u m h s 8 n m .m ... .2. W mmmm ”2M 22%.... 55. Ministers serving east of the Mississippi River. If the eastern men are more strongly in favor of some amusements they are on the other hand more strongly opposed to a larger number of activities. Those who are opposed are more strong- ly opposed. The west has a great many more undecided men. ‘Whether this shows the westerners less willing to say what they think or more conservative is a question. At least, they are more out-spoken when they favor an activity. This is all the more surprising because they are making their statements in the face of a supposedly conservative east. To all the active sports there are more eastern men opposed. Eleven per cent disapproved baseball, twenty-eight per cent football, seven per cent basketball, twelve per cent soccer, seven per cent tennis, seven per cent golf, etc. In each case down thru bowling there are those strongly opposed. Table 20 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH SERVING EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TOWARD THE ACTIVE SPORTS Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Baseball 43 37 86 5 ll 1 2 Football 42 27 66 12 28 3 7 Basketball 43 39 91 3 7 l 2 Soccer 43 31 72 5 l2 7 16 Tennis 43 39 91 3 7 l 2 Golf 42 34 81 3 7 5 12 Table Tennis 43 39 9O 1 2 3 7 Quoits 41 35 86 l 2 5 12 Bowling 41 11 25 61 5 12 26 56. Golf is accepted by eastern men. In regard to golf the eastern men are stronger in their approval and less strong in their disapproval. The fact that the easterners are less strong in their disapproval is significant. However, again the westerners are undecided but in this case the east is not strongly opposed. The changing view in regard to golf by Free Methodist Church people has been discussed, but the fact that the east is more strongly in favor of golf is significant because the eastern section of the church has generally been considered conservative. 57. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF ”THE "FREE METHODIST CHURCH SERVING EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 73.111121 . .mw: 4212mm 3 AMUSEMENT *STR1NG' MI" , 5TH ML MI" E j *Nhim. ‘ no- 3.119.419. L :1 mil . 14' 33 2'3 53 1 r2 4 q 1 2 43__ ,Mll 7 18 20‘ 4s 6 l4 6 14 3 7 42__ , Eskgtpalg, 2O 47 19 .44 2 5 1 2 l 2____43__1 jpccor 13 3o 18 42 2 5 3 7 7 16 :43 m 24 56 5 35 3 7 1 2 43 11611 19 26 62 3 7 5 1.2.32... 1W 22 51 17 39 1 2 3‘ 7 43 m 17 42 12 L 2 3 12 41 mm 11 26 15 37 10 5 12411.1. W 23 54 19 44 1 2 43 mm 22 51 21 49 43 W22. 41 95 2 5 43... .9222! I 43 .100 43 Pool 95 2 52 W 49 95 1 2 11 2 m 1 3s 39 3 J 1 2 43 W& 6 113 30 4 9 21 49 43 ngbating 29 6 13 30 1 2 43 22222929 '21 24 56 3 7 7 16 43 1129111112921 6 14 24 57 a 19 1 2 42... W2. 4 9 16 37 1o 23 7 16 6 13 43 M1 7 16,344 33 lo 23 6 13 6 13 43 m 9 21 19 I44 7 16 3 7 5 11 l manning * . 43.199 fir F" 1 Tmmt'd- - . '1‘ .m DISAPPEQMLEJMEL. o . T: . AMUSEMENT STR NG‘ MI"D STRt 111 M1”. A ‘ L , 1N0. % ND. no- 0’ ND. 52 176-43% " m - 5‘ 1139-68 5 11 4 9.43. .Wrestlgg 7' 2§__55 7 16 3 11 533 Social mg; 43 199 43 4 ge :- 3 43 43 Soft Drinks 3-414.123 54 13.1% 3 7 43 WJLflJLA 1 a 43.. LEE-EL 33 T! .23 53-5 51-6ng 43 100 43~ Church . amen l __2 3 1 31 74 5 123 __2_ __5____423 .1295”. 413 43.. gamer“ r1.3 _3Q 19 44 3 7 3 7 5 11 WLF2_HL.ZL.20 4'! 8 19.4.4.4}. W125. 1? 31 1 2 Roller 33:11.13; 12 18 5 312?; 5 .5 121.52.. ML; 14 33 15 136._J.o_pflqsz__5_.n_. oni 5 11 21_L_49 15 3_ 214—43... mi 153,512,514 23.3 :7 Radio ran 14 33 15 - 3 1;; 13 43 uRadie :heatre 7 16 18 412.112.1123 2 1LJ3__ m 2 15 18 41.9.23 15 39.. Dancing Pu“ 1:112) . 3&__89__2__15_1.2.J_5_2.43_ _ MLi 3 :1 6? LudfiL—L Tr c 16 .37 19 44 4 9 3 7. 1 .2 ‘43 59. Free Methodist ministers who have played organized sports. One of the arguments for organized sports has been that it helps the individual to be more cooperative in the game of life. Team play is emphasized as also is competition and fair play. This may be the reason the participants 29 are somewhat temperate or conservative in their voting. Nevertheless, their vote shows a definite approval of nearly all activities. Evidently the competitive spirit is still strong with the participants. They approve play for the sake of recreation. No doubt they like to play most games, but guard against spending too much time at it. Some wrote in that the games were all right, but that they could be overdone. They nearly all used professional sports as an example of going too far in sports. Practically all of the group opposed professional athletics. This is much the same as the trend on some University campuses against commercialized sports. It also may mean that the participants are opposed to gambling connected with some semi-professional and professional athletics. The voting alsong this line also manifested that the participants were still for team play, cooperation and fair play. Several wrote in that they were in favor of all of these games in high school and college which would 25. The term participant is used for ministers having played organized sports and the term non-participant for ministers not having played organized Sports. 60. emphasize the team play and cooperative attitude. However, it would be untrue to say that it was the vote of the man having played organized sports that made them popular in the church. 61. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH WHO HAVE PLAYED ORGANIZED SPORTS labia 99 T , 422363111. 12153? L UMTECf. g AMUSEMENT SIR NG' MI" . STRt 111 MI' 5 . +No. 21:21.2 210-412.449.413... ,‘nggball 13 33 16 53 1 3 2 15 34.; Football 4 12346 49' 4 1 __6__1 8 3 9 33 ' Basketball “181 55 13 _4o 2 6 33 1 Soccer ]_.6___41J__L2L 35 6 31.11.31 Tennis_ 19 57 14 43 33 Golf 8 32_4_W__2_l_1r_6_2__1 3 4 l2 43'14 .Mennis 22 65 __l_(_)_,__29 2' 6 34 Quoitg __18 57 9 29 4 13 31 igwling 12.122 12 39 9 29 2 7 31 Fishing 21 .92. 13 33 14 haunting 22 69 10 31 1 Track 17 50 15 44 l 3 1 3 34 Horse Race. 30 88 2 F§__r_27 6 13 ar s 33 97 L 3 3 Pool; 1 3 31 1 3 1 3 34 Billiards 1 1_ 3 31 9 2 6 34 Movies 1 3 1.1.92.3 6 34 Swimming 23 75 7 2; L 3 33...; Debating 28 '82 6 18 33 Checkers __6___,__1_8___]L6 47 3 7 421 2 6 34 20minoes 5 11439 59 Q 6 8 6 34 AuthorsLstc 3 9 ll 34 6 l9 6 19 6 19 M 5 16 11 36 16 6 19 13 :31 W 7 21 2o 61 1 3 .12.. 3 ‘33 TOTAL 33 31 33 311 33 31 33 31 131732" 31. 33 3 j 6 3 3 4 1213.1 1 1 IL 42.116 31 15 6 211 6 MILD T V 10 L—m—fiA-mfi—LL—qv 51.1.2 5 L-fladLs Q? J m_3__9__1 ' IS PPR OVA L UND‘ECf. STRt 111 62. mm 22 minim- L No- 3341? 31-1.}? 57 5 15 33 11.6.1.2 10 31 3 15 5 16 13 11 1n 7 3.0.11.2 r2113 11 33 33 l 15 16 38 L 9 '— 59 6 ‘7 122,16 so 7 n—Z‘F‘LFRJ 11 252115.413 9 2’ 19 4 121.11.31 9 1136 7. 2 5 1. 9 121.111.2116 5 3 19.21 6 3 5113 1W STR NC: MI" *N01 % ND. AMUSEMENT 3 1 1.22...§5.__L._12 l 3 W324: 3 Slot 1‘ 1'. ‘3‘ Publ 16 ins Vreflllnfi urch social oft hat £0» ‘Wfila Opel-u L Sang; kg. or "ii—111834 Luz Radio Danc - 30: c 53. Free Methodist ministers not having taken part in organized sports. While there is not much difference in the entire vote in regard to baseball the men not having played organized sports show a slight preference for the sport. Only one reason needs to be given for this attitude. Baseball has become a national pastime. Thousands of people who have not played the sport follow it by attending the games, or by reading about them in the newspaper. Many who have not been personally connected with the game are as interested in it as those having participated. On the other hand in checking the questionnaire it was discovered that nearly every man, who played baseball as a young man marked baseball mildly approved. It may be as has been discussed, that they can see how an individual can become too absorbed in the game for his own spiritual or occupational good. Table 23 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD BASEBALL NUmber Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Participants 34 31 86 l 3 2 6 Non-participants 29 26 9O 2 6 l 3 Football also on favored list of non-participants. Another strange twist in the voting is that this group favors football. Their opposition is a little weak because more non-participants are undecided on the matter. This may mean that it is easier to sit at the radio and 64. listen to a football game than it is to play or that it is safer in the stands than on the field. At least men not having taken part in active sports are favorable to football. Again the same reason given above may be true, they may see danger in too much interest in the sport. Remarks would lead us to think this. Table 24 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD FOOTBALL Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Participants 33 2O 61 10 30 3 9 Non-participants 29 19 65 9 31 l 3 Non-participants stronger for basketball. The non- participants show almost a perfect record for basketball. It seems that this sport is played more in high schools than any other sport. Nearly every home has some one personally connected with the sport. Table 25 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD BASKETBALL Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Participants 33 31 95 2 6 Non-participants 29 28 96 l 3 55 RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES or MINISTERS or THE FREE mmnonls'r CHURCH NOT HAVING PLAYED (BGANIZED SPORTS «ram: 26 Men D ISAPEEQSLAL 11mm; 3 AMUSEMENT flRt NG' Mrnv 5131 ML 111m E rNO. Zflmsimimnirm— L mu 11 _ 38 15 52 1 :3 1 35 1 3 29 .mn 5 17 14‘ 48 3 IO 6 l 3 29 . maketball __'_l_._&___4_8___l4 .48 l 3 29 Soccor ll 38 13 45 5 .29..- W 16 53 12 4o 2‘ ‘3o_ Golf o 31 16 35 1 3 2 W 16 53 ll 38 191393. M 12 41 12 41 5 17 29 m 7 2; 1o 34 8 28 4 14 29 J m 18 65 11 29.... m 20 69 9 31 5 7m 1 15 32 11 38 3 10 29 7W2 ' 26 o 2 7 L 3 29 M 28 96 1 3 29 19.91 ' 1 3 26 93 L 4 8 W l 3 26 9o 2 7 429 Miss A 1 3 25 81_l 3 2 29 W 20 6 7 24 {11 3 3 29 7 mm 24 '83 _5 17 29 1mm 1 26 14 52 1 4 4 15 1 4 27- W 7' 24 15 52 1 3 4 14 7 29 5 17 1 24 3 lo 7 24 7 24 ‘29 7m ‘6 21 9 31 :1 5 r! :1 2412.9... 12221121 A7 24 1___ 119...; 7 3 .29... T O '1'.” 7 A L 29.. 29.. 29.41 L—-—-‘ l l y—zfis l y .25.} 2. UNUEQ'. ll 28. 17 17 22..E 3 F f } 1' r 1 1.3... 10.29... 15.43.22- 31.41.42. 1 3 N0 44 ’LJJFEL finnt '11: 144 14 5’41 11 32.4..111fl. 313 MIT-D 4.1113i ED. A. mew 311.19 34 5 2 43 4 21.5.41435-1 3 1211.315 66. 5‘ 1143423424439. LLaiigJatLJA 4 11.1.35 9 EFL—2113— 9 31..9..._1Lrfl.+21 5 m _ 2m 3 mm mm a .1 1. u; WrLi fi— 73 1* u u m_& 3 a; 1.: .1 , a 5.1. 1. mi 3 Jim 33 a. at i“ 322 1 m an a- m . tmmmm m r .n . . imamm W m... .Mfiflmmm L2... 18 29... 141 21.2.4 7 67. Free Methodist ministers who did not attend college. The results here show even more definitely than the voting of participants and non-participants that contact with organized sports affect the voting on the active games. In the other division there was a very small differentiation. Here with the division on the basis of college and non- college training the non-college men definitely are stronger in their opposition to the active sports. These men did not have the opportunity to learn the advantages of friendly competition in college. They have not learned in this way that a person's disposition can be tested very thoroughly by participating in clean amuse- ments. A great lesson learned in college is that the competitor can fight hard and clean and then forget the battle after it is over. They also learn to be friendly to their opponents in the contest. Perhaps this is best illustrated by the introductory statement formerly used at the beginning of intercollegiate.debates, "Worthy Opponents". It is a great help through life to realize that the opposition is worthy and many times friendly. The fact that the non-college men oppose competitive games more than.the college men show that they do not enjoy friendly competition as the others so. This of course does not show that the non-college group are poor sports, but it does show that they have not been trained to enjoy such things. If the colleges have not done anything else they have had a strong influence on 68. the social life of the students. Neither do these statistics definitely show that college men are good sports, but it does show that they appreciate the value of competitive activities. 69. RECREATIONAL ATT ITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH WHO HAVE NOT ATTENDED COLLEGE - 12111: 21 .JEEBQSLAL DISAP M E: j AMUSELENT STR NG' MI"D' STR NC: Barn 5 - rNO. Lflni&_£m._£m4_; WA 18 1.41.64.21.52 2 59 22 Inst-hall 1 - 3 11 5o 2 9 5 25 22 , W11 '5 231 12 55 9 1 5 2 9 21+ jpccor 1 5 1o 45 2 o 2 9 1 52 22 m 6 27 11 5o 2 <1 :1 11.3211 11' ~ 2 91 15 59__2___9 1 5 g 18 22 11'.._T.ennis 18 15 53 1 5 2 ' $121+ ,m l 5 15 6& L 5 - 4 22.1. w13.21111. 1 a 11502 9 1.1.22.1 NW 9 91 12 55 1 ' 22.. m 6 27 12 55 2 9 1 5 1 5 [M I 3 115 10 13. 6 26 9 .23. ,We 1 1 23 23 m 22 it 1 4 1 23 19.912 23 23.. .fiillimn: 23 10] '23 11911291 22 96 1 ’4 23 filming 8 35 11 4s 2. 9 2 W ILL 48 .11 48 1L 21 W 1 13 14 1 2 9 9 17 2:3 WW 2 9 13 57 9 5. 22 4 2; We 1 4 5 22 2 9 7 31 35 3 rung; 1 4 - I 7 5 25 5 15 ,39_23_., 1 4 7 , ILL 35 1 51 ‘25 7m t. F t TOTAL ‘t 1511 vmm. £23.. 4 .234 ‘. 17 .25. 1". I 1 1 1....sz 2....Ln25. .4. 3.2.1.31. 1.21.21 9 . .Ji .9 .Zfint ;Q__JL.rJI_%_2§aT 1.11.21.11.25. 1 1'2 71 L...11.].2...J.J.2L Tabla 9? cantta 4 IAIAJLLJA¢£ 11.121.112.121 L 29 9 3'! 2.1.1.2235... 1 131.551.114.1131 a a .f .H 1. m - 2:; m7... 2P 3 4.... 571..— fix 1% .._m. m m ., magi . -. n_ 11 .11. 1.19291 ”H - an: m... #mmngn .. 3 1m? 9.. 2112.... m... .1. 1 f1 1 - 1 6 . 1-11 .1 . , tuna... .a t nomum m m WEN... .fimmfimmmmmfiml m me... am mummmmmmmmm 71. Free Methodist ministers who attended college. The voting here adds more weight to the fact that basketball is a very popular sport in the church. It perhaps does more to bring back college days to this group than any other amusement. This is true because the church supported schools, namely, Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois; Seattle Pacific College, Seattle, Washington; Spring Arbor ~ Seminary and Junior College, Spring Arbor, Michigan; Roberts Junior College, North Chili, New York; Wessington Springs Junior College, Wessington Springs, South Dakota; Central College, McPherson, Kansas and Lorne Park College, Lorne Park, Ontario, Canada, have carried on a strong intro-mural basketball program for years. Softball, tennis and touch football are also played, but it is in the winter and spring that an all-time high is reached in sports. Boys and girls both play a full season of basketball topped by a favored tournament. In the summer of 1943 the General Conference of the Free Methodist Church decided to allow church supported schools to play interscholastic sports. In the first year the schools that stepped into competition in basketball gained a better than five hundred season average. Several schools furnished league stars. To date, with few except- ions basketball is the only varsity sport participated in by these church schools. Basketball is a team game. There are not many actively engaged in it at any one time. Nevertheless, it is still the most popular sport in Free 72. Methodist church schools. This background helps the reader to understand why basketball is one of the leading sports of the church. The following figures demonstrate the strong reaction of the college men for this game. Table 28 ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TOWARD BASKETBALL Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. College men 42 4O 95 l 2 l 2 Non-college men 22 17 78 3 1A 2 9 ~ 73. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES. or MINISTERS or mm: mm METHODIST CHURCH mommy: ATTENDED COLLEGE “22mm“; DISAPPRQSZAL m g AMUSEMENT STR NG MI" ' STR1 m MI" E +130. 95 ND. 15; no- 121.111.131.114 L W 20 4:1 20 A; 1 2 1 2 .M 5 14 19‘ 45 5 12 1o 2 5 42_ __Basketball '23 55 1'1 40 l-_..?._ J.- 1.32.4 Mar 18 43 19 45 l 2 A 10 j? 42... ‘Temiis _29 69 12 29 1 LtAL r9111: 1Q 24 211 57 2 5 1 2 5 12.1.42... T. Tennis #3185 61 13 3]. l 2 42 936m 22 52 9 21 1 2 10 21 42_ gowling - 12 29 lO 24 14 33 6 14 412;” ish 21 (14 15 36 42.. my 25 60 16 38 1 1 2 m 21 5o 18 g 2 5 1 2 42., LI-lgg-se Race. 4Q 5 2 5 AL ML - 42 1 ‘ 3291 2 5 39 91 1 2 42__ Billiards 2 5, 39 93. 1. 2 A2 . Movies 1 2 BS 10 42 Swimmig 238! 67 3 2]. 3 7 2 5 ___D__e_batigg 2 '76 10 24 I Checkers Q 21 22 521 2 5 :7 17 2 5 nominees 6 14 26 62 2 5 51 12 'Z 42 Authors. at 5 12 18 4‘5 5 12 8 19 5 142... M 8 19 1;? 5 12 5 141.. ‘A2._ denies: 1o 2 25 5:1 5 7 10 AL 1'1 5 13121429 2 nt'd1 . . T MAL DISA PROLLAI1 1INDECJ. o 1* museum STR NC 1m;;u__,mm mm A * = L , rNO. Ily_;2.__23: NO no. 430.411.. ' m _ 1 12 40. 9 2.52. r WALLfififlJapLJ 5 426 Social Jprink.’ 432100 A 5; .3223; flu l 2—4—52. W. 4 1.0....22...5.9.._Lr_2_._§__._.15.L.6...15_.,$l. m 33 79 J 17 1 1 2 4121 11141122 39 86 16. 14 22. m 100 42- Church ' W4 2 7 17 57 IL 121.51.15.42. 19159.1 40 96 11 2_._J._L..2_.._52_ Concerts 18 16 38 4 10 5 52 era ' 1 2 9 21 14 34 11 4.1.15.4]... £22450 2 40 96 _1.|-_......2...}_$2.. WJB 6'7 1 33 sonar slut. 11 40117 40 3 1 4 12,1 2 52 W 14 34 10 14 39 3 s 51, I16 1:; 3 8 235514311241’ Radio gonggx 11127 17 11 2112 5 Radio Plays 14 3‘} 1 ll 17 3 8 Lu: Radio zheatrg 6 19 13 3 13 3 J 17 AL may 5 4 19 13 32 12.29 10 51 Dancing (gone) 37 90 4 10 #1 Public 3 s 68 a 19 5 $11 goxing i 1 3 12. 3o 16 99 7 17 1o 140 75. Small citygof six thousand population. The small city selected for the congregational survey is a central Illinois city of approximately six thousand people. It is an old man's town, a retired farmer's town. The citizens are generally law abiding native stock. As the rest of the central part of Illinois it is Republican in its political views. Socially it is conservative. The Free Methodist Church here is a small church with a membership of approximately sixty-five. There is a strong Sunday School of one hundred and fifteen and a young people's society of twenty. The pastor is an active man forty-five years of age. The members of the church are either retired farmers or laborers. Perhaps it will be well here to explain something about the way membership is acquired in the Free Methodist Church. A person must confess a conversion experience after which he may Join the church on probation. This probationary period lasts six months, at which time the person becomes a full member if he has evidenced fruits of the confessed conversion. It is thereiore plain that its church rolls do not carry many inactive members. Sometimes it is stated that the church has fifty thousand members and a constituency of one hundred and fifty thousand. By constituency is meant the number of people served by the church. This explanation accounts for-the small membership 76. and the larger Sunday School and the comparatively large young people's group. Children of Free Methodist parents must become members in the same manner as anyone else. After this explanation the voting of this small city church can better be studied. The one outstanding feature of this particular vote is the fact that it shows much more undecided than the ministers' vote. This may be accounted for in two or three ways. First, the original conservative attitude of the group, second, their lack of knowledge of many of the sports, and third, a failure of the general church to set a definite standard on sports. The few items that the church is definitely opposed to are opposed strongly in this vote. Another item of interest is the fact that golf is not as favorably accepted by this group as it is by the preachers. This may be due to the pressure of an undesirable golf club in the vicinity of the church. Next by way of comparison a study of a large industrial center will be made. 77. RECREATIONAL ATT ITU'DES OF A FREE METHODIST CONGREGAT ION IN A SMALL CITY OF SIX THOUSAND POPULATION T 11 1 WI. DISAP UNDECI. g AWN]: @111 mm 5131 m MFD f LNo 5% nohi 110. 2'2 119. Lm.__$__:q - mm 11 4 21 1 2 2 4 11 24 1mm 11 4 18‘ 39 2 4 2 4 13 23 “ Basketball $3 31 .46 2 4 2 4 8 17 iii 7.599.921: 5 1o 7 15 1 2 2 4 31 6 46 Km 12 26 1 33 2 4 1 2 16 35 11% hair 9 2o 20 4 9 2 4 22 111.136.. We 13 29 11 24 4 9 1 2 17 3' I 45 mm 3 7 2 4 3 :4 15. 33 381—817—467 mm 4 9 11 24 19 41 2 4 1o 22 46.1 NW 17 36 14 3o 15 33 £16... wmim 16 33 15_ 31 3 14 +53- M. 11 24 s 1:; 21 4 24 152145“ ors aci 5 19 3 '1 21L 1:6 3 1 ll} 30 41 M 1 1 2 5 78 1 2 L 151 POOL 1 36 78 1' 2 s 17 46 W 2 35 7a 1 2 8 13 55—4 ' £91191 2 1 2 3 1 2 4 9 19 47 W 12 26 10 22 L 10 2 L 17 36 46 4 W 11 '24 11 24 3 7 1 2 29 44135. We 8 11 .13 23 1 4 91.20.414.116. ,mm 7 15 12 26 2 4 1 2 24 52 46..., mm 4 9 2 4 9 2o 1 2 , 65 46. M2 5 1 2 ,2 86 1 2 2 5 43.... m I 2 5 2 . 5 36 §4 3 7 } 43 78. w no t'd- AMUSEMENT J In: Radio siiasaemmaaaammasss aa a c. ammmgémaaaayamaame “£29 m mane 15.1u21nmusa a m. 1m wins; 5 1.15 Lazm an 1.1. mmma L1 L5411LL1 .1 126 Li mafiaL7msnm1msnmnmamr an; m .Dmmsga as. saimsqusma as m.i§fl.flLiLflm1 «gm. 3. 555m m1 E_W.fifi.mm712Lcfi? %Ln.m.mflm1 271 89 www.415917a17miz74L. 2.1 .9 aw7nfi4‘6385385—3 366 1214.4 1“ mm m . 79. Industrial city of seventyefive thousand population. The large city selected for the survey is a lower Michigan industrial city of approximately seventy-five thousand people. It is an active, progressive city. The citizens are largely factory workers who live in slum areas or lower middle class homes. There are many negroes as well as foreign stock in the population. Like the rest of the automobile centers it is democratic in its political views. Socially it is liberal. The Free Methodist Church in this city is a plain, neat building that is the church home of one hundred and twenty-five members. There is a Sunday School of two hundred and fifty and a young people's society of thirty- five. The pastor is a man about sixty-three years of age. The members are white collar workers, laborers and small business men. This vote is not nearly as undecided as the small town vote. It goes quite strongly to the active sports. Golf receives quite a heavy vote. Parlor games also receive a heavy vote as does hunting, fishing, camping, etc. Bowling is about the same in each division of congregations, approximately thirty per cent of each favoring the sport. The inactive amusements fared about the same here as else- where in the voting. Again pool, dancing, card playing, smoking, drinking, etc., are strongly opposed. About the only significant point about this voting is that it is definite. The voters seemed to know what they 80. believed and were not afraid to take their stand. They practically agreed with the preachers. Evidently the individuals voting in.this church.had had experience with nearly all of the sports mentioned as they voted quite intelligently. No doubt most of these people in their city life had made decisions in.regard to these amusements before. In fact, they seemed to take the study in stride while some of the small community churches seemed somewhat upset by the survey. Now the reaction of an.industrial city has been observed and the study turns to a college church and community. 81. REREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF A FREE METHCDIST CONGREGATION IN AN INDUSTRIAL CITY OF SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND POPULATION 1 Table 3 - M’AL“ 16' Pmmm. é museum: 513.919.}.111191 ammp .4 1 +1io'23m,,my1&ig'um 61m. 2 L. Baseball 16 33 22' 45 1 2 1o 21 49 ,mn 10 21 27 55 6 12 6 12 . 329.493.9211 19 39 22 45 2 6 12 #21 m 8 16 3o 62 2 1 2 8 16 49 Tennis 22 45 24 49 3 .5 I 59 9811' 5 31 29 59 1 2 1 2 3 6 49 1. Tennis 25 52 21 43 3 6 49 618144- 17 35 14 29 3 6 15 31 49 139111112. 3 6 12 5 7 35 11 22 6 6 49 ,EishinL 31 63 18 37 49. .Huntins 3 47 2:51.42. i 2 49 mm 18 37 24 49 2 4 1 2 4 8 49 flange Race 3 6 4 8 4 7.81 ‘12 mm 1 2 44 90 2 4 2 4 49 01* 1 2 44 90 2 4. 4 49 Silliands: 2 1 44 90 1 2 2 4 49 MEL 1 43 92 3 6 49 W 19 39 23 17 1 2 1 2 5 10 49 new 3 47 22 45 1 2 4 8 49 WW3 11 22 ‘25 52 4 5 10 4 8 49 \W 9 18 26 53 2 3 6 9 18 49 We 16 18 37 6 6 21 49 mm _5 9 13 .22 21 36 z 12 12 21 49 28:11.25 ‘1 12 28 4a 5 .9. 8 144.15.421.28. 8% TOTAL h—II—q 52. 58 58 2 .52. 3 58 2 11.5.8... LLfl, 4 Aim £22129. 11......2__u5§_. 9 41.5.8.1 '11 1 .MMEEM W123 Church W10 17 W111 Luz Radio m1;.2+§_ .. 4.1 2.1.1.1: m 1.4.1... “:2 1:21; u 1.: 11.21 7112.32 11.: 1,: .13: .2 .11.: Tin: 1111...... 1:71.... mmifiim 0.1.52 fiflni 91.21.14” m252929931545m2215 22423 2.122. 2.12 3 an moaanmfi 141.27 nun 21H... n has”? MWJWGL 57nM31791 I7. .5513. 3 1 T M3M 348W 4 5.4 34431 313. 83. College town of four thousand population. The college town in which the survey was taken is a town of approximately four thousand people in central Illinois. It has the same characteristics as the other small city used in this study except that a Free Methodist College is located within its limits. The college has an enrollment of about three hundred students. The Free Methodist Church in which the survey was taken is made up largely of college students. Therefore, it is cosmopolitan. The students come from nearly every state in the union and from several foreign countries. The church has a membership of about three hundred, a Sunday School of four hundred and a young people's society of three hundred. Coincidently the church, the Sunday School and Ybung People's membership are nearly the same as the college enrollment. This is brought about by the fact that not all students in the college are members of the Free Methodist Church and that many local people belong to the church. The members consist largely of college instructors, college students, small business men, and the families of Free Methodist ministers whose work keeps them away from home. The pastor is a man sixty-five years old, a general church leader and a former General Conference Sunday School Secretary. Here there is even less uncertainty than.in the industrial city. Also a definite acceptance of the active sports and the parlor amusements is evidenced. Comics, radio skits, etc. received a more favorable vote than 84. elsewhere. Also the college church was somewhat liberal in regard to bowling and public roller rink skating. Table 32 ATTITUDES OF LAYMEN OF A FREE METHODIST COLLEGE TOWN CONGREGATION TOWARD BOWLING AND PUBLIC ROLLER RINK SKATING Number Approved Disapproved Undecided Responding No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. Bowling 100 57 57 25 25 18 18 Public Roller 102 32 32 61 6O 9 9 Rink skating The fact that there is a liberal sprinkling of votes for pool and billiards may mean that some in the group' have had contact with these games in educational and recre- ational centers where they were divorced from the old type pool room. Write-ins lead to this conclusion. The voting on movies was somewhat confused because the college shows approved educational movies. Write-ins asked what movies the questionnaire had in mind. Concerts and operas, as might be expected, have strong approval by this group. Smoking, drinking, church suppers, card playing, public dancing, bridge, the lodge and dancing at home were all strongly opposed. Again golf had a strong vote of approval. It must be remembered that this group of voters contain the highest percentage of non Free Methodists of all groups voting. Next the study swings to a small country community. 85. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OFA IN A COLLEGE TOWN OF FOUR THOUSAND POPULATION Tahla, FREE METHODIST CONGREGATION 3 T 1:2 VAL 4215 Prim ‘ me... o AWM STR! NG‘ 1111 ' 5111c I:7 MI" E _ ‘ *N LL32,“ ‘ N0. - m1. LmLL ‘ W11 '76 go 31 J -3 2 2 2r 2 103, M11 41 41 29129 14 14 7 '7 9 9 166 . 4 Basketball ‘79 ILLJ-LQL 1 1 1 3 3 191 Soccer 58 58 27 27 1 1 1 g 1 13 13 ‘109 ,flmis 84 84 12 12 1 L 3 3 100 coir 61 6o 26 25 3 3 9 9 102 A W. 79 78 18 18 2 2 1 1 2 2 192 m 49 51 14 14 4.1.4.: 1 1 28 29 95. Miss 29 29 28 28 20 2o 5 51 18 18 100 11981113 8 81 12 12 3 3 4 4 102 m 13 70 ‘26 2 2 2 2 104 m" 69 66 22 21 5 5 5 6 104 __I_iorse Racin 6 6 ’ 8 67 62 13 12__19 ,9 106 m 4 4 71 6 15 14 _8 8 104. .1329}. 3 3 21.32 59 57 7 7 9 06. 7.811.311.2292 5 5 20 19 64 62 4 4 11 11 19 7.2433921 3 3 LL16 55 59 6 6 15 16 flimigg 68 63 23 21 1 1 2 2 14 13 108 [35664163 __8_4__'_89 14 13 1 1 6 6 105 4m 65 L63 27 26 4 4 s s 164 Dominoes SO 58 32 3;. L_l__r_§___6 4 4 103 Authors, etc 39 3'1 45 43 7 7 '1 TZ 105 hess 49 48 3c 29. 5 5 8 8 10 1o ‘192~ m ‘66 6 25. 24A 4 4 3 3 8 8 196.. dr~- - u c e \ to! as, s 0. e u 4 on: . 1 t u o a . . . u a a ,5 I. I 1. u 1 . l .I- LO '0 '0 . .. . e u s 2 .1 A u 1 n . . u e 7.. u .4 . n .0 4 I1. .01-! - es. .. u . . fi 1 n ’91 9-1 . ‘ I I .7 . _ o n a n . . I . .'. . o . .l v 4 V ‘D ‘T . u )9 .II .18 K . t I I. .w. 6 \ n . . .a 7 2.301 9 u a I a: 4 3.. . . . p 8 III a . d I .n ’5! ‘. LI..1' 1 u . . o ‘it- . l 4 . I 0 g ‘ n - Y . I O. L. I l a . a ID ID I 1 . - I u . 6 I C. s s. . .0 .I . c. P Isl-Iv. « u . . O s I v s. . . a s . . 6...... .a 1 u I en ‘l 2.4.192. ' 86. E..:: 3:21.33; m 41...: aiminflL . m LELL 3331.4). Aw... 37.7.4. 6 ”mi? 93+; J .319 5n57.mu.m.J -9 Pmfi7994L8¢.3.n.9 finalnHMR L9 m.%« .W in“ Lagfi B.m.7.£m.3 «(Ban Ba mrmfimiigfg531...“.34Awu. a Mafilgfi €3.22... .1. TmMMTmmTlxmu. mg“... mififima n... Mama.— A n... E. m 1 5 3. 7 5 fl «*mfii B 9 Wm. $4.... “.nmli....u: $.24... n m WW “WWW o L. W h M A m M m m j .W 87. Country community of one hundred and fifty population. The country community selected is in the central part of Illinois. It is a small town of approxtmnely one hundred and fifty people. The surrounding country is average farm land and very good oil country. The people are native stock. Politically and socially the community is conservative. The Free Methodist church is a little country church. It has about fifty members, a Sunday School of seventy-five and a small young people's society. The pastor is a young man Just recently married. He attended college, but did not graduate. The members are farmers and workers in the oil industry. The voting by this group does not have any distine guishing characteristics. It runs Just about the average of the rest of the voting. There must be enough members from near-by towns to give urban flavor to the voting and also enough country people to off—set them with their rural ideas. According to the addresses of the members only a few of them live in the town in which the church is located. They came from either near-by towns or country. This, along with the fact, that many live in the oil country and thus have more money for conveniences than the average country resident makes the voting in this division average. Perhaps the only slight difference is in regard to golf and bowling where the voting is a little less favorable than in some other divisions. There is no opportunity to participate in either in the community, 88. at least not on the higher level found in someplaces. Therefore, our country community shows an average vote with very few outstanding deviations. 89. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF A FREE METHODIST CONGREGATION IN A COUNTRY COMMUNITY OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POPULATION. 9319-13—1 .szm. marmmm g: > Amusmmm' 2131111 mm. 5111 1:1 mm x -. 1N9..-%..m...£ a- .me..$..m.._1..i. mm 12 35 5* 18 3 a 11 :32 2 5 135 mm 11 :52 5‘ LL 5 12 12 :36 2 6 311 .,.Essksihsll 14 41 s 15 1 9 10 3o 2 6 L311 1.362222: 7 2o 3 A 12 18 53 2 6 34h.” 13m 10 3o 5 15 4 12 1s ’ A3 34 12 s 2 7 LplZ—Ji 41 1 3 '54.. ,W 11 32 6 18 s 15 12 .36 34 m ' g: 12 9 26 21 62 3; mm 1 3 6 18 1o 30 1'1 43 g 6 31* W 12 36 '2 2o 4 12 1o 30 1 3 34 hunting. 9 26 'z 20 9 13 3 2 6 311 M1. 8 24 5 1; 7 2o 13 is 1 3 34 ,W1 1 3 '7 2o 15 43 9 26 1 3 33 mm 1 3 _1 1 24 :1 6 1s 2 6 3 Pool? ? l. 3 25 ‘15 7 20 .‘l. 1 1 3i W 1 3‘ 2‘3 :76 7 2o 1 3 '34 11211.2: 2 6 2 6 22 6'1 :7 2o 1 3 34 filming; 12 36 7 20 5 15 8 2 2 d 34 121221.125. 5 '15 ’1 2o 8 24 12 36, 2 61.15. .W 9 26 :7 20 s 24 9 26 1 3 34 ‘mggs 11 32 6 18 8 2 8 24 1 3 34 uhrs et _'g__1_6_ 6 12 36 12 36 1 3 31 411222 1. 3 2 .15 11 50 12 36 2 j 34 13:11.26 3 9 8 . 24 10 3o 10 30 3 9____34_ o”! , -..y. . ll: 6 . . I'll!" . u I . s Q a o u . ~ . u b I O u I. n . .I OI du‘h.‘ . . . . . .- . O .. wll - 1... V . p Q A 6 r . o. a . I. I . 1 -1... .u a . . . i 9 Q I. O I. no | a v u . n I . . . . a. ‘6 . . . . 1 . . u q . c I). t. o . . s . u . . . .. o. . 4 c v. n . u. . . t- w. b . 0. o .. y . . . . a . . c n ,. . 11A I It I a ' o a . y . v . . . .. ‘2’]. u . . . a . . .Al I . I .. . . - . 1 .. v . . . D i I. . . a 1 O‘U v . I 6 ... . . Iv . u 1 l a. ‘\ . . I 1 l . .. 1 . . A A r» (‘v a a . u . . . . r -1. t. .. v u I- . n . . . . - .OTL. v I I 1 . v . C . . . w u n .s .. . n . 4 O . O ... ' D! ‘I. . . . I ‘I. ‘1. 1 . a . . a V .. . . u . . o o 0‘: . . o . a I. . 1. . . A rt. . o . I.‘- . 01' . n V. . . .. y ‘I.. n . v . .. .5 .. J . . . y. n I . . . a . . ,. v I . A r A. -.I n a v . . ,u -11. A . ‘4' . . . ‘l 1.. . . a I. ‘0 10 . . ‘ -1 ' a . It :1. vi a o n u o l .o up . . .I c o a p -u .. I . O p . . . . t . .1 I o' . . a - ~1-o. o 9"! .‘P. A L h—d 34 34 35' 35 35 ' 334 331 6 . 1 4 ‘3 17 14 ..20 .JZi.JL .125 4415 v 'd- 32.12.35. 1216 E 175 7 STR1 NG: MI' I) 31 .25. v ago .18 5 17 11 11 _25..§916 .17. 11 3 _20.L_15. wwv 3 ‘5 17 .13 37 90. Lint—.2 6 Q fi..JHE.JUi jIL.J22 7 . 6 5 l5T4rZ.Jfly.j:: 11 3 '14 6 113* % no. LJIQ..._%_.ND.._%_JD._%.. 1 5 1%423945 J. 1 .2 5 Church W4 5 l 35 a: 6 3 v ‘1 'V— f 11 321.3.._SL.35.. 10 21.2 i 13 #51 13 37 1 11 jEL.JJL 9 11 Z In: Radio 91. CHAPTER IV. GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION TAKEN FROM THE REPLIES TO THIS SURVEY OF MINISTERS AND LAYMEN OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH The replies of ministers and laymen to this survey answer several questions. They establish to non members of the Free Methodist Church the amusements approved and disapproved by members of the Free Methodist Church. Many people have asked members of the church what amusements the Free Methodist Church approves and disapproves. ‘It has been difficult for Free Methodists to answer this. question because it is not answered in their discipline. This survey answers this question in the following way. Free Methodist ministers approve seventeen amusements by seventy five per cent or more and disapprove fourteen amuse- ments by seventy five per cent or more and Free Methodist laymen approve seven amusements by seventy five per cent or more and disapprove ten amusements by seventy fiver per cent or more. (See appendix II). 18 the Free Methodist Church in a period of transition in regard to .1tsriattitude toward amusements is another question often asked. This study definitely proves that it is. An example of this proof is the Free Methodist churches' changing attitude toward golf and bowling. Another question often asked is what variation of views is there within the church and if there is a variation where does it take place. This question has also been answered. The study of the attitudes of Free Methodist ministers serving east of the Mississippi River and of the attitudes of Free Methodist ministers serving west of the 92. Mississippi River, and also the study of the attitudes of ministers of the Free Methodist church having attended college and ministers of the Free Methodist church not having attended college are good examples of answers to this question. Some of the social factors bringing about such an organization as the Free Methodist Church have been studied in Chapter I. Social change within the Free Methodist Church has been discussed with the aid of the replies of ministers and laymen. The adjustment to outside social change discovered particularly in the responses of ministers point toward the Free Methodist Church becoming an established denomination. The total findings of this study may aid other recent social studies of pietiest groups, Methodist groups, and Calvinistic groups. The statement in the introduction that there is still much opposition to smoking, drinking, card playing, dancing and movies has been proven by the survey. The preachers voted ninety-seven per cent against card playing, ninety-five per cent against bridge, ninety per cent against the movies, ninety-six per cent against dancing, ninety-two per cent against dancing at home, ninety-eight per cent against social drinking, one hundred per cent against drinking beer, and ninety-eight per cent against smoking. This shows that the Free Methodist ministry is very definitely still opposed to many things that are accepted by the average citizen of the United States. 93. It is interesting to note that the only one of the above mentioned amusements named specifically in the original discipline of the church is drinking. The rule reads as follows:— "By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced; such as drinkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors; or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity. " This rule has helped to make the Free Methodists strong prohibitionists as the voting here proves. The first discipline did not mention the subject of tobacco, but the second discipline printed four years after the organization of the church carried this rule:- "Softness or needless self—indulgence, especially, snuffing, chewing, smoking, growing, manufacturing or selling tobacco or the habitual use of opiates, is prohibited." It has also been proven by the vote that neither the ministers or the laymen of the Free Methodist Church have changed from this view. It is hard to find a more persistent enemy of the tobacco industry than the Free Methodist Church. These attitudes are to be expected because of the rules of the church, but an interesting item is that the combined vote of ministers and laymen is nearly as strong against card playing, dancing, and the movies. Although these items are not specifically mentioned in the general rules of the church they are definitely taboo. The only answer to why this is true is that they are considered to be contrary to the spirit of the following General Rule:- 94. "The taking of such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus." 30 Another surprising fact is that the combined vote shows that Free Methodists are stronger against playing cards, movies, and dancing than they are against music in the church or fashionable dress. There have been changes or trends toward a change in the churches' attitude on both of these issues even though they have been . specifically mentioned in the discipline. This shows that the ministers were not Just voting to follow the written code. They recently voted to alter the church discipline in regard to instrumental music in public worship. The replies of this study on card playing, dancing, etc. show that the preachers are governed by the spirit of the law as much as by the letter of the law. The replies of the ministers as well as the replies of the congregations show at least a trend among approximately fifty thousand people in the United States to take a definite stand against some very popular amusements that they consider inimical to the spirit and practice of vital Christianity. There is one place that the combined attitudes of ministers and laymen are apparently not consistent. Although movies and smoking are strongly condemned they treat horse racing with comparative leniency. The tendency is to strongly oppose the item preached against or mentioned in the discipline, and to be a little more lenient with some other items not mentioned that might be Just as harmful. This is 30. Free Methodist Discipline, p. 19 The Free Methodist Publishing House Chicago, 1895 95. one of the dangers of a group motivated by the spirit rather than the letter of the law. On the other side of the ledger the church is not spending all of its effort on negatives. It is using many types of recreation in a constructive way. Intra-group relationships within the Free Methodist Church have been considered from several different angles and the adJustments made by the Free Methodists to social change have also been considered. Thus, by the survey method, a number of interesting facts have been discovered that help to a better understanding of the two social problems that this paper has been designed to study. APPENDIX I. Greenville, Illinois November 7, 1945. Dear Pastor: Inclosed you will find a survey questionnaire which has been prepared for pastors of the Free Methodist Church. This questionnaire is to be used in connection with.my graduate study at Michigan State College. The results obtained from you and other pastors will be used in a Master's Thesis. The purpose of this study is purely scientific. I simply desire facts. There is no pro-determined point to prove. Your name will not be mentioned in the thesis. This study is impersonal. I will greatly appreciate your kindness in returning the filled out questionnaire in the inclosed self addressed envelope. Thank you, S. Mulholland Greenville College Greenville, Illinois. 1. APPENDIX I Cont'd. QUESTIONNAIRE Address City State Age Place of Birth State in which you lived from the age of 1-25 18-25 over 25 Married Yes No. No. of children, Boys ages Girls ages Age of Conversion Years in Ministry Age you Joined the Free Methodist Church Have you belonged to other churches Yes or No List churches Years of Membership Year you left Name schools you have attended. High Schools College Graduate School Theological Seminary g_‘ Were you ever a professional athlete? Yes or No Did you ever play on an organized team after you were 15 years old Yes or No If Yes-List sports 2. APPENDIX I CONT'd. Check the following amusements which you approve: If local conditions alter your opinion please state this in the center column. Type Approve I do.not approvd' Disapprove or disapprove Baseball Strongly Mildly Stroneg 'NHIdly Football Basketball Soccor Tennis Golf Table Tennis onits gowling Fishing Hunting Track Horse Racing Cards Pool Billiards Movies Swimming pebating 'Checkers Dominoes Authors , OId Maid, etc. Chess Parties 3. APPENDIX I Cont'd. ——Type APP POVG I do not approve or disapprove Disapprove Bublic pausing ktrongly Mildly Strongly Mildly Boxing wrestling Social prinking Drinking Beer Drinking Soft Drinks Camping Hiking Smoking Suppers in Church Ledges Concerts Opera gridge V §kating(ice Skating LRoller) Comics inews—paper Comic Books Radio LComedies) Radio (plays) Itux Radio Theater.etc. Fencing (Home) Dancing - Public Roller Rink) Skating 1. RECREATIONAL ATTITUDES OF MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH. 112135151111: 1; Taple 1 T ,...ssmscmii. -DISAPEBQEAL...HEESEL.égi AMUSEMENT ,SLLR NC: MED. STPu NC; M.I"D 1 .. A _ rNo.” z_wnp.n_fi; no. 1zg_no.._z..nn...£.1.fis Mil . 26 38 36‘ 55 1 2 1 2 - 3 ji lEootballfi 7 ]_._'.1._JL_2L9 4i 13.49....11.3LL_L—§5— Basketball 31 47 28 ’43 2 3 2 3 2 3 65¢ Soccer 20 31 gLngqg 3 3 4 IL__2_Q_,__§5_‘ Tennis 37 5'1 24 37 2 3 2 3 65 Golf 12 19 38 8 4 6 2 . 3 9 141,35H T. Tennis 34 52 26 4o 1 2 4- .9...§5. Quoits 26 ‘43' 21 .34 1 1 1 .1. 12 ggy_§1_ Bowling 1 2 g 13 2o 24 31 15 23 12__;ygrggi, Fishing 36 56 28 44 64 Hunting 34 52 28 4} - 2 3 l 2 . 65 Track ‘ 26 4o 26 4o 9; 14 2 3 2 3 6 g, Horse Racing ' 62 94 2 3_. 2 3 651 Card: 6 97 2: 3 , Pool? 2 3 61 95 l 2 64 Billiards 1 2 61 93 1 2 2 3 65 Movies 3 5. 59 9o 2 3 1 2 65 Swimming 38 58 19 29 5 8 2 3 1 2 65g Debating 45 69 19 29 l 2 65 Checkers ‘12 19 35 5: 4 6 12 19 1 2 64 1 Dominoes . 9 14 36 55 4 6 ll 17 4 6 65 Authors, etc 7 11 22 34 6 9 17 26 13 2o 65_, Chess 9 14 29 32 10 15 11 17 14 22 65 Parties ll 17 411:; 6 9 4 6 4 6i ‘R ‘- I... 2“} e o a I o .. . n 3.“ u I I v a LI v4 . .c u. II. . e i . l 4 . I- e c s e e v n .4 3...! .l . o I e y 4 T. . .5 r I Q : . D . i J u . . . . I u .39 I C I . A D . I b u o . Io . .\l I s p but: . s . . a v . p 4 v1.. . . 0 'fi ; If , .. , . . . It. . . I O. ‘4 ‘. . n .— . . . .1. . . O o ... . . I'!‘ . .c‘senl‘ 9‘ A e l . 1 . . n .u: d , \‘IT ‘ i o s . it . sl!‘ . I. .. a . .l‘ e . _. .r ‘. U, .u . . e . c a u _ . , s _ we I. cm . Q A . 5 c .s. I U h a v I. e . ‘ I . e . . . s Q h ._ e FAME-U“ ' 1Cont'd- Agmfl DISAPPROEAL 11mm. 3- AMUSEMENT 213912114132 5111012 1111.13 .1. E ‘ 41191 % $1101.43 1:01 icsglcq‘f 3m ‘61:... m 1 2‘ 62' 1 12...“. m 1 2 13' 2o 5? 5:! 1o 15 51 6 65 _ Wreetlggg __’_1§‘__25 34’ 11 17 4 65 63 2 65.. m « 64 1 9.4.. mm 6 9 1411.61.11 11 11 5 L436 11m 4:5 66 19149 1 3 1'55 am 961.291.126.26 65 2212 . 9- 1 .2 m 1 :2: 12 19 in 61 5 3 1 11 65‘ 1911691 1 153 J _J___2___65._ mm :52 32.49 5 a 2 8 3 62 926m 14 221125 39 r21 4 9 1L m _ 35 1 +2 3 64 12222162141161th 39} 4 My, 19 3o 15 55 6 9 1 3 5 6411 W 1 21.21 35 18 111.26 5 a 65 .. :1. 7 11 3 _& 311 3 5 64 I: - ~11 ._ 447 £1.22 19 29 3 1.1.65. . ~.- 19 2 21 32 1; 6 65 In: Radio .6. . a 12314,; 16 25 13 201,65... 11-)“ .; 1 1o 16 A48 11 17 18 4284,53”1 a 4 6 1 .641, ”.0110 , 1 4 6 51 29 7 11 3 J65 3. APPENDIX II Cont'd. TABLES SHOWING-AMUSEMENTS THAT RECEIVE.A STRONG-APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF MINISTERS AND LAYMEN OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH TABLE 2 AMUSEMENTS APPROVED BY SEVENTY FIVE PER CENT OR MORE OF THE MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH COOPEEATING IN THIS SURVEY AMUSEMENT PER CENT AMUSEMENT PER CENT Baseball 93 Basketball 90 Tennis 94 Golf 77 Table Tennis 92 Fishing 100 Hunting 93 Track 80 Swimming 87 Debating 98 Parties 80 Wrestling 77 Camping 95 Hiking 100 Concerts 81 Ice Skating 100 Roller Skating 85 TABLE 3 AMUSEMENTS DISAPPROVED BY SWENTY FIVE PER CENT OR MORE OF THE MINISTERS OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH COOPERATING IN THIS SURVEY AMUSEMENT PER CENT AMUSEMENT PER CENT Horse Racing 97 Cards 97 Pool 97 Billiards 95 Movies 93 Dancing 96 Social Drinking 100 Drinking Beer 100 Smoking 98 Lodges 98 Bridge 97 Comic Books 84 Dancing at Home 98 Public Roller 90 Skating 4. APPENDIX II Cont'd. TAB LE 4 AMUSEMENTS APPROVED BY SEVENTY FIVE PER CENT OR MORE OF THE LAYMEN OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH COOPERATING IN THIS SURVEY AMUSEMENT PER CENT AMUSEMENT PER CENT Baseball 79 Basketball 81 Tennis 81 Table Tennis 79 Fishing 83 Hunting 81 Debating 75 TABLE 5 AMUSEMENTS DISAPPROVED BY SEVENTY FIVE PER CENT OR MORE OF THE LAYMEN OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH COOPERATING IN THIS SURVEY AMUSEMENT PER CENT AMU SEMENT PER CENT Cards 86 Pool 78 Billiards 78 Movies 77 Social Drinking 94 Drinking Beer 95 Smoking 89 Lodges 88 Bridge 89 Dancing 86 l 1 . APPEND IX I II MAP SHOWING THE ACTUAL LOCATION OF THE FREE METHODIST MINISTERS AND LAYMEN COOPERATING IN THIS SURVEY < Note: , ' ' xResidence of cooperating Free Methodist ministers. * Community from which the Free Methodist congregations were selected / that are used in this survey. Q": I: I St. Louis, Missouri is a part of the Central Illinois Conference of the Dfi;“\ Free Methodist Church ,'//“ 7,; ~ fg;*\_“_ Population Statistics will be found on ? “m\f5 pages 3 and 4 of this appendix. ; .\\ . (/7 . ~ 1? 1.3 fl r‘: 711CHIIGAN fl L‘SC ._ . K ’9? (”9(- AP, v1” W\ _ \(“7”' <1 ‘:‘\/,2 ~20 , :‘gw YORK P rtlknd I IKNIKLK V/gflh\ ‘\\ \ \ Cs. , \ W" 11 1 1 \\ "J x v E. W amson 3’35' Milw k a: ; y it W): Syracuse I m .z"\€\'.\ u e xCharlotte ' xSarnia, ) x Perry .-". xLansing x art HurK F,./ . xGrand *xPo tii . ;‘/? ’M’Cornin Rapids xF:~’- ngFmW“ ,. lyn :a§"'“’ XSPFHBXAd . v'ClO/ ve anaxFranklin xMoshan e at Crane .Anbpg . x E \‘MHol and . . \ xGalian . x New Castle erbgfia ‘ xYoung: . n. xHopwoodfijB \ \. xDecafirr \ xIndia :polis *Va.dalia I ixGreen ills X *S'. James untingtop 5t.Louis KENTUCKY /'/‘\,/" ,/..'.—--—-""’"'71'9.CARO‘-‘NA .. —-—--""”' ,/' ..... 4 /‘v TENNESSEE /‘ —— "' .__—- r‘ .. 4311109“ - _...——-----—-""c';‘€'oa‘5‘A CLEAR1 MisSE's'IPP‘ lAUBAMA \‘ Outline P i \. OF TH | \ UNITED S '._" "-.-—u I.—.--_.. NORTH 33mm ‘ x Waterloo _-__-_. xAnl aley I TIMBER?" ''''' \ Image ------------ - \ xBeloit Y ! I xMCPherson I I ! I _.. ___| _____ I T '—’—oim'om ''''''''' ___-____ j 1T6}? ''''' Pam's-5:6" 2r xGuthrie ' xoaklahoma Citi I I " i I . I \um— .\g_ I . I ___,__._ ! !— LOUISIANA I I -L\___l_ ~—c—--—-n # M / __ .. 7 , _ ,1 1 _-._.-_..J 2. APPENDIX II Cont'd. \\ xseattle i’DA-JOi‘MBLm'A ~..‘I-~I V XBUCkley I 0 .-"~"—"'—--— ----- I I I I I I '\ .\‘ OREGON '-. I .’ V1 xAlbany I \. we -------- \-_.\a 61.2.2216 ----m:; I 1---“: -’ i .. _ I , unmfi;~~."_u_~- . I IRABT~-~.L ' . .1_____ I I 'umfi““—"-—' ' I I L_._,______ ICCLCRADJ —————— — \ Imss--~--.--_._i 'Ewmifi ---------- xLos Ansel-3B xHuntington ark SanDiOsO xGlendale I I I I I I I I I 3. APPENDIX III Cont'd. NAME AND POPULATION OF CITIES IN- WHICH cnuacsus OR MINISTERS PART IC IPATII-ZG IN THIS SURVEY ARE LOCATED CITY STATE POPULATION Adrain, Michigan 12,891 Albany, Oregon 5.453 Allentown, Penna. 92.553 Ansley, Nebraska 817 Apollo, Penna. 3,403 Armstrong, Iowa 765 Baltimore, Maryland 804,874 Bay City, Michigan 47,350 Buffalo, New York 573,070 Buckley, hashington 1,052 Brooklyn, New York 2,604,549 Beloit, Kansas 3,485 Chicago, Illinois 4,675,877 Cleveland, Ohio 900,430 Charlotte, Michigan 5.307 Corning, New York 15,648 Clarion, Penna. 3,196 Decatur, Illinois 57.378 Dallas, Texas 260,397 East Orange, New Jersey 68,227 Blgin, Illinois 35,912 East Williamson, N. Y. 328 Fairmont, w. Virginia 23,157 Ferndale, Michigan 20,796 Franklin, Penna. 10,210 GaliOn, Ohio 7.644 Guthrie, Oklahoma 9.190 Grand Rapids, Michigan 168,650 Glandale, Arizona 3,665 Greenville, Illinois 4,000 Hopwood, Penna. 886 Huntington, w. Virginia 75.572 Holland, Ohio 500 Huntington Park, California 24.591 Indianapolis, Indiana 364,073 Junction City, Kansas 7,308 Lansing, Michigan 78,421 Los Angeles, California 1,235,048 sill-7“! \Iu iuI 29 ’57 Insul' \Kr (OOIIu n v. .\ .11... n I (45 no.1 IIIIIIIIIIIIIII 03142 9883 IIIIIIIIII III I I. III III I I’ll: III II I III II II. I I'll III. I I III I. I 3 9 2 1 3