Lord's Acres Helping Churches, 1931

PHOTO: R.L. Thrash, L. Dale Thrash, Leslie Cannon, W.H. Rankin with Rev. T.A. Grace, harvesting Acton Methodist Lord's Acres.

“The Lord’s Acre Page” by Rev. Dumont Clarke, director, in the December 1931 issue of Farmers Federation News

A Lord’s Acre Result

I read with interest Mr. Burgin’s experience with the Lord’s Acre Plan in his church in the November Farmers Federation News.

It was a great success in the Fairview Baptist Church of which I was treasurer during the pastorates of Rev. N.B. Phillips and Rev. A.B. Miller.

In 1929 we were having trouble in paying our pastor’s salary; and other obligations were falling far behind. Rev. Dumont Clarke told us of the Lord’s Acre Plan. Mr. Phillips was glad to co-operate; also the majority of our active members signed the cards, taking projects or a certain amount as their goal. It was first suggested that the officials borrow the money needed for running expenses and pay it back in its full when projects sold. But the board decided to get each to name a goal for his or her project and adopt the card and envelope system and for everyone to contribute weekly; the treasurer keeping a record and crediting the amount on the pledge. We found this a satisfactory way of meeting our expenses.

The Lord’s Acre Plan was again adapted when Rev. A.B. Miller became pastor. During the two years we have been able o wire the church (Mr. O.N. ?? paid the electrician’s bill) and to buy light fixtures and repair the parsonage. This would not have been possible but for the Lord’s Acre Plan.

One boy gave a fine blooded calf, which was sold for $100. This was one of our best pledges.

We are very grateful to Mr. Clark and to Mr. McClure’s family and to Mr. Marsh, who have so generously supported the plan in our church. It seemed the only solution to our financial problems and we found those who had taken projects were more interested in the church work, and a friendly interest developed as each member was anxious to know how the projects were coming on.

We have heard of the Lord’s Acre Plan in other states and are sure North Carolina can have success with it.

--P.O. Merrell, Fairview, N.C.

Around the Fireside

With the coming of cold weather, in most of our homes the family will be drawn closer together for more hours in the day around the fireside, and thus there will be more opportunity for developing those social and personal virtues which make the home the happiest spot on earth. This is true most of all of the homes of farmers.

As evening comes on, the entire family comes together in one room. Usually a big fire of logs is burning brightly in the fireplace, giving comfort and cheer to all the room. The babe, if there be one, is already put to bed and is sleeping soundly; the little toddler is making his constant round from chair to chair or climbing on his father’s knee to receive some of the many attentions a father loves to give. The older children are at their books around the lamp, while the mother and grandmother are in their usual corners. Probably the latter are at work.

But would it not be well if for one hour every day work could be given up in our homes and the time given up to free and easy conversation on such matters as may be of common interest? The news of the day, the studies of the children in school, the Sunday school and church, the work of the various members of the household, and the pranks of the babe. Innumerable topics of discussion would give joy and help make the home happy.

The hour spent might easily prove to be the most profitable of the 24, tending as it would be to the development of power of expression and revelation of the members of the family to one another. In many homes, no effort is made to have any common interest and home life. All are intent on pursuing a matter of personal concern. They are anxious and careful perhaps about many things, but they neglect the one thing needful and never choose that good part which shall not be taken away from them. (from the Biblical Recorder)

General Meeting

The general meeting for the advancement of the Lord’s Acre Movement is to be held in the assembly room of the County Court House from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 16^th.

The program has been planned to be of the greatest serve to the churches. Among those who expect to address the meeting are Rev. Marshall Nelms of Hartwell, Georgia; Dr. D.M. Litaker; and Mr. James G.K. McClure Jr. Opportunity will be afforded for questions and discussions.

Please note that there will be no limit to the number of those who may represent each church, and that in addition to the box lunches which representatives are asked to bring, coffee and ice cream will be provided free.