The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Methodists and St. Patrick’s Day

A speech was delivered in Coate’s Opera House, Kansas City, Mo., on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1896, by Dr. Mitchell, pastor of the leading Methodist church of Kansas City. The Star speaks of a portion of the speech as a “dramatic little scene.” Dr. Mitchell was loudly applauded when he said this:— GSAM 455.5

“Bigotry is the child of ignorance. We are bigoted because we do not know our neighbors well enough. We Protestants have been taught to believe unutterable things of Catholics. Catholics have been taught to believe unutterable things of Protestants. Now we discover our mistaken notions of each other when we get close enough to look into each other’s eyes and clasp each other’s hands; if we only knew each other more we would love each other better. We have stood apart and criticised. Shame upon the followers of the blessed Christ. All Christians have been redeemed by the same precious blood; we are sustained by the same divine grace, and expect to reach the same heaven. Say, brothers, we had better be getting acquainted with each other down here.” GSAM 455.6

The Star continues:— GSAM 456.1

“Dr. Mitchell then turned to Father Dalton [Catholic priest] who sat just behind him, and, reaching out his hand, said, ‘Here, Brother Dalton, is my hand.’ Father Dalton arose and clasped the extended hand, and as Dr. Mitchell shook it, he said, ‘It would be an awful shame if, after having lived so long in the same city on earth, we should have to get an angel to introduce us to each other in heaven. Let us get acquainted here on earth.’ The audience applauded, and after Father Dalton sat down, Dr. Mitchell continued his speech.” GSAM 456.2