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SECT BANS AUTOMOBILE.

SECT BANS AUTOMOBILE.

The New York Times
June 4, 1914

German Baptists Advise Against Owning or Operating Them.

Special to The New York Times.

FRANKFORT, Ind., June 3.-At the National Conference of the German Baptist Church, commonly called the Dunkards, which is in session on the Metzger Farm, north of this city, arguments were made against the use of automobiles by members of the church, after which a vote was taken.  Three thousand votes were cast against the use of the automobiles, while only three delegates in the convention voted for it.  The conference adopted this resolution:

Whereas, We realize the difficulty and unpleasantness in dealing with the automobile spirit, we advise all churches not to allow their members to own or operate an automobile, automobile truck, motor cycle, or any motor vehicle, at least until such time as they become in general use or until we get more light on the subject.

The leaders in the convention spoke strongly in favor of the resolution which was greeted with a storm of amens.

When this vote was taken, seven acres were reserved for the parking of automobile of members of the organization.  A count showed that 956 automobiles were driven to the grounds.