The Hartford Forum

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     Some fine day in the future when brethren rise above the tragic evil of the party spirit and learn to work together in spite of their differences, they will look back upon their history and give thanks for the courage of those pioneers who blazed the trail of freedom through a wilderness of factional strife and hate. In that day, they will remember those congregations of saints whose leaders had vision beyond the narrow confines of their own past and who dared to provide facilities where men of good will could assemble as free men in Christ to discuss their varied views. And when this happens the congregation at Hartford, Illinois, will not be forgotten.

     The Hartford congregation is composed of humble Christian folk who love the Lord. They do not use instrumental music, nor do they have a minister to preach to them. They do support men who are sent out to take the message unto others but the elders and other men conduct the services and edify the saints. Its older members grew up under the influence of the Apostolic Review and the philosophy expressed by Daniel Sommer. But for a number of years they have seen the folly of seeking to unite believers by dividing them, and they have sought to do something tangible to answer the prayer of Jesus for oneness.

     The annual Hartford Forum was sparked by this concern. Every year during the Christmas holidays, when college and university students are free to attend, a two day gathering is held, with speakers invited from the Disciples of Christ, Independent Christian Churches, and various Church of Christ groups, to share in open dialogue leading to a better understanding of one another and the word of God. Ample time is afforded for the interested audience to question the speakers and there has never been a single untoward incident. The speakers have been models of decorum and the audiences have been polite and courteous.

     Members take care of as many guests as possible in their homes, and the women of the congregation furnish one noon luncheon and two evening meals without cost to the guests, so that all can experience an unbroken period of association through the day. Many of those who come make reservations at attractive motels nearby but spend the whole day with the brethren at the meetingplace which is located at 137 East Maple Street.

     A significant program has been prepared for this year. Hershel Ottwell and W. Carl Ketcherside will be presiding over the sessions. The following is the agenda which has been prepared.

     Thursday, December 26, 2:00 p.m.
     "What is the Religious Authority for Believers?" Address by Charles Holt, Editor of Sentinel of Truth, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
     "What is Opinion as Distinguished from Faith?" Address by Clint Evans, Assistant Principal of High School, Alton, Illinois.
     An audience question period follows. The evening meal will be served to all in attendance at 5:00 p.m.

     Thursday, December 26, 7:00 p.m.
     "Who is my Brother in Christ?" Address by Russell Boatman, Dean of Saint Louis Christian College, Saint Louis, Missouri.
     "Why Are We Divided?" Address by La Vern Houtz, President of Southeastern Christian College, Winchester, Kentucky. An audience question period follows.

     Friday, December 27, 9:30 a.m.
     "Is the Restoration Principle Valid for our Day?" Address by Phil Young, Professor of Church History, Saint Louis Christian College.
     "What is the Proper Application of Romans 14 Today?" Address by Darrell Bolin, Evangelist, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.
     Audience question period follows. The noon meal will be served to all in attendance at 12:00 o'clock.

     Friday, December 27, 2:00 p.m.
     An open forum, directed by Hershel Ottwell, providing an opportunity for

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the audience to question all of the speakers, and for the speakers to question one another for clarification. This meeting will last for two hours. The evening meal will be served at 5:00 p.m.

     Friday, December 27, 7:00 p.m.
     "What is Heresy?" Address by Leroy Garrett, Professor of Philosophy at Bishop College, Dallas, Texas.
     "On What Grounds May One be Excluded from Congregational Association?" Address by Harold Key, Minister of Central Church of Christ, Saint Louis, Missouri. The forum will conclude with a question session.

     If you would like to stay in the home of one of the members, or to have the brethren make reservation for you at a motel, please write to Berdell McCann, 118 East Second Street, Hartford, Illinois 62048. You may call him at (618) 254-6454. We urge every member of the fellowship of the concerned to attend this dialogue encounter. There are few places on earth where you can share in such a meeting.