WOODVILLE FREETHOUGHT ASSO-CIATION.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 April 1884, Page 4

WOODVILLE FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary has furnished us with the following report for the month of March:— Woodville, March 22nd, 1884. Sir, Since last writing you we have had regular meetings on Sundays, and although the attendance has not been very large it has been pretty earnest. We chose 2.30 p.m, as the hour on Sundays for our meetings, in order to give the orthodox clergy or laity a chance of hearing us infidels and of discussion, without interfering with their own services ; but it has all been in vain, as, in spite of rumours of certain great men coming to demolish us, they have refrained at the last moment, and those that have come and listened to the papers that have been read, when the President has invited discussion, have remained quiet, on the principle, I suppose, that “ the least said is the soonest mended.” Only one has had the courage to address us at all, and he, after hearing the characters of some of the best men, according to the Bible, criticised, very fearlessly and earnestly told us that what he had heard only strengthened his belief in the Bible and a personal devil. Now, Mr. Editor, I had hopes of that man, prodded he attended our meetings regularly ; but he came not since. We have ordered a piano, and hope now to have some pleasant social meetings, and when any of the orthodox are stirred to address us, will give them an open platform and discuss the subject with them afterwards, but they certainly do not appear anxious to commence. The following papers. &c., have -been read March 2nd, address by our President, entitled. “ The past, present, and future." March 9th, reading by Mr G. Hutchins, “What it is blasphemy to deny;” address by Mr. Harrison, "Does the Bible teach religion from a truthful point of view?” March 16th, reading by the Secretary, entitled, “ False Claims.’’ " Blue Pencil ” keeps us in mind, and has forwarded a goodly number of papers, books, and pamphlets during the month ; also, Mr. W. Goldsmith, of Waipawa; to both of whom we beg to tender our sincerest thanks. 0 Yours truly, Chas. A. Bevan, Hon. Secretary W.F. A.