A Temperance Rally in Every Church by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 23, 1911

A Temperance Rally in Every Church

By M. E. K.

Let every Seventh-day Adventist who believes that “our work for temperance should be more spirited, more decided,” arouse to action, and make this a “living issue” now. Let every church take this matter up, whether or not it has a Missionary Volunteer society. Young and old should be planning and praying to the end that they may do their part in the temperance campaign. Some of the greatest temperance workers in America are seeking to speak to two million people through the Temperance Instructor, which is now on the press. Will you help them?

One conference president is working to double the order from his conference this year. Another writes of a plan to have persons of tact and Christian courtesy go to cities and towns where our work is not represented, and interest the leaders of churches, Sunday-schools, and other organizations in taking large quantities of this fine temperance paper. This plan was carried out very successfully last year, especially with Sunday-schools.

One of the best ways to interest the people in temperance, and to launch your campaign, is to have a temperance rally. The following suggestions may be helpful in carrying out this plan:—

1. Thoroughly prepare. Let your committee study carefully the section in “Temperance Torchlights” on “Temperance Meetings,” and from the materials in that book, the Temperance Instructor, or any other sources, prepare the strongest program possible. Much will depend on the thoroughness of the committee’s work in studying the materials, and adapting the program to the persons available to take part. Give young people on the program plenty of time in which to prepare, and have some teacher or older person help by hearing rehearsals and giving helpful criticisms. Above all, pray much for the success of the undertaking.

2. It is well to arrange for one or two leading parts that will stand out prominently, and give character to the service. If you are fortunate enough to get a good temperance lecturer, he might take most of the time.

3. It is well to give the children a part. A small chorus might sing; or four boys might step to the front and give the “Rights of a Boy,” based on an article in the Temperance Instructor.

4. If readings are given, the selections should be reasonably short, and read very distinctly. The most impressive selection will lose its power in the hands of one who can not interpret its thought to the audience. There are several temperance stories in the Instructor, from which selections might be made; such as, “A Bottle of Tears,” “An Incident in Real Life,” “Whisky and the Baby,” etc. In presenting the first-mentioned, the story might be told briefly, and only the mother’s letter read.

5. Gather from the sources mentioned a series of pointed temperance facts, and let different ones in the audience rise, and give them distinctly.

6. Recognize the power of music in this work by having a few of the best temperance selections given by the best talent available. “Temperance Torchlights” contains a few selections and a list of others.

7. If any scientific experiments are performed, practise till you know how to do them well.

8. Advertise the rally well by announcements at public gatherings, on bulletin-boards, and in the press. Local papers will often print an extended announcement and other temperance matter if requested.

9. Have the rally in a commodious place of meeting, easy of access to the people. Many will come to temperance meetings who will not attend a church service.

10. Have plenty of copies of the Temperance Instructor and other literature on hand at the rally to sell or give away. Be sure to present the pledge.

Whatever plan may seem best for your community, “plan your work, and work your plan,” with definite ends in view. M. E. K.