The first meeting of the newly incorporated Catholic Club was held at the Occidental Hotel last evening and was largely attended by priests and laymen. The club is composed of members of the Episcopal Church for the study of Catholic doctrine and aggressive work in restoring the ancient practices and ritual of the church. The formation of the club is the indication of the rapid spread of what is known as the high church party in the far West and the grafting of its principles upon the conservative element, which has heretofore controlled it. It means also a great change to the diocese and the ultimate connection of California Episcopalianism to the advanced school.
Last evening Father Parrish read a thesis upon the “Scripture as the Source of Church Doctrine,” treating upon its authenticity, the truth of miracles and other debated points.
“The church antedated the gospels,” he said, “and should the Bible be obliterated, the church itself would be able to witness to its truth.”
The thesis was learned and abstruse and intensely interested the audience that listened to it.
Rev. Sebastian Dabovich, Abbot of the Greek Cathedral, was present and, on invitation, addressed the meeting relative to the belief of his branch of the Catholic church on the authority of scriptures.
Questions were put to the reverend speakers and answered, evidently to the great enlightenment of those present. A very pleasant repast followed the discussions, which was greatly enjoyed.
Among those present were the following named:
Clergy—Rev. Herbert Parrish, Rev. Charles N. Lathrop, Rev. George T. Griffith, Rev. A. C. Wilson, Rev. W. F. Venables, Rev. Father Sebastian Dabovich, Rev. Walter B. Clark, Rev. Charles H. de Garmo, Rev. W. H. Ratcliff, Rev. H. B. Monges, Rev. E. F. Grr.
Laymen—Edward Mills Adams, H. C. Lyons, S. W. Pease, C. Gitchell, James Thomas, George Tomas, Newton H. Barry, Mr. Brown, J. H. Hallowell, Charles T. Cook, James Tuck, E. Arnold, R. H. Hamshar and Mr. Halsted.1
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Publisher’s Note: This article was originally published in The San Francisco Call, Friday, November 6, 1903, p. 9.