J.W. McGarvey and the Instrument
Posted on April 28, 2007
Filed Under Brandon Renfroe, Church History, Instrumental Music
by Brandon Renfroe
2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Census Bureau officially recognizing the “split†between the churches of Christ and what is usually termed the “Christian Church.†Though the division may not have been formalized until 1906, the seeds of discord had been sown long before then. While the mechanical instrument was the most visible sign of the acrimony, in reality, the “heart†of the matter was Bible authority, and how it may correctly be ascertained.
Those who favored the instrument maintained that such usage was essentially a matter of taste, and that it should never become a “test of fellowship.†Since all agreed that God could be worshipped acceptably without the instrument, those who respected New Testament authority pled with their digressive brethren to lay aside the instrument for the sake of unity. Sadly, they refused.
In commemorating the 100th anniversary of the separation, many are suggesting that churches of Christ reunite with the “Christian Church,†since the instrument, they insist, is only a “peripheral matter.†With so many arguing the instrument is a “non-issue,†it might be helpful to revisit the early days of the 20th century, giving special attention to a gentleman recognized by all for his balance and sound Bible scholarship: John William McGarvey.
By all accounts, McGarvey was a gifted speaker, a vestige of a golden era of oratorical prowess. Especially did McGarvey’s talents shine in his writings, where his scholarship has been preserved for as long as the world should stand. Indeed, The London Times once recognized McGarvey as the greatest Bible scholar on either side of the Atlantic. Needless to say, McGarvey was neither novice nor reactionary.
September of 1902 marked McGarvey’s fiftieth anniversary as a minister of the gospel, and was culminated by a celebration in his honor at the Broadway Church in Lexington, Kentucky, his “home†congregation. At the close of the service, McGarvey tendered his resignation as an elder, after thirty-two years of service, citing his increasing deafness.
Were it not for a strikingly similar warning in Acts 20, it would be nothing short of amazing to learn that later that same year, the remaining elders of the Broadway congregation, where McGarvey had toiled so devotedly for so long, decided to put the use of the instrument to a vote. On November 2, 1902, the announcement was made that on the following Sunday (November 9), a vote would be taken.
What was McGarvey’s reaction to this sad turn of events? Did he view the instrument as a “non-issue,†with union being more desirable than steadfast adherence to the word of God? It is most telling when one learns that McGarvey’s subsequent letter of withdrawal from the Broadway Church was dated the very day the elders decided to put the unscriptural practice to a “vote.†Though undoubtedly heartbroken, McGarvey left his beloved Broadway, placing his membership at the Chestnut Street congregation, which did not use the instrument, and where he worshipped until his death in 1911.
Out of respect for McGarvey, if not the Bible, when the day of decision finally arrived at the Broadway Church, a resolution was introduced which would postpone the vote indefinitely. The measure was defeated 140-112, with many members not voting. However, as W.C. Morro relates, an additional resolution, postponing any action for two weeks, was passed (222). The respite was a brief one, for on November 23 another vote was taken, with the majority of members casting their ballot in favor of the organ. By 1903, the Broadway Church began to employ the instrument in its worship.
As a sad footnote to the foregoing, when McGarvey died, the Chestnut Street building was too small to house the mourners who sought to pay respects to their lamented brother. Since the Broadway Church was undergoing repairs, services were conducted at the Central Church. Whether through ignorance of his wishes, or, at worst, in spite of them, the organ was played during his funeral.
It would be wonderful indeed if those of the Christian Church would return to the “first principles†(cf. Heb. 5:12) they formerly proclaimed. Until that day dawns, however, unity will never truly be attained. The loose-jointed “union†so seemingly craved by some has its basis in a total disregard for the sacred oracles of God.
Sources:
Morro, W.C. (1940), Brother McGarvey (St. Louis, MO: The Bethany Press).
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