Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources

0821

J. D. Tant vs Joe Newman (Baptist)
March 15, 1930
Combes, Texas

(By C. G. Casey)

Five hundred people listened with intense interest to bro. J. D. Tant and Joe Newman for 8 sessions in debate at Combes, Tx., Feb. 17-23.

This discussion was brought on by the church at Combes getting bro. Tant for a gospel meeting (Nov. 1929) in which 7 people were baptized, 3 of whom were Baptists. Bro. Tant had held meetings at Combes, Mission, Edinburgh, and Edcouch. At the close of Edcouch meeting the Baptists challenged for a debate. Bro. Tant accepted.

This was one of the finest discussions I ever attended. It can be said to the credit of Mr. Newman that he fought heroically to defend Baptist principles. His only appeal for sympathy was made to Methodists and Presbyterians, and others on the plea that bro. Tant preaches everyone to hell except his own people. Bro. Tant showed himself equal to the occasion at every turn, though he had almost reached his three score and ten years.

It was a gratifying thought to those who know and love bro. Tant, that sectarian ideas of the religion of Christ suffer when opposed by him in public discussion. Truly, he is a general in battle. The best of feeling prevailed on the part of the speakers and the audience throughout the discussion. Bro. Tant is to return to the valley for other meetings later.

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