INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH, Tim. A cross sectional split among the 150 sects in the United States has developed ritualistic and institutional tendencies in the churches. The ritualistic churches lay emphasis upon the efficacy of cer tain beliefs, forms, sacraments. and a limita tion of functions, and appeal to the economically superior classes. The Institutional Church, on the other hand, demands activity, apparent results, the amelioration of the outward as well as of the inward life of its members; it reaches out for the reelaimables in the social-debtor class, and it is identified with social rather than distinctly religious movements. The name 'Institutional Church' was first used by President Tucker, of Dartmouth College, and applied to Berkeley Temple, Boston. Since this name magnifies the departmental organization and has a mechanical sound, 'Free Church' and 'Open Church' are other names proposed; but as the former designation is applied to a church with free pews, Open Church has met with the most favor. Ever since 1840 some of the English churches have been taking on new functions, but the new church movement in the United States dates back hard ly to MO, and as a recognized movement it is scarcely older than 1390. It had its origin in the Caine impulses which created the University Settlement, Christian Socialism, and the Salva tion Army—a feeling that the churches were not reaching the masses, and that each com munity had much work to be accomplished which could he done by the Church. The object is distinctly humanitarian. The Institution al Church becomes the centre and inspiration of the daily lives of its members, to whom it ministers according to their immediate needs, and has, as a result, reabsorbed certain functions (educational, medical, charitable) which had been assumed by the State and other organiza tions sine the Roman Catholic Church ceased to be the universal Church.
The characteristics of the Institutional Church are, in general, an adoption of secular methods.
The platform of the Institutional Church League states that it "stands for open church doors for every day and all the day, free seats, a plurality of Christian workers, the personal activity of all Church members, and a ministry to all the community through educational, reformatory, and philanthropic channels." The organization of such churches is very complete. The numerous committees have definite duties, such as wel coming strangers, house to house canvassing, visiting members, and superintending work of different kinds. The finances are placed in competent hands and managed upon business principles. The ushers for church services are carefully chosen. Subpastors, deaconesses. sis ters, and nurses carry on certain features of the work.. The distinctly religious work consists of attractive services; music, frequently by large choirs or choruses; well-organized Sunday schools; pleasant Sunday afternoons; prayer meetings with special features; open-air meet ings in summer; and the encouragement of help ful associations, such as men's Sunday evening meetings, the brotherhoods of Saint Andrew and of Andrew and Philip. and Christian Endeavor societies. The secular work aims at education al, social, and physical improvement. Some churches have established special schools and colleges, which give an opportunity to obtain or to supplement a rudimentary education; industrial classes are maintained: lectures, illustrated and university extension, are given; literary and debating clubs are encouraged; and libraries, reading- rooms, and recreation rooms, with billiards, bowling-alleys, and games, are provided. The physical man is ministered to in gymnasiums, swimming-pools, military drills, and athletic teams. The philanthropic work includes employment bureaus, aid to worthy poor, wood-yards, dispensaries, hospitals. creches. penny provident funds, and personal efforts to reach the vicious or intemperate. When funds are sufficient, special buildings have been con structed.