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This article appeared in The Valley Times circa 1948 and was written by Floyd Tillery, Valley Times Staff.
Love Casts Out Fear And Understanding Ushers In Tolerance
 Fifteen years ago - maybe five - I couldn't have written this particular piece. I couldn't have written it tor the main reason that the present facts in the case were not facts then. Besides I doubt if it would have been "safe" had I written it at that time. But I believe I can say it today and "get away with it - that is keep on living in the Valley without having fingers pointed at me. Suspicious, accusing, unfriendly fingers.
I'm referring to the altitude today toward the Catholic Church. Our altitude here in the Valley. Especially in Lanett and West Point, where the Holy Family congregation maintains a place of worship and a parish house. It's a changed altitude. An altitude which is characterized by a spirit of understanding, a spirit of tolerance. More of the Christian altitude. More patience, more kindness, more sympathy. It seems to me that we have an example here of Love casting out fear.
And I believe one man and one alone is largely responsible for this changed altitude. This man is the Rev. Father John King, resident pastor of the Holy Family Catholic Church. And it's not for the reason that large numbers of Protestants have heard Father King explain the doctrines of his faith, or discuss the history of his church, or deny the many false accusations that have been made against Catholicism. At the same time I think the changed altitude is a result of better understanding on the part of the public. And this understanding is an understanding of Father King.
No one who knows Father King can any longer believe that the "Catholics don't believe in Christ." No one who knows Father King can any longer believe that "Catholics worship idols." No one who knows Father King can any longer give credence to the old tale that "a Catholic can do anything he wants to do, no matter how wicked, and get by with it just by telling the priest." No one who knows Father King can believe any longer that "Catholic priests are corrupt in their moral lives." No one who knows Father King can any longer think that "the Catholic Church is a monster."
For this good, kindly Christian man has so lived amongst us that all who know him respect him for his honor, his integrity, his adherence to truth and right, his nobility of character, his gentility, his large understanding and his abundant love. And those who have heard him preach, either in his pulpit or over the radio, recognize him as a man of leaning, of rare intelligence. Just as all those who have rubbed elbows with him know that he is very human, a man who loves life, a man with a keen sense of humor, a most likable sort of fellow. Surely no one can believe that such a man would have dedicated his life to the Catholic priesthood if the Catholic Church were not a true Christian Church.
I think it all began - this better understanding of the Catholic Church through an understanding of one of its followers - about three years ago, when Father King was invited to speak before the West Point Rotary Club. In his talk that day, "the man who wears his collar buttoned in the back" told the Rotarians about his normal boyhood and young manhood, how he began studying for the priesthood after he had reached maturity, after he had been working as an accountant for a number of years, following graduation from high school, and how long he had to continue his arduous studies before being admitted to the priesthood. Then he told them of some of his experiences as a priest, and as he talked on, it was easy to see that the Rotarians were favorably impressed by the man who was speaking to them. It was easy to see that they respected Father King, the man. And it could only follow that they respected the religion which he espouses, preaches. That day Father King won friends - for himself and for his Church.
Then, after the Holy Family parish house was built, and Father King moved in, to live with us here in the Valley, he began walking the streets, saying hello to people; began getting acquainted with as many people as possible; began taking part in civic activities every possible opportunity; began inviting people to call to see him at the parish house; began being
a Valley citizen. And everyone who got a chance to know him, liked him. He was just like any other minister of the Gospel! He was friendly, he was kind, he was generous. And with it all, a very regular sort of fellow. Such a man couldn't be "a horned devil" in disguise! Such a man couldn't be affiliated with anything that is un-Christian.
And about six months ago one of the finest things happened that I know of to prove that we have got rid of a lot of our misunderstanding and prejudice. Father John King was invited to join the Lanett Kiwanis Club, and he became a member. I'm told that his name was presented to the Membership Committee by one of the Protestant Ministers who were Kiwanians. Maybe you don't think this incident means much. But I'm telling you it couldn't have happened here 15 years ago - maybe 5. Just as I'm telling you that hundreds and hundreds of Valley people are more sympathetic, have a better understanding, are more tolerant of the Catholic Church than they were 15 years ago - maybe 5. And very largely just because of Father King.
Floyd Tillery Valley Times Staff
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