Religion: Hand of Fellowship

Just as the ushers were getting ready to take up the collection last week at the Pleasant Hill Christian Holiness Church near Elkton, Md., the Rev. Paul Hilbert saw an ominous sight. A man in blackface makeup, carrying a rifle pressed close against his side, slipped through the door and stood waiting at the back of the church.

Pastor Hilbert promptly struck up a song which his flock often uses on fellowship occasions; he knew the congregation would take the familiar cue:

Smile awhile and give your face a rest; Raise your hand to the one that you

love best.

Then shake hands with those near by And give to them a smile.

The 50 members of the congregation obediently began to circulate, shaking hands. When they came to the black-faced stranger, two stouthearted men offered him the right hand of fellowship. He pulled away and ran.