Evans, David S.

On February 1, 1954, the Michigan Council of Churches stated their position in regard to a bill pending in the Michigan Senate that would allow charity gambling. Dr. David S. Evans, Methodist minister in Okemos, Michigan (later in Battle Creek and then in Hillsdale, Michigan), became active in a drive to defeat the proposal, a drive already backed by other members of the Michigan Council of Churches. His work helped to defeat Proposal 4 on the Michigan Ballot on Nov. 2, 1954, that would have allowed charity gambling.

Dr. Evans acted as secretary for the "Life and Work" committee for the Methodist Church. His papers include correspondence from April 23, 1954 to April 27, 1956. He served as secretary on the Board of Social and Economic Relations for the Michigan Council of Churches. Plans and minutes of meetings from 1952 to 1956 are included.

From April 20 to August 6, 1956, Dr. Evans worked to defeat a petition that would have put charity bingo on the ballot. Some of the papers documenting his opposition to the charity bingo petition are included.

From early 1969 to the November election of 1970, Dr. Evans helped to defeat a parochiaid proposal on the Michigan ballot. During that time he coordinated efforts of church groups and educational organizations to defeat the proposal. In addition to documenting his opposition to the proposal, his papers also include letters and press clippings from those who backed the proposal. Also included are documents and correspondence relating to an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in March 1971 to overturn the results of the Michigan ballot. The appeal failed.

From 1977 to 1979 Dr. Evans was active in the Council About Parochiaid. He helped to defeat a proposal on the 1978 ballot in Michigan that would have allowed vouchers for private schools.

From the guide to the David S. Evans papers, 1954-1979, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)