Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A Spokane woman had just purchased a bakery on Monroe Street. She was watching her baker light the gas oven for the first time.

Then came a whoosh and an explosion. The baker, the owner and two patrons, including a baby, were “thrown about.” All of the glass in the front window was blown out and the entire building rocked. 

Miraculously, nobody was seriously injured. Evidently, the oven was already filled with gas when the baker tried to light the burners.

From the religion beat: Two Spokane ministers vigorously debated this question: Should Bible-reading be allowed in public schools?

Dr. S. Willis McFadden of the First Presbyterian Church argued that Bible-reading should be instituted because the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and “has been so adjudged by the Supreme Court.”

Pastor John H. Dietrich of the First Unitarian Church replied, “The fathers established this nation on a secular basis, and I don’t care what the Supreme Court said about it. It is founded on justice and extends the protection of the flag to all beliefs.”

An overflow audience at the First Methodist Church applauded both speakers.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1974: Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst, 19, was kidnapped in Berkeley, Calif., by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army.