Full text of "Minutes of the seventeenth annual session of the Montgomery Baptist Association (Ala.) 1898"

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^^ AUBAMA Urm HOTORICAl SOOm

MINUTES

SEVENTEENTH ANNUflE SESSION

OF THE

ni|0l4rC0N|ER/ BAi>fl5T i\5SO(lAtlON

HELD WITH

LOWNDESBORO BAPTIST CHURCH, L0WNDES60R0, ALA.,

AUGUST 3-5, 1898.

OFFICERS.

G. G. MILES, Moderator Montgomery, Ala.

J. C. POPE, Clerk & Treasurer Montgomery, Ala.

Executive Committee.

Geo. VV. Ellis, Chairman, Montgomery, Ala.
' R. H. Hudson, Millbrook, J. C. Pope, Montgomery,

1 C. C. Edwards, Wetumpka, J. B. Collier, Montgomery,

W. B. Davidson, Montgomery.

Committees to Report at Next Session.

On State Missions— W. J. Elliott, Chairman, R H. Hudson, R. L. Dillard.

Home Missions— W. Y. C^uisenberry, Ch'man, L. S. Jones, H. C. Burdeshaw.
Foreign Missions — H. W. Provence, Ch'man, Frank Gordon, T. P. Connell.
Sunday Schools- Frank Allen, Chairman, C. C. Edwards, Geo. Mahler.
Temperance— J. I. Lamar, Chairman, G. W. McRea, E. W. Robinson.
Denominational Educat'n— Geo. B. Eager, Ch'man, J. M. Black, J. G. Mills.
Ministerial Education- A. F. Dix, Chairman, J. B. Collier, J. E. Bishop.
Orphans' Home— W. R. Meadows, Ch'man, E. L. Davaut, Frank Hattemer.
Woman's Work— P. N. Cilley, Chairman, J. B. Bell, C. A. Gunn.
Indigent Ministers— J. G. Harris, Ch'man, A. H. Eubanks, T. J. Hairston.
BaptistYoung People's Union— J. L. Thompson, Chairman, W. E. Lacy,

W. P. Dawson.
New and Weak Churches— C.W. Buck, Ch'man, F. V. Battle, B. A. Blakey.

The next session will be held with fit. Hebron church, near Elmore Station, on
L. & N. R. R. Time to be' fixed by the Executive Committee (so as not to
conflict with other meetings of the denomination).

Also minutes of the riontgomery Baptist Sunday School Conven=
tion held at Ft. Deposit and Prattville.

//■

NAMES AND POST-OFFICES OF MINISTERS.

Geo. B. Eager Montgomery, Ala.

W. Y. Quisenberry.

W. J. Elliott

H. W. Proveuee

J. L. ThompsDU

G. W. Townsend

C. Johnson _'

E. F. Baber

VV. N. Gunter

A. F. Dix

C. W. Buck

A. F. Goldsmith Wetumpka,

B. A. Jackson Eamer,

J. R. Caldwell Deatsville,

W. G. Sullivant Raif Branch,

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

Association called to order by Moderator.

Appoint Committee on Credentials.

Fix time of meeting and adjourning.

Introductory sermon. ,

Elect Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer.

Receive correspondents and visitors.

Receive petitions from Churches desiring membership.

Appoint committees to report during session—

On Religious Exercises.

On Finance and Auditing.

On Nominations.

On Apportionment. ; j

9. Read rules of order.

10. Hear reports from Committees and Treasurer.

11. Return correspondence.

12. Appoint committees to report at next session-

On Home Missions.

On Foreign Mi.ssions.

On Sunday Schools.

On Temperance.

On Denominational Education.

On State Board of Missions.

On Ministerial Education.

On Indigent Mini-sters.

On Woman's Work.

On Orphans' Home,

On Baptist Young People'^ Union.

On New and Weak Churches.

13. Hear miscellaneous business.

14. "Call roll and erase absentees.

15. Arrange for printing mii utes.

16. Correct minutes and adjourn.

MINUTES.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1898.
MORNING SESSION.

The Montgomery Baptist Association assembled in its Seventeenth
Annual S.^ssion with the Lowudesboro Baptist church, Lowudesboro,
Ala., Wednesdiiy, Thursday and Friday, August 3-5, 1898.

Devotional e.Kercises were conducted by Rev. A. J. Dickinson, of
Selma, who made some remarks on the 13th and 14th verses of the
14th chapter of John. Prayer by Rev. H. W. Provence. Sang hymu
387, in Baptist Hymnal.

The Clerk stated that the former Moderator, Bro. T. L. Jones would
not be with us at this session, and it was therefore necessary to elect
a temporary presiding officer.

On motion of Rev. J. L. Thompson, Bro. G. G. Miles was elected
temporary Moderator.

The Moderator appointed the following

Committee on Credentials — Geo. W. Ellis, C. C. Edwards, W. J.
Elliott.

-;The programme as printed by the executive committee was adopted,

■In the absence of Rev. C. Johnson, the introductory sermon was
pteached by Rev. H. W. Provence, who read the 2oth chapter of
Aiirthew. Text, Matt. 2-5:14.

"/"he Moderator appointed the following

Committee on Finance — W. E. Lacy, Frank Allen, W. R. Meadows.

Sang hymn 435.

On motion, Dr. Urquhart, Presiding Elder of this district of the
M. E. church, was invited to a seat with us.

Bro. Meadows, of the Committee on Hospitality, made announce-
ment assigning homes to delegates and visitors.

Adjourned till 3 p. m. with benediction by Rev. A. J. Dickinson.

AFTERNOON.

The Association assembled at 3 o'clock.

Bro. C. W. Hare, of Tuskegee, conducted the devotional exercises.
Sang "Come thou Fount of every blessing."

Bro. Geo. W. Ellis, Chairman, made the following report for the
Committee ou Credentials, which, on morion, was adopted:

Keport of Committee on CredeisttialS.

Your committee report the followiug persons entitled to seats itl
this Association:

Adams Street — Rev. W. Y. Quisenberry, Geo. W. Thomas, J. C.
Pope, J. N. Macon. Visitors : Mrs. W. Y. Quisenberry, Miss Emmie
Btough.

Bethany — Not represented (but since reported).

Bethel— J. K. Bishop, J. M. Black.

Bethesda — Letter; no delegate.

Clayton Street — Rev. J. L. Thompson, R. L. Dillard, Frank Allen,
L. S. Jones, G. W. McRea, Geo. W. Ellis. Visitors: Miss Lucile
Allen, Miss Maud Merritt, Miss Minnie Stewart.

Codsada— Rev. W. J. Elliott, R. H. Hudson.

Deatsville — Dr. J. I. Lamar.

First Montgomery — Rev. Geo. B. Eager, Rev. A. F. Dix. Rev. C. W,
Buck, J. G. Harris, G. G. Miles, E. L. Davant. Visitor: Miss Vivian
Due.

Friendship— Not represented.

Hayneville — H. C. Burdeshaw. ^

Letohatchie — J. W. Dickson. Visitor: Mrs. J. W. Dickson.

Lowndesboro-— Frank Gordon, E. W. Robinson, W. R. Meadows,
Dr. P. N. Cilley.

Mt. Hebron— T. P. Connell.

Mt. Lebanon- Not represented.

Mt. Zion— J. G. Mills.

Pine Level — Letter; no delegate.

Prattville — Letter; i o delegate.

Rani er— Letter; no delegate.

South Montgomery — Rev. H. W. Provence, J. B. Collier, Geo,
Mahler. Visitor: Mrs. J. B. Collier.

Wetumpka — C. C. Edwards, W. E. Lacy. Visitors: Miss Lucy
Bradford, Miss Lucy Lull.

Respectfully submitted,

Geo. W. Ellis,
W. J. Elliott,
C. C. Edwards,

Committee.

On motion, the Clerk cast the vote of the Association for Bro. G. G.
Miles for Moderator.

On motion. Rev. J. L. Thompson east the vote of the Association
for Bro. J. C. Pope for Clerk and Treasurer.

On motion, Rev. M. H. Holt, pastor of the M. E. Church, Lowndes-
boro, was invited to a seat with us.

Rev. J. L. Thompson and Bro. C. W. Hare were appointed by the
Moderator to read the letters from the churches. Letters were read.

Received visitors as follows :

Tuskegee Association— W. D. Fonville, C. W. Hare.
Selma Association and Judson Institute — Rev. A. J. Dickinson.
Alabama Baptist — J. G. Harris, C W. Hare. '

Conecuh Association — Rev. W. M. Murray.
State Board of Missions — Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.

The Moderator appointed the followiug committees on —

ReHgious Exercises — Rev. W. J. Elliott, J. G. Harris, P. N. Cilley.
Nominations— J. B. Collier, K. H. Hudson, J. E. Bishop.
Apportionment — J. I. Lamar, J. M. Black, LuB. Jone.s.

On invitation of Association, Dr. Urquhart made some remarks.
Dr. Dickinson spoke in behalf of the Judson Female Institute.
Sang "How firm a foundation."
Adjourned till 8 p. m. with benediction by Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.

EVENING.

Devotional exercises conducted by Rev. W. M. Murray, who read
the 1st chapter of Romans. Prayer by Rev. A. J. Dickinson.

The report on State Missions was read by Bro. J. B. Collier, Chair-
man, and spoken to by Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.

On motion. Dr. Bledsoe was given permission to add amendment to
the report befure it is printed in the minutes.

The report was further discussed by Revs. A. J. Dickinson and
W. Y. Quisenberry, and adopted, as follows:

Report on State Missions.

Your committee to whom has been referred this very important
subject, begs to make the following report:

The position of the State Board of Missions in our system of mis-
sion work is by few of the Baptists of Alabana correctly estimated.
The object of this Report will be to place before this body a plain
statement of tiie objects for which this Board was created and to
strive thereby to awaken a deeper interest in its work.

1. To the State Board is committed all the interests of missions in
Alabama, including the interests of the Home Mission Board, at At-
lanta, and the Foreign Mission Board, at Richmond. The employees
of the State Board are careful to look after the.se several phases of
m. scions, realizing that distinctions between them are only in name,
each having in view the same grand purpose, viz: the extension of
Ma.^ter's kingdom among men in obedience to His command. Your
committee deem it important that the fact that the Srate Board has
in hand all these interests of missions, be clearly set forth, for a c.>n-
tribution to the support of the State Board is indirectly a contribu-
tion to the Home and Foreign Boards, Attention is called to the evi-
dent fact that the prosperity of every phase of the mission work de-
pends upon the prcK^perity of the State Board. If its policies are vig-
orously sustained, good results will be seen in every department of
our work. Each consecrated man put on the field in Alabama,
whether as evangelist, missionary pastor or colporter, adds one to the
number who have at heart every interest of the Master's kingdom.

2. The State Board is engaged in the following special lines of
work : —

First — Evangelical. This means the employment of consecrated
men to travel and preach among the churches striving to awaken a
deeper interest in the cause of missions at home and abroad, as well
as visiting destitute regions and preaching to the lost the peerless
Gospel of the bles.sed G d. Of these men there are at present under

the employment of tiie Board Brethren A. J. Preston, South-east
Alabama, W. A. Parker. Sr. in the South-west, J. W. Sandlin, in the
North-east, and Jos. Shackelford, in the Northern part of the
state. The importance of this work can be better appreciated when
we remember that out of the 120 thousand white Baptists in the state
not more than twelve thousand are making contributions to missions.
To add to the number of regular contributors to the cause is greatly to
be desired and must be done if we hope to enlarge the work and to do.
anything like what ought to be done in Alabama for the advance-
ment of the Master's kingdom.

Second— Missionary Pastoral Work. This work consists in help-
ing to support pastors at important points that give promise of soon
growing into self-sustaining churches. Beyond question the bright-
est page in the history of the State Board is that page that gives re-
cord of the work that has been done in this department of l^bor.
There are more than a score of churches that are now strong and self
supporting that in their early history were sustained by the State
Board— indeed, many of them were planted by the Board. But
while it is true that a grand work has been done, "there reiuaineth
yet much Lnd to be possessed." JStany destitute fields are sounding
the Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us," but lack of means
prevents the Board froju responding favorably.

It is proper to say in this connection that the Secretary of the
Board gives much of his time to missionary and evangelistic work.

From these very brief statements we can gather some conception of
the important work that is being done by our State Board of Mis-
sions. That this work commends itself to' our hearty sympathy and
Kupport is a most evident proposition. Just at this time your com-
mittee is in position to know that the Board is sadly in need of funds.
The Secretary is struggling to pay the indebtedness of the Board to
its employees. Some ol these have not been paid in the last year.
Your committee speaks with authority when it assures this Associa-
tion that the State Board of Missions was never in so pressing need of
help as now; and we would urge the churches that in the very near
future they make aspei^-ial contribution to this work.
Respectfully submitted,

J. B. Collier,

Chairman.
AMKKD31EXT (b^' Dr. Bledsoe).

SUMMARY OF WORK FOR LAST CONVENTIONAL YEAR.

Number of men employed - 17

Days of service . . - 3,536

Miies traveled ^ 23,747

Sermons delivered ^. ^_-^ ^ - 1,831

Addresses delivered • 533

Churches constituted - .— 5

Persons baptized - 335

Sunday Schools organized 8

Ladies' Missionary Societies organized . 4

Prayer meetings held 246

Number of churches visited 683

Subscriptions to denominational papers 322

Page of tracts distributed 40.000

Aloney collected for all missions by missionaries $4,449.17

Money collected for Orphanage 228.81

Bibles given away .__^^.___^ — .- 150

Further remarks on the Judson Female Institute by Dr. Dickinson.
Oil motion of Prof. Geo. W. Thomas, the A&sociation adjourned till
8:;S0 a. m. to-morru\v.

THURSDAY.
MORNING SESSION.

Devotional exercises conducted at 9:30 by Prof. W. D. Fonville, of
Tuskegee.

Association resumed busineSvS at 10 o'clock.

Minutes of yesterday's session read and approved.

Letter from Bethel (Ft. Deposit) church received and read by the
Clerk.

Letter from the Letohatchie Baptist church was read, and, on mo-
tion of Dr. P. N.Cilley, the church was received into the fellowship of
the Association.

The report on Home Missions was read by Prof. Geo. W. Thomas,
Ibairniau. Discussed by brethren Thomas, W. M. Murray and C. W.
Hare and adopted:

Report on Home Missions.

'•The work of Home Missions demands and should receive, for its
own fiake, the support of every lover of his country and his Lord."

This short sentence from an admirable address of Dr. A. J. Rowland
strikes yuur committee as the key truth to the report that they make
to-day. As we look at the field, embracing all the Southern States,
Oklahoma, and the island of Cuba, with a population of more than
twenty-five millions, we get a faint conception of the magnitude of
the work.

In some of the older states the Baptists, through their local and
State Boai"ds, are doing good missionary work, but in other states,
where our denomination is weak in numbers and financial strength,
notably Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas, help must come from be-
y(ind their bordei^s, or the work will never be done.

Florida, with a half million population, has less than 5,000 white
Baptists; Arkansas, with one and a half million, has about 72,000
white Baptists, and from a statement of Dr. Tichenor, our Secretary
of the Home Mission Board, we find that there are probably not a
dozen churches in the state that have worship every Sunday.

Louisiana, with a population equal to that of Arkansas, has but
32,000 white Baptists. New Orleans, with a population of nearly
SOO.OOO, has but three white Baptist churches, and only one of these is
able to support a pastor.

Going west from New Orleans on the Southern Pacific Railroad,
we find no white Baptist church till we have travelled one hundred
and sixty-six miles, though we have passed through several large
towns, each numbering several thousand inhabitants, and it is one of
the richest agricultural sections of the state.

Thfcse are not exceptional cases, but we cannot go more into detail,
as this report would be too long.

The mountain region of several of the Southern States needs the

fosteriug care of the Home Missiou Board, and scores of missionaries
could find ample fields for their labors if our churches would furnish
the meaus.

Increased contributions should be made for the work in some of the
larger cities, Baltimore, Washington, tSt. Louis and others. The first
named receives more immigrants annually than any other city on the
American continent except New York, How important that we
should give them the gospel as soon as they reach our shores; and to
do this, consecrated missionaries must meet them at their coming.

The colored people, found everywhere in our borders, deserve our
sympathy in their efforts to improve the spiritual condition of their
race, and we should not pass them by iu our work for the good of all.

Let us give the gospel to the Indian, a race rapidly disappearing
from our country, and whatever we do for them must be done quickly.

The war in Cuba has driven out our devoted missionaries, but we
believe the bright day is near at hand when Cuba will be politically
and religiously free, and then what a glorious work lies before us in
that beautiful island! It may be, even now. that this great govern-
ment of the United States lias spoken the word that gives freedom,
civil and religious, to every one of those suffering Cubans. Then let
us at once give the pure gospel of Jesus Christ to this long oppressed
people.

The report of our beloved Secretary, Dr. Tichenor, to the Convention
at Norfolk in May last was in every respect an encouraging one. It
was a remarkable showing in these times of financial depression, that
the Board had done so great a work, and j'et closed the conventional
year free from debt. We give a brief summary of that report: Num-
ber missionaries 467, baptisms 4,739, received by letter 4,770. churches
constituted 103, houses of wor.-^hip built 45, houses of worship im-
proved 68, amount expended on houses of worship $59,629, Sunday
schools organized 297, teachers and pupils 7,710.

The contributions to Home Missions from the churches in our Asso-
ciation for the past year are $375.46, nearly 41 per cent, more than the
contributions of the previous year. While we are glad to reptirt this
increase, still your committee are of the opinion that the churches of
this Association should do far more than they yet have done for the
cause of Home Missions.

Geo. W. Thomas,

Chairman.

Sang No. 605, in Baptist Hymnal.

The report on Foreign Missions, in absence of Bro. C. A. Gunn, was
offered by Rev. H. W. Provence, and spoken to by Revs. A. F. Dix
and W. Y Quisen berry.

On motion, the report was laid on the table for discussion at some
other hour of the Association.

On motion, the report on Denominational Education was voted
first on programme for discussion this afternoon.

The hour for the missionary sermon having arrived, Rev. Geo. B.
Eager, D. D., read the 55Ch chapter of Isaiah, a portion of the 1st
chapter of John, and a part of the 28th chapter of Matthew. Prayer
by Rev. W. Y. Quisenberr^'. Sermon by Dr. Eager; text 1 John 1 :5.
Prayer by Dr. Urquhart, of the Methodist church.

Sang "The morning li.cht is hreakins."

A coneCtiou for Missions was taken amounting to $11.80.

On motion of Dr. Ea'j;er, the report on Temperance was made the
order for 4 p. m. to-day.

{)u motion, the report on Ministerial Education was put on the cal-
ender fur 8 o'clocli this evening, to be discussed at that hour.

Adjourned with benediction by Rev. M. H. Holt.

AFTERNOON.

Devotional exercises conducted at 3 o'clocii by Bro. J. G. Harris, who
i-ead a part of the 5th chapter of Matthew. Sang "Rescue the per-
ishing."

The Clerk read the letter from Ramer church which had just beeu
received through the mails.

The report on Denominational Education was read by Bro. Geo, W.
Ellis, Chairman, and spoken to by Bro. Ellis and Rev. H. W.
Provence, and adopted as follows :

Report on Denominational Education.

In this progressive age, it is useless to argue the necessity for educa-
tion, for all can realize its importance. Look in every direction and
we see evidences of the growing demand for the education of the
youth of the land. The man or woman, the boy or girl, who fails to
see in the signs of the times this necessity, and fails to prep^^re to
meet it, and thus keep abreast with this progress, will be left in
the race of life. The large appropriations by the United States and
State governments and municipalities all speak in thunder tones of
the importance of the work. To see the appropriations of money
from our public treasuries collected from the people, for Universities,
Colleges, High Schools and Common Schools, when we as a denomi-
nation are doing so little for the support of our own schools, ought to
be sufficient to arouse us from our lethargy. It is not the purpose of
this committee to say anything detrimental to state education to sus-
tain the claims of denominational education, for each has its sphere
■of usefulness, but the state schools cannot and never will supplant
the denominational schools, in that the Bible is neither taught nor
read in the public schools, and to educate the mind to the neglect of
the moral and religious character of man, in other words, head culture
without heart culture, is a mistake, for man without the proper train-
ing of all the faculties of soul, mind and body, is little better than the
lower order of animals.

Baptists are more lax in te»chingtheirpeculiar doctrines than other
denominations. Holding the truth as we believe it is taught in the
Bible, we rely entirely too much upon that tact, without impressing
those truths upon the minds and hearts of our children. When
parents fail to properly teach their children our pei-u liar doctrines and
denominational tenets, we often see such neglect manifested in the
after life of such children. We sometimes see this lack of denomina-
tional principle in children who have been properly taught at home,
but for some reason have been educated elsewhere than at a denomi-
national school. In very few cases where children are properly taught
at home and educated at the denominational school do they depart
from the faith of their fathers and mothers.

As a means of sujjplying all the necessary elements for the proper
training: of the young, we commend our own denominational schools,
the Judson Institute for girls and Howard College for boys, both of
which are thoroughly equipped for such work, and both having just
passed through very successful sessions.

Respectfully submitted by the committee,

Geo. VV. ICllis,

Chairman.

The report on Temperance was read by the Clerk, in the absence of
the Chairman, Rev. C. VV. Buck, and, on motion, adopted as follows:
Report on Temperance.

It is with heartfelt pleasure that your committee report a continued
purpose among the churches of the Association to purify themselves
from the sin of intemperance by withdrawing fellowship from all
who are engaged in using or selling intoxicating spirits as a beveiage.
From what we can learn, there is a growing sentiment everywhere
among us that no man or woman is worthy the name of Christian, or
the rights of church fellowship, who yields to the habit of drinking
as a practice, or who uses, sells or invests property or money in the
manufacture or traffic of strong drink as a beverage.

A few years back it wus considered an evidence of hospitality, in
many Christian homes, (as was custuiuary in most outside homes and
public places) to set out the decanter and gla-s before the caller or
visitor and invite him to exercise his privilege of unfitting himself as
a Christian or gentleman fur social or religiv)us associations. We are
glad to report that all such has changed in th,i homes of our church
membership.

Under that mistaken regime there was seed sown which eventually
nearly overwhelmed and blotted out the fires on many home altars,
to the eternal despair of Christian hopes and infiuences; but, indeed,
swept in upo i the sanctuary of God in such mighty power that the
pulpit and the sacred altars in God's temples were threatened with
overthrow. Shadows, dark as death, rested upon the churches.
Many strong men in Zion had bowed their lieads in weak yielding to
the bitter waves of intemperance because they felt unequal to the flood
power that had broken upon them.

We see to-day the glimmering of the new dawn upon Zion. She
has swept and is still sweeping the foul thing from her doors and sa-
cred places. She will no longer bear the srignia of harboring this
foulest agency of sin or its fruits among her children.

Thank God ! The church is rejoicing in her freedom from this ev il
power within her precincts. But the battle is not yet over, nor the
victory won. Satan will never yield this foitrtss until it is beaten to
the earth, and he falls with it. There are influences and powers
outside of the churches that we are connected with as citizens which
he is using with terrible power, and to a great extent we are reS|)onsi-
ble for their eflects, if, as Christian light bearers, we do not strive to
check and overcome their advances. We are to mold and establish
the sentiment, moral and social, in the community around us.

The saloon, the still and the blind tigers are the inijihtiest a^^enci.s
of Satan for the overthrow of truth, purity and faith that oro hIs over
the homes of men, and that man or vvonian who fails to exercise his or
her Christian influence to deliver the state and country from their

dire presence is false to the high profession of love for Christ, and false
to the welfare of his or her own people and home.
Respectfully submitted,

C. W. Buck,

Chairman.

The report on Woman's Work was read by Rev. J. L. Thompson,
(Chairman, and, on motion, after discussion by Rev. Geo. B. Eager,
adopted as follows :

Report on Woman's Work.

Woman's work in its present organized form among us has just
passed the first decade. We are not to understand from this that our
consecrated women have not been a most potent factor in our religious
and church life before this. As we stand at the close of the first de-
cade of the organization of the Woman's Missionary Union — auxiliary
to the Southern Baptist Convention — we are astonished and amazed
that this movement, in its incipiency, should have met with such se-
rious opposition by some of our wisest and best brethren. When we
consider the fact that the women of our churches constitute the best
and most pious element among us, and that they are largely in the
niajority in all of our churches, it is a matter of surprise that we have
not utilized this tremendous force among us many years ago.

The gracious results that have come to our Southern Zion through
this movement of the women of the churches fully justifies the wis-
dom of the undertnking. We present for your thoughtful considera-
tion some facts gathered from the reports of the Woman's Missionary,
Union, made to the Home and Foreign Mission Boards at Norfolk,'
Va., last May. During the convention year closing the 30th of April
last, the godly women of our Southern Baptist churches have con-
tributed for Foreign Missions $21,633.51, and $3.5,636.54 for Home Mis-
sions, making a total for the year of $57,270.05. During the first de-
cade that has just closed the contributions foot up the handsome sum
of $240,778.11. This by no means represents the amount of good ac-
complished by our devoted women. They have distributed religious
literature all over the territory of our Southern Baptist Convention,
and in this way circulated missionary information among the people.
The systematic way in which the Woman's iSIissionary Union has
arranged monthly topics and prayer cards for the use of our churches
and missionary societies has been of untold value in stimulating our
people to missionary effort. These facts speak for themselves, and
the mentioning of them alone is sutBcieut to commend the work our
Baptist women are doing.

J. L. Thompson,

Chairman.

The report on Apportionment was read by Dr. J. I. Lamar, Chair-
man, and, on motion, adopted as follows:

Report on Apportionment.

CHURCHES.

a^
Sw

C5a

Adams Street

Bethany

Bethel, Ft. Deposit

Bethesda

Clayton Street

Coosada

Deatsville

First Montgomery

Friendship

Hayneville

Letohatchie

Lowndesboro

Mt. Hebron

Mt. Lebanon

Mt. Zion

Pine Level

Prattville

Ramer

South Montgomery

Wetumpka

Totals

8 300 00
40 00]
85 00

25 00
200 00

15 00

26 00
700 00

20 00
25 00
10 00
60 00
25 00
20 00
50 00
50 00
85 00
30 00
50 00
85 00

S1690 00

30 00
5 00

10 00
5 00

30 00

2 50
5 00

100 00

3 00
3 00

2 50
5 00

3 00

3 00
5 00
5 00

10 00

4 00

5 00
10 00

$ 246 00

15 00

f 15 00

2 50

5 eo

5 00

2 50

10 00

2 00

2 50

50 00

2 50

5 00

2 50

6 00

5 00

124 00

$ 124 00

50 00
5 00

10 00
5 00

30 00

2 50
5 00

125 00

3 00
3 00

2 50
5 00

3 00

3 00
5 00
5 00

10 00

4 00

5 00
10 00

S 410 00
55 GO

115 00
40 00

2S0 00
24 GO
40 00
1025 00
31 00
36 00
20 00
6i 00
36 00
31 00
65 00
65 00

115 00
43 00
70 00

115 00

e 291 00 $2675 00

J. I. Lamar,
J. M. Black,
L. 8. Jones,

Committee.

On motion, the report on Foreign Missions was takenlTrom the table,
discussed by brethren J. E. Bishop and W. Y. Quisenberry, and
adopted, as follows :

Report on Foreign Missions.

Foreign Missions is the grandest enterprise that ever enlisted the
interest and the activities of men. It is the pulse of our denomina-
tional life. Interest in missions is essential to vigorous spiritual
growth, and the degree of this interest is a fair index to the spiritual
power of the denomination and likewise of the individual church.
If this be true, our denominational life is far short of what it ought
to be. It is true that last year was the best in the history of our for-
eign mission work. The Board went up to the Convention free from
debt, and had about $3000.00 on hand. The Baptists of the South con-
tributed $124,249.69 to this work during the convention year. We are
thankful for this. Some of us have been disposed to congratulate our-
selves upon the great work we have done. Yet the Baptists of the
South averaged only eight cents per member. Alabama gave $6,563.29,
which makes an average of about five cents. Are we doing our duty?
How the abundant blessings of God should stimulate us to greater ac-
tivity. Last year there were 701 baptisms on the foreign field. If
He has thus richly blessed the little we have done, what might we
expect if we would only do our full duty?

Your committee would urge every pastor in this Association to un-
dertake an earnest and systematic campaign of missionary education.
Let our people be informed. The Foreign Mission Journal is the very

best source of information about the Foreign Mission work of the
Southern Baptists. It ought by all means to be in every Baptist home
within the bounds of the Convention.

Looking back over the history of our work we would call upon all
our brethren to thank God and take courage and go forward to yet
greater things,

H. W. Provence.

On motion, the Clerk was requested to print in the minutes the
names only of the preachers in the bounds of the Association.

On motion, the report on New and Weak Churches, by Rev, W, J,
Elliott, Chairman, was read and adopted, as follows:

Report on New and Weak Churches,

We find, on investigation, that the year just closed has been marked
by intensive rather than extensive development.

No new churches have been constituted during the year. The Le-
tohatchie church has been received into our fellowship at this session.
We have been trying to "strengthen the things that remain," rather
than organize new churches with no hope of their becoming self-sus-
taining. Thechairman of your committee visited and communicated
with different points and needy places, and offered to help them in
any way he could.

While the reports from different parts of the Association are not
what we could hope or even expect, yet they give evidence of life and
health and activity.

All the churches and mission stations in our territory, with perhaps
one exception, are supplied with pastors.

Taking the reports as a whole and looking at the tangible evidence
furnished, it may be truly said that the work in the bounds of our As-
sociation is ou a good foundation and promises great things for the
future.

Respectfully submitted.

W. J. Elliott,

Chairman.

Bro. W. E. Lacy, Chairman, made the following report ou Indigent
Ministers, which, on motion, was adopted :

Report on Indigent Ministers.

To the Montgomery Baptist Association :

Your committee feels assured that there is no necessity for making
any argument to prove that it is a sacred duty to care for that class
of our ministry who have fallen into indigent circumstances. These
faithful servants have every right to expect the sympathy and help
of God's people. After years of hard service, during which they have
had scant opportunity to lay by anything for old age, these old
preachers have passed beyond the period of activity and are often sub-
jected to hardships.

We are glad to be informed that within our bounds we have no
indigent ministers. There are, however, in the State a number of
them — some absolutely dependent ones. Ihat we should help them
is a privilege as well as a duty. Fuads for this cause may be sent to
the State Secretary, at 18 South Perry St., Montgomery, Ala,
Respectfully submitted,

W. E. Lacy,

Chairman,

Sang "How firm a foundation."

Words of caution were spoken by Revs. Geo, B. Eager and W. Y.
Quisenberry to churches within our bounds concerning the too eager
opening of the doors of our churches to ministers who are not prop-
erly endorsed or who are not known to us.

Dismissed till 8 p. m., with beuedietiou by Rev. A. F. Dix.

EVENING SESSION.

Devotional exercises conducted at 7:45 by Bro. G. W. ]McRea, who
Tead the 32d chapter of Genesis. Song.

The association resumed business at 8 o'clock.

The Moderator announced the Executive Committee , and
committees to report at next session of the Association (see front page
of cover).

The report on Ministerial Education was presented by Bro. J. G.
Harris, Chairman, and spoken to by Bro. Harris and Rev. J. L.
Thompson, and adopted, as follows :

Report on Ministerial Education.

To argue before an intelligent religious body, at this day, the
necessity of proper training of our youug ministers in literary and
theological schools in order to a successful prosecution of their high
calling, would seem out of place and unnecessary; and yet there are
some among us who are not in full symps^thy with such work. It
will be admitted that our boys and girls must be taught and trained
'in the schools, to keep as nearly as possible abreast of the times.
None deny this; but when it comes to educating our youug preachers
in order to equip them the better to fulfill their mission, some will
say, this is men-making preachers. Such is not the fact. Our de-
nomination puts the call to the ministry first, and the education by
the denomination afterwards. Called and then qualified.

An educated ministry is the demand of the times. We live in an
age of learning and progress. It must be admitted that just in pro-
iPoTtiou as science aids in agriculture, our farmers must know that
science in order to keep in touch with the successful man. In all vo-
•cations this rule will apply. Whatever lends aid in progress should
be utilized. As the world grows wiser our leaders, whether in secular
or social things, should grow wiser. An ignorant, untrained mind
cannot intelligently present any question to his hearers that requires
analytical investigation and deep study. That old idea, open your
mouth and God will put words in it, whether you know the meaning
■of the words or not, is exploded. He has given us brain power and
demands thait we cultivate it. He gives us the material and we must
exercise and utilize it, for His -glory and our good.

Men who lead in our churches as pastors ought to be wise men,
men of learning, business men; or, iu other words, should know the
rules of business. To know the Scriptures and how to apply them,
to know our doctrines and how to explain them, stand first in the
educated preacher. But this is not all. He should be a wise coun-
sellor, a prudent adviser, and these things enter into his education.
JHe comes face to face with many knotty problems presented by his

members; he therefore must be a wise mau. If all these things
are true, then the preacher ought to be, educationally, the best
equipped mau in the church. He ought to be a leader in all good
work. We do not care where his training is had, so it is proper
training. He may be self-taught, he may be taught in the humble
school, but taught he ought to be, taught he must be, or he will be
left in the race. Hence, as Baptists, we are becoming more and
more strong advocates of an educated ministry.

There is no place in all the land better equipped to send forth into
the Master's viueyard thoroughly prepared preachers than our Theo-
logical Seminary at Louisville. From this spleudid institution year
after year young men go out to fill our pulpits, and at this day they
can be found all over the world. No institution has ever doue more
good, according to time, than this. Hence we should stand by it,
defend it, support it, maintain it. Jt is the strength and power of
our Southern pulpit, and we are proud of it. The last session enrolled
more students than ever before. It is immortal and will push on in
its successful career, until the nations of the earth will feel its power
and influence.

But the Seminary is not the only institution of learning in which
we are interested. Our own Howard College, which has done so
much for education in Alabama, challenges our strongest support.
Here many a young man who to-day is a strong force in his calling, .
whether it be secular or sacred, received his training. Here our Bap-
tist people have looked, and not in vain, for great results. We verily
believe that no school, college or university in this State has doue as
■effective and lasting work as Howard College. It is worthy the sup-
port of our denomination, and our people should patronize it. It has
a Bible department where the Bible is taught and lectures given.
Let us stand by Howard College, send our boys there, and aid all we
can in freeing it from debt.

"Institute work," endorsed by the Baptist State Convention at its
last annual session, is another agency in ministerial training. This
work is in the hands of a board of seven brethren, who, at their first
meeting, elected Rev. Geo. S. Anderson, of Auburn, Sacretary and
•Conductor of Institute Work. Your committee have no data concern-
ing the work being done. One thing, however, we hear many preach-
ers who have attended these institutes conducted by Bro. Anderson
speak in the highest terms of the good being accomplished. This is
evidence of the fact that the Convention did a wise thing in organiz-
ing^ such a work.

Jno. G. Harris,

Chairman.

The report on Sunday Schools was read by Dr. J. I. Lamar, Chair-
man, and spoken to by Rev. W. Y. Quisenberry, Bro. G. G. Miles,
Rev. Geo. B. Eager, and Bro. J. B. Collier, and adopted:

Report on Sunday Schools.

It is gratifying to your committee to report that the interast in Sun-
day school work is increasing; the field of labor enlargmg not only
in the bounds of our own Association, but throughout the entire State.
A number of Associations are holding Sunday school Conventions,
which will be productive of good. The "Home Department" has
toeen added, enabling Sunday schools not only in the cities, but in the
country as well, to engage in the work. Missionary work can be

done along that line, destitute sections in the rural districts visited,
and by proper encouragement and aid schools and churches estab-
lished.

We are proud to know that our denomination is in the lead in this
as in other great enterprises for the spread of the gospel, and the day
has dawned when the names of other Baptists will be on record with
those who have been instrumental in teaching the young the way of
the Lord, as has obtained in the International Series of Lessons now
adopted by the world. The name of Jacobs was the first to advance
the idea and secure the meeting of the first International Convention,,
adopting them in the year 1873. The first and greatest Bible Society
of the world was originated by Thomas Hughes, a Baptist preacher,
now known as the British and Foreign Bible Society.

The Infant Department of the Sunday '^chool had its origin in the
effort of Miss Ball, a Baptist, in instructing little children somewhat
on the Kindergarten system. A brother Rowland, with the assistance
of Miss Ball. intri)duced it into the Sunday school, and thus created
the Infant Department as early as the year 1829.

The first Sunday school west of the Mississippi river was established
by two Baptists, Peck and an associate. In the great far West, where
tiie city of St. Paul, Minnesota, now stands, a Baptist lady, Miss
Bishop, started the first Sunday school in all that regitm.

Beturuing to our own section of country, we find it on record that
Mr. John Gindrat, a Baptist, was one of the Christians who founded
the "Sunday School Society" of Montgomery, in March, 1821, when
there was not an organized church of any denomination in the town,
and was selected as the first superintendent. He afterwards became
a member of the First Baptist church, and the first Sunday school
organization of the church dates back to February, 1834.

Starting with Robert Raikes and William Fox, Baptists of England,
in the year 1781 down to 1804. when a Sunday school was established
in Baltimore by Baptists, and 1803 in Philadelphia, which have a
constant record to the present time, it clearly shows that the Sunday
school is no new work with Baptists.

Our publication societies are among the finest agencies in the world
for furnishing helps in the study of the Bible, and have been instru-
mental in planting more Sunday schools than any other agencies in
America, issuing their periodicals weekly and annually by the
millions. Six chapel cars also travel all lines of railroad, besides the
missionaries for the work travelling in the same territories, pushing
forward the glorious work in the destitute places. We would caJl
especial notice to the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist
Convention, located at Nashville. Tenn., Rev. J. M. Frost, Corres-
pondiut;: Secretary, which supplies most of the Sunday school litera-
ture in our Southern country, and aiding so much in circulating Bibles
and Testaments in destitute places. To every dollar that is given the
Board adds another dollar, making every gift do double service.

The A.'^s ociation Sunday School Convention ap.-ointed last session
of this body was held with the Prattville church in April, and much
enjoyed by tho.se who attended. Another will be held sometime dur-
ing the next year; time and place to be selected by the Executive
Board. All the churches comprising this Association, except one or
two have Sunday schools connected with theiB, which speaks well
for the cau.se in our bounds. In view of the favorable surroundings

let us press forward with renewed energy, trustiug to the Master for
greater success.

Respectfully submitted,

J. I. Lamar,

Chairmau.

Sang the doxology and dismissed by Rev. W. Y. Quisenberry.

FRIDAY.
MORNING SESSION.
Devotional exercises conducted at 9 o'clock by Bro. R. H. Hudson.
Business resumed at 9:30.

Minutes of Thursday's proceedings were read and approved.
The report on Nominations was read by the Chairman, Bro. J. B.
Collier, as follows, and, on motion, adopted :

Report on Nominations.

Your committee recommend that the nest meeting of this Associa-
tion be held with Mt. Hebron Baptist church, and that the time
of meeting be left with the Executive Committee; that Rev. W. J.
Elliott preach the introductory sermon, and Rev. W. Y. Quisenberry
preach the missionary sermon.

Delegates to Southern Baptist Convention — Dr. H. W. Provence;
alternate. Rev. T. J. Porter.

Delegates to the State Convention — G. G. Miles, J. C. Pope, Rev.
W. J. Elliott, Dr. P. N. Cilley, Rev. W. Y. Quiseu berry, C. C.
Edwards, Frank Allen, I. N. Jordan, Dr. J. I. Lamar, Rev. C.
Johnson.

Respectfully submitted,

J. B. Collier,
R. H. Hudson,
J. E. BtisHOP,

Committee.

The report of the Committee on Finance was made by Bro. W. E.
Lacy,^Chairman, and adopted, as follows :

Report of Finance Committee.

We, your Committee on Finance, beg leave to report the following
amounts in cash collected and disbursed at this session, 1898.

DR.

To State Missions $ 31 96

Home Missions 19 60

Foreign Missions 19 55

Collected at Association, Missions 11 80

Associational Purposes 5 90

Minutes, etc 32 00- $ 120 81

CR.

By State Missions 31 96

Home Missions 19 60

Foreign Missions 19 55

Collected at Association, Missions 11 80

Associational Purposes 5 90

Minutes, Clerk, etc 32 00— 120 81

We have examined the following report of J. C. Pope, Treasurer,
for 1897, aud find same correct :
J. C, Pope, Treasurer, in account with

Montgomery Baptist Association, Aug. 3, 1898,
1897 DR.

July 30— To cash, minutes $38 55

" collected for Orphanage 10 50

" from churches for Missions 51 30 — $ 100 85

CR.

July 30 — By cash, minutes, clerk, postage, etc 38 55

" Orphanage 10 50

" Missions 51 30 — 100 35

ASSOCIATIOXAL PURPOSES.

Balance on hand last report ?12 63

From Bethany church 11 00— §23 63

CR.
By programs 1 25

By Associatioual letters and postage 60 — 1 85

Balance on hand §21 78

Respectfully submitted,

W. E. Lacy,
Frank Allen,
Wm. R. Meadows,

Com. on Finance.
associational purposes, 1898.

DR.

Balance on hand, above report §21 78

Collected at this Association 5 90— §27 68

CR.

To sup. minute fund 5 00

" '■ " S. S. Convention 3 47

" " Clerk's fee, etc 5 00-4 13 47

Balance on hand §14 21

In the absence of Bro. C. L. Gay, Chairman, the rei3ort on the
Orphan's Home was supplied by Rev. J. W. Stewart, of Evergreen,
the Financial Secretary. Report spoken to by Revs. W. M. Murray,
J. W. Stewart. A. F. Dix, Bros. G. G. Miles, J. E. Bishop, Revs. Geo.
B. Eager and J. L. Thompson, and, on motion, adopted:

Report on Orphans' Home.

The Louise Short Baptist Widows and Orphans' Home is a source
of gratification to all piiilanthropic Baptists in Alabama. Since it
was opened, five years ago, there have been gathered mto it forty-one
boys and forty-nine girls. Out of it have gone by apprenticeship two
boys, returned to their people seven boys, seven girls; by adoption
eleven boys, eleven girls. Two boys have been irreguli.rly discharged.
One boy has died. Leaving in the home eighteen boys, thirty-one
girls.

Tm; ortant improvements have been added to the Home by which

we have twice as much room as formerly, and all the former house
thoroughly reuovated and improved. Adequate water works and a
complete system of sauitatiou.

There is a balance of about $400.00 to be paid on these improve-
ments, and about as much on current expense account. Will our
friends help pay this amount by October 1st, so that the Home can
be dedicated October 20th free of debt?

The following resolution of thanks was ofl'ered by Rev. J. L. Thomp-
son, and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of this body be tendered the pastor and
members of the Lowndesboro church, and the good citizens of the
commuuity, for their most cordial and gracious hospitality during the
session of the Association.

The report of the Committee on B. Y. P. U. work was read by Bro.
E. L. Davant, Chairmf^u. Report spoken to by Bros. Davant, J. G,
Harris, Geo. Mahler, Revs. H. W. Provence, W. Y. Quisenberry,
W. M. Murray', and adopted, as follows:

Report on Baptist Young People's Union.

Your Committee on Young People's Work submits the following :
In the report last year the committee ou this branch of our work gave
a synopsis of the organization, history and objects of the Baptist
Young People's Union and other Young People's {Societies which do
a like work. We come this year to report the accomplishment of
these objects, to some extent at least. Our State Convention recently
held iu Montgomery showed an interest in Young People's work
never before demonstrated. It showed that a host of the Baptist
young people of Alabama are working together for the same cause;
that they are laying hold of the precious promises of God as laid down
in the Scriptures and keeping in touch with the Master, relying on
His strength and guidance and endeavoring to lead spiritual lives;
that they are studying the Word of God systematically and prac-
tically; that they are becoming more and more interested in mission
work, and iu many instances are aiding financially the promotion of
missions through their respective churches and the Boards.

The Young People's Societies are training up young men and
women for the Master's work who will be equipped for real piactical
service. A number of them are doing special home mission work,
such as educating poor children, visiting the sick among the poorer
and laboring classes, organizing prayer meetings, Sunday schools, etc.

The work that the Young People's Union does in the way of giving
work to new converts is very helpful to the church and the cause ;
DQore especially is this true in the cities.

The following churches of this district have Young People's Unions
or Societies doing a similar work : First church, Montgomery, 50;
Adams Street church, Montgomery, 105; Clayton Street church, Mont-
gomery, 40; South Montgomery, Montgomery, 50; Lowndesboro
about 25; (Joosada 15; Wetumpka 25; Prattville about 15.

E. L. Davant,

for committee.

On motion of Bro. Elliott, 500 copies of the minutes were ordered
printed.

On motion of Bro. Thompson, |5.00 of the associational fund was

added to the minute fund and $5.00 to fee of Clerk, the balance to be
left in hands of Executive Committee.

On motion, permission was granted to print a few pages of the
Sunday School Conventions (at Fort Deposit and Prattville) in the
minutes of this Association.

Closing remarks by the Moderator.

Preaching at 11 o'clock by Rev. W. Y. Quisenberry. Text: "He
brought him to Jesus."

Prayer by Rev. J. W. Stewart.

Sang "Blest be the tie that binds," and adjourned to meet next
year with Mt, Hebron church, near Elmore Station ; time to be
announced by the Executive Committee.

G. G. MILES,

J. C. Pope, Moderator.

Clerk and Treasurer.

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^'^ V5 pFIRST SESSION

OF THE

Smiday School Couveution of the Montgoiiierj Baptist Association.

Fort Deposit, Ala., Friday, April, 9, 1897.
A mass meeting composed of Sunday School workers and members
<»f the various churches witliiu the bounds of the Montgomery Baptist
Assoeiatioo was held with the Fort Deposit church at 8 o'clock p. m.,
April 9, 1897, Rev, VVm. D. Gay, pastor of the Adams Street church,
•couductijag the service.

Saturday, April 10, 1597,

Morning.

Delegates from the following Baptist churches and Sunday Schools
in the Association met this day at 9:30 o'clock to organize and hold
the first Sunday School Convention of the Montgomery Baptist Asso-
■ciatiou :

Adams Street— Revs. W. D. Gay and C. W. Phillips, J. C. Pope,
Misses Ruth Bachelor, Mattie Robertson, Eula Atkinson, Mrs. J. R.
Wing, Mi-s. T. J. Mattox.

Bethel (Ft. Deposit)— Rev. H, W, Beville, Vinson Bell, T. J. Thread-
gill, M. W. Bishop.

Coosada — R. H. Hudson.

First Montgomery — G. G. Miles, J. G. Harris, Jos. Norwood.

Hayneville — Mrs. Estelle Garrett.

Letohatchie — John Frymire, Miss Mary Farrior.

Lowndesboro — Douglass Allen.

Ramer — J. R. McLendon, Miss C. McLendon,

South Montgomery — Revs. J. F. Gable and C. Johnson, Miss ^Eolian
Spear.

Wetumpka— Revs. W. J. Elliott and A. F. Goldsmith, W. E. Lacy.

Devotional services were conducted by Bro. J. G. Harris. Prayer
by Rev. (J. Johnson. Song.

On motion of Bro. J. C. Pope, a committee composed of the follow-
ing brethren was appointed to nominate officers for the convention :
Rev. W. J. Elliott, R. H. Hudson, J. R. McLendon.

The committee to nominate officers reported: G. G. Miles, Presi-
dent; J. C. Pope, Secretary; Jos. Norwood, Treasurer. The report
was adopted. Bro. J. R. McLendon was elected as Vice-President.

The programme was adopted.

Rev. H. W. Beville extended the hospitality of the church, the
town and all the homes to the delegates and visitors. Bro. J. F.
Gable responded for the convention.

The subject, "How cau this convention aid in developing the work
of the JMoutgomery Association?" was discussed by Maj. J. G. Harris,
The speaker said : It helps the pastor, it helps the church, it helps
the people. A working Sunday School will make a working church.

Kev. C. W. Phillips said: God will hold us responsible for the
tutoring of the youth in the Sunday School. Paul's words to the
jailor, "Do thyself no harm," shovild be the uppermost thought in
their minds.

On motion, the officers of the convention were instructed to supply
speakers in place of absentees.

Afternoon.

Devotional services conducted by Bro. R. H. Hudson.

Remarks by Dr. Beville : The spirit of missions is the spirit of
Christianity. The best way to help the Mentgomery Association is
to get every child to become enlisted in mission work.

The following resolution by Maj. J. G. Harris was adopted :

Resolved, That the president, vice-president and secretary be and
the same are hereby constituted an executive committee, with plenary
powers to do and perform all acts they may in their judgment think
best, to promote the aims and purposes of this orgauizatiou, and
especially to organize a Sunday School in each church within this
Association; provided, it is the desire of the members of such church;
and to accomplish this end, appoint brethren to hold meetings and
perfect the organization.

Resolved further, That the executive committee be requested to
carry out the various suggestions that may be made by this (Conven-
tion, to the end that the Sunday School interest be revived within our
bounds.

Dr. W. C. Bledsoe discussed the subject, "Does the denominational
interest in the state call for a State Sunday School Convention?"
After considering the subject in all its parts, he was of the opinion
that the Baptists ought to have a State Sunday School Convention.
The subject was further spokeu to by brethren Elliott, Gay, Beville.

The subject, "Plans for winning helpers tc^a good work," was dis-
cussed by Prof. Douglass Allen.

Rev. J. F. Gable discussed the question, "Where is the pastor's
place in the Sunday School?" He said: The pastor must set the
example. He must lead in all church work. The Sunday School
work must be made a primary part of his work, i^emarks by breth-
ren Gay, Beville, Bledsoe and Goldsmith.

Ou motion of Bro. Gay, the executive committee was instructed to
take under consideration the advisability of the calling of a State
Sunday School Convention, to meet with the Adams Street Baptist
church next July, when the Association meets.

On motion, a collection of $3.47 was raised for printing a few pages
of the minutes. Adjourned.

Evening.

7:30. Devotional services conducted by Prof. T. J. Tbreadgill. Song.
Received the following telegram from the State Sunday School
Convention in session at Tuskaloosa:

TUSKALOOSA, Ala., April 10, 1897.
To Baptist Sunday School Convention, Ft. Deposit, Ala.:

Four hundred delegates assembled in State Sunday School Conven-
tion, representing the evangelical denominations, send cordial greet-
ing to the Baptist Sunday School workers at Fort Deposit in conven-
tion assembled. Bead 3 John 2-3.

T. W. Palmek.

The Secretary was instructed to reply to the telegram.

Rev. V. Johnson opened the discussion of the subject, "Should our
denominational tenets be made prominent in our teaching?" Belief,
baptism, communion, all should be made prominent. We must teach
these doctrines in order to maintain the harmony of the Bible. Re-
marks by brethren Beville, Elliott, Bledsoe, Miles, McLendon.

The subject "What can we do to add interest to the remaining
exercises of the Convention?" was discussed by brethren Beville,
Johnson, McLendon, Elliott, Bledsoe.

Adjourned, benediction by Dr. Bledsoe.

Sunday, April 11. 1897.
Morning.

Sunday school mass meeting at 9 o'clock.

Preaching at 11 o'clock by Dr. W. C. Bledsoe, from John 20:21, "As
my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."

Afternoon.

Preaching at 2 o'clock by Rev. W. J. Elliott. Text, Rev. 21 :21.

"DifTiculties in the way of Sunday School attendance, and how to
remove them," was discussed by Rev. E. F. Baber. The want of an
inclination is often a sefious difficulty. It takes executive and admin-
istrative ability. Remarks by brethren Bledsoe and Beville.

On motion of Rev. C. Johnson, the executive committee was
instructed to report time and place of next meeting, when the Asso-
ciation meets with the Adams Street church.

On motion, the following resolution of thanks was adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are hereby tendered
to Ft. Depost church and community for the generous hospitality
extended us while in their midst.

Adjourned with the singing of "God be with you till we meet
again," and giving the parting hand.
J. C. Pope, G. G. MILES,

Secretary. President.

24
SECOND SESSION

OF THE

Sunday School ConveDtioD of \k MoDtgoniery Baptist Association.

Prattville, Ala., April 16, 1898.

The Sunday School Convention of the Montgomery Baptist Associ.
ation met in its second annual session with the church at Prattville,
Ala., Saturday, April 16, 1898.

Sang "All hail the power of Jesus name." Prayer by Rev. G. S.
Anderson. Devotional exercises conducted by Bro. R. H. Hudson.
Prayer by Rev. E. F. Baber.

The President appointed the following committee on Nominations:
J. I. Lamar, VV. J. Elliott, R. M. Anderson.

The committee on Nominations reported as follows :

Adams Street— Rev. E. F. Baber, B. A. Blakey, T. J. Scott, Jr.,
Hal Harrison, J. C. Pope, Mrs. B. A. Blakev, Mrs. Annie Porter, Mrs.
J. R. Powell.

Bethel (Fort Deposit)— Rev. J. T. Porter, C. A. Gunn.

Coosada — R. H. Hudson, D. J. Moore, Misses Georgia Pierce,
L. Suttle, Ada Powell and Ivie.

First Montgomery — G. G. Miles, W. B. Davidson, E. L. Davant,
M. Cody. Jr., Miss Rosalie Baher.

Mt. Hebron— H. E. James, Willie Barefield.

Prattville— R. M. Anderson. J. B. Bell. J. W. Matthews, G. W.
Walls, WMll Anderson, Eldo Edwards. J. H. Narramore, Mesdames
S. A. Smith, Henry, Mary Narramore, Will Anderson, Ed Gresham,
Misses Mary Ward. Ella Hinton, Georgie Smith.

South Montgomery — J. J. Barnett, 5Uss Mamie Collier.

Wetumpka— Rev.'vv. J. Elliott.

The committee on Nominations further reported, as follows: For
President, G. G. Miles; Vice-President, J. I. Lamar; Secretary, J, C.
Pope; Treasurer, R. H. Hudson. The Executive Committee to be
composed of the officers of the Convention, ^ith brethren J. B. Bell
and Cabot Lull added. Adopted.

Remarks bj' the President. Programme adopted.

Discussion of subject, "Lesson helps, their use and abuse," by Rev.
E. F. Baber, who read the 8th chapter of Nehemiah. Subject con-
tinued. Welcomed Rev. G. S. Anderson to a seat in the convention.

Adjourned till 2 p. m.

Afternoon.

Convention met at 2 o'clock. Devotional exercises conducted by
Dr. J. I. Lamar. Sang hymn 499.

Resumed discussion of morning subject, "Lesson Helps," etc.

Rev. W. J. Elliott was in favor of using all the lesson helps we can
get, but he does not want to leave out the Bible in the school. "J be-

lieve if we waut to make good Bible studeuts, we ought to study the
Bible. Paul exhorted Timothy to study the Word of (iod."

lu absence of Miss Agnes Barclay, who was to give some thoughts
on "Primary Teaching," Bro. W. B. Davidson was asked to speak on
same. He said: I am glad to know that we are teaching the children
at an early age. In the child life the image of Christ may appear. Chil-
dren are fond of pictures. Let us impress them with Bible pictures.

Bro. Baber : Teach children in school as we teach them in the
home-teach them with blocks, etc.; the same way we ought to con-
vey the truth to the child in the Sunday- School.

Sister Smith: I think memorizing the Bible is the m.ost important.
The young mind will take hold of and retain the Scriptures in early
life. ^

Bro. Miles: I believe that object lessons are very important. Early
impressions are the most lasting.

Rev. G. S. Anderson : I believe in the memorizing of the Bible;
teach the truth in its unity. We must have clear outlines of the
truth — the truth in the unity and the truth in the coucrete.

At .3:30 discussed the subject, "What are the requisites of a good
Sunday School?"

Dr. Lamar: It is very important that the teachers have their hearts
in the work.

Bro. Hudson: Preparation is the best requisite. We should be
interested, heart and soul.

Bro. Davidson: There must be a transfer of knowledge from the
mind and heart of the teacher to the pupil. We ought to pray for
and expect conversions.

Sang hymn 416.

"The Home Department" was discussed by the following brethren :

Bro. Miles : This is a work for the home and in the home. Those
who cannot go to church have opportunity to studj- and work at
home.

Bro. G. S. Anderson: We need this home department in the coun-
try churches. If we would possess the land, we ought to take hold of
this work.

Rev. A. T. Sims: Domestic evangelism — home work — is very essen-
tial in the country. Invite the non-church goers, the uninterested,
the indifferent.

Bro. Boley : Don't forget the country churches. He knows of a
Sunday School that was established in one of the dark corners, where
the people usually spent the Sundays in hunting and fishing. A
Sunday School was organized; his family were the only ones who
could read; seven preachers have gone out from that Sunday School
and church.

Adjourned till 7:30 p. m.

Evening.

Devotional exercises conducted by Bro. E. L. Davaut.

Saug "Work for the uight is oomiug."

Question box conducted by Bro. J. C. Pope, with brethren Davidson,
Miles, Sims, Lamar, Gunn and Porter answering the queries.

The subject, "The teacher's responsibility and the possibilities of
his work," was discussed by brethren Anderson and Baber.

Bro. Anderson: There is a great and sacred dutj- resting upon the
teacher. We must know the truth. It is when the truth is clarified
and simplified that it becomes effective" and powerful.

Bro. Baber: The pupils have receptive minds. It needs the best
teaching in the school to teach the infant class.

On motion, a few pages of the minutes were ordered printed. Col-
lected $3.57 for that purpose.

Benediction bv Rev. J. T. Porter.

SUNDAY.

Morning.

Devotional exercises at 9 o'clock by Bro. C. A. Gunn. Prayer by
Bro. Sims.

Bro. Davidson conducted the Sunday School. Remarks by Rev.
J. T. Porter.

Sermon at 11 a. m. by Rev. G. S. Anderson.

Afternoon.

Devotional exercises conducted at two o'clock by Bro. Boiling
Blakey. Closing remarks.

On motion of Bro. Davidson, the next session of the Convention
was left wiih the Executive Committee.

Oh motion of Bro. Pope, a resolution of thanks to the church and
people of Prattville for their kindness and hospitality was unani-
mously passed.

Adjourned at 4 p. m. with a song and giving the parting hand.

J. C. Pope, (4. G. MILES,

Secretarv. President.

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Full text of "Minutes of the seventeenth annual session of the Montgomery Baptist Association (Ala.) 1898"

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