Alaiaha mmt msroRxcAL socnmf
MINUTES
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION
OF THE
[VIoNrcoNiERr Baptist association
HELD WITH
ADAMS STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, MONTGOMERY, ALA.,
JULY 28th, 29th & 30th, 1897.
OFFICERS.
T. L. JONES, Moderator Montgomery, Ala,
J. C. POPE, Clerk & Treasurer Montgomery, Ala,
Executive Committee.
G. G. Miles, Montgomery. J. C. Pope, Montgomery.
R. H. Hudson, Millbrook. \V. B. Holmes, Montgomery.
A. H. EuBANK.s, Pine Level.
Committees to Report at Next Session.
On Home Missions— Prof. Geo. W. Thomas, O. S. Siler, R. H. Hudson.
Foreign Missions— C. A. Gimn, B. R. Fountain, J. G. Mills.
State Missions— J. B. Collier, J. R. McLendon, J. C. Stratford.
Sunday Schools— J. I. Lamar, W. L. Chandler, W. B. Davidson.
Tempekance— C. W. Buck, Jos. Norsworthy, G. J. Thrasher.
Denominati'l Educat'n— Geo. W. Ellis, J. F. Hattemer, W. H. Kendrlck.
Ministerial Education— J. G. Harris, A. H. Eubanks, B. A. Jackson.
Woman's Work — J. L. Thompson, Cabot Lull, Amos Jones.
Orphans' Home -C. L. Gay, M. W. Bishop, W. P. Dawson.
Indigent Ministers— J. F. Gable, W. E. Lacy, F. M. SuUivant.
Baptist Young People's Union— W. D. Gay, B. L. Devant, W. R. Meadows.
New and Weak Churches— W. J. Elliott, J. B. Bell, J. T. Boyd.
The next session will be held with the church at Lowndesboro, twenty miles west of
Montgomery, on the Western Railway of Alabama, time to be fixed by the Execu-
tive Committee (so as not to conflict with other meetings of the denomination).
ALABAMA PRINTING CO. MONTGOMERY.
NAMES AND POST-OFFICES OF MINISTERS.
Gex B. Eager .
\ : o u tgomery , Ala. !
^Y
Hi. D. Gav
1 1 t
i
^^'
. J. Elliott - . _
T
F. Gable
J.
L. Thompson
(-;.
W. Townsend
" '
c
Johnson . . „^ _ _._
a I
E.
w
F. Baber . .
U 1
. N. Gunter
c.
B.
W. Buck
Ramer, '
• i
A. Jacksou
J.
R. Caldwell
.Deatsville, '
'
w
. G. Sullivant
. Raif Branch, '
c.
J. Bsutlev :
_ Ashland, '
' j
w
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. C. Avaiit
. Uutledge, '
Opelika, '
1 !
o. E. Brewer. .. -_.__.
J.
J. Nelson
_ Harmony, '
J.
X.
N. Lanaston . _. __ _
_Six Mile,
C. Underwoods
.Brundidge, '
J.
S. Yarbrough
-Orion,
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T.Sims. .. _. ._ __ . ... _
- Georgiana, '
A.
i
E. Pinckard
_China Grove, '
i
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
1
Association called to order bv Moderator.
•7
Appoint Committee on Credentials.
1
'■ 3
Fix time of meeting and adjourning.
1
4
Introductory sermon.
o
Elect ^Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer.
1 6
Receive correspondents and visitors.
1
i /
Receive petitions from Churches desiring membership. |
' 8
Appoint committees to report during session-
On Religious Exercises.
On Finance and Auditing.
On Nominations.
On Apportionment.
: 9
Read rules of order.
10
Hear reports from Committees and Treasurer
. 11
Return correspondence.
; 1:^
Appoint committees to report at next session
On Home Missions.
On Foreign Missions.
On Sunday Schools.
On Temperance.
On Denominational Education.
On State Board of Missions.
On Ministerial Education.
On Indigent Ministers.
On Woman's Work.
On Orphans' Home.
On Baptist Young People's Union
On New and Weak Churches.
!
!
1
13
Hear miscellanieous business.
1
14
Call roll and erase absentees.
15
Arrange for pirinting minutes.
1 16
Correct minutes and adjourn.
INUTES.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1897.
MORNING SESSION.
The Montgomery Baptist Association assenabled in its Sixteenth
Annual Session with the Adams Street Baptist church, Montgomery,
Wednesday, July 28th, 10 o'clock a. m., T. L. Jones, Moderator, J. C.
Pope, Clerk.
Devotional exercises conducted by Bro. J. R. McLendon, who read
the 23rd Psalm. Prayer by Bro. W. R. Ivey.
Moderator appointed the following
Committee on Credentials— Cabot Lull, R. H. Hudson, W. B.
Holmes.
Words of welcome by pastoi-s W. D. Gay, J. L. Thompson, vJ. F.
Gable, and Bro. J. G. Harris (on behalf of First Baptist church, in
absence of the pastor. Dr. Eager).
Sang No. 252 in Pentecostal Hymns, and engaged in handshaking
at suggestion of Bro. J. G. Harris.
On motion, Bro. Hobson was voted to discuss Foreign Missions this
afternoon in place of Rev. J. L. Thompson, and Rev. J. M. Frost
iiistead of Dr. Bledsoe at 8:30 p. m. to-day on Missions.
Sang "A charge to keep I have."
Recess 10 minutes.
Sang "Come ye that love the Ijord."
Rev. W. J. Elliott read the latter part of the 2nd chapter of Acts,
and preached the Baptist introductory sermon from Acts 2:42.
Sang "Blest be the tie that binds."
Prayer by Rev. J. M. Frost.
Moderator announced that Dr. Frost would conduct the devotional
services at 3 p. m. to-day.
On motion of Bro. Gay, Revs. J. M. Frost and W. C. Bledsoe and
Bro. J. G. Harris were elected to represent us and to welcome the Ala-
bama Baptist ('ongress (colored), now in session at First Baptist
church (colored).
Adjourned till 3 p. m., with doxology.
AFTERNOON.
The Association met at 3 p. m.
Devotional services conducted by Rev. J. M. Frost.
The Couijiiittee on Credentials not being ready, on njotion the
report on State Missions was read by Rev. C. Johnson, Chairman.
Discussed by Revs. J. M. Frost and G. S. Anderson, and continued.
The Committee on Credentials made its report.
Report on Credextials.
To the Montgomery Baptist Association:
Your Committee on Credentials beg leave to make the following
report:
Adams Street— W. D. Gay, E. F. Baber, Geo. W. Thomas. Geo. W.
Ellis, C. L. Gay. Jno. F. Robertson. W. L. Chandler, A. P. \Yilsou,
B. A. Blakey, H. A. Cook, S. B. Sightler, D. C. Bachelor. J. W. Pow-
ell, S. C. Weathersbee, J. M. Bedgood, T. J. Scott, G. J. Thra.sher \V.
G. Yelverton. H. L. Martin, W. J. Proctor, Victor Hilton, Carter
Wade, J. C. Pope.
Bethany— J. J. Clifton, W. P. Dawson. J. S. Turner.
Bethel— (Ft. Deposit) C. A. Gunn. Peter Kolb, M. W. Bishop, J.
B. Farrior, R. R. Hairston, J.W. Phillips, E. F. Goldsmith, I. N. Jor-
dan, H. C. Burdeshaw, J. E. Bishop, J. F. Hattemer, J. M. Black.
Bethesda— W. V. Bell, J. T. Boyd.
Clavton Street— J. L. Thompson, W. B. Holmes, Frank Allen, J.
L. Sayre. R. L. Dillard, R. W. B. Merritt, L. S. Jones. A. D. Caver,
O. S. Siler, A. Wjntereth, H. Chilson, B. McGowan. E. S. Hugger,
Charies Seaton.
Coosada— R. H. Hudson, D. J. Moore, D. P. Moore.
Deatsville — E. R. Fcnintain, J. I. Lamar, McD. Morgan.
First Montgomerv — George B. Eager, J. C. Stratford, J. G. Harris.
W. B. Davidson, H. W. Parrish, C. W. Buck. H. P. Dawson, E. L.
DeN' ant, Philo Dix, G. G. Miles.
Friendship — F. M. Sullivant, C. V. Collier, George* Harris.
Havneville— letter.
Hope Hull— J. G. Mills. T. A. Fowler, Rev. C. Johnson.
Lowndesboro— W. J. Elliott, W. R. Meadows, J. W. Rast, E. W.
Robinson.
Mt. Hebron— W. H. Kendrick, C. P. Mercer, A. D. Henderson.
Mt. Lebanon — Jos. Nors worthy (Sisters A R. Owens and Cora
Turnipseed, visitors).
Mt. Zion — Amos Jones, G. W. Johnson, Sr., W. E. Reasonover.
Pine Level— F. V. Battle, J. L. Dozier, A. H. Eubanks.
Prattville — E. E. Gresham, B. W. Gresham, H. A. Logan. W. M.
Robertson.
Ramer -B. A. Jacksim, J. R. ]McLendon, J. J. McLendon.
South Montgomery- J. F. Gable, J. B. Collier, A. L. Bayne, J. J.
Barnett, L. E. Moucrief.
Wetumpka— Cabot Lull, W. E. Lacy, C. S. Chapman, W. A. Aus-
tin, C. C. Edwards.
Respectfully submitted,
Cabot Li'll,,
R. H. Hudson,
W. B. Holmes.
Committee.
[Note. — It has heretofore been the custom of the Committee on
Crecleutials to report to the Association the names of those delegates
only who were present. The above list is m.ade up from the church
letters, aud do3s not represent the actual attendance. While a mo-
tion prevailed to postpone in order to secure the names of delegates
present, nothing further was done about it. — Cl,erk.]
' On motion of Bro. Thompson, the list of delegate.s was continued
till to-morrow morning, in order to perfect it as near as possible.
On motion, Clerk cast vote of Association for present Moderator.
On motion of Bro. Ellis, Bro. Lull cast vote of Association for the
present Clerk.
On motion of Bro. Gay, Bro. W. B. Holmes was elected Treasurer
of the Association.
On motion, reading of the church letters was postponed till to-mor-
row 10:30 a. m.
Rev. W. J. Elliott, Chairman, read the report on Home Mi-ssions.
Discussion deferred.
On motion, the Association voted to hear report on Denominational
Education, which v.as read by Bro. \Vm. Meadows, and Bros. W. A.
Hobson and J. G. Harris spoke to the same.
On motion, Rev. A. J. Dickinson sjjoke on behalf of Ministerial Edu-
cation.
Adjourned with prayer by Bro. Thompson.
EVENING.
Association assembled at 8 p. m. Song.
Moderator announced the following Committees :
On Credentials— C. Lull, W. B. Holmes, R. H. Hudson.
Finance and Auditing — W. V. Bell, W. B. Holmes, J. I. Lamar.
Nominations, Time aud Place — J. R. McLendon, W. P. Dawson. A.
H. Eubaaks.
Aj^portionment— C. A. Guun, W. B. Davidson, G. W. Ellis.
Sang "There is a fountain filled with blood."
Prayer by Bro. J. R. McLendon.
Rev. J. F. Gable read portions of 9th chapter of Isaiah and 4th chap-
ter of Matthew.
Prayer by Dr. Frost.
Sang "Wonderful story of love."
Rev. J. F. Gable preached the missionary sermon from Isaiah 9:2-7.
Sang "Seeking tlie lost."
Report on Foreign Missions not being ready. Chairman was given
further time.
Sang "At the cross."
The Moderator requested that Bro. W. J. Elliott prepare report on
Ministerial Education, in absence of Rev. John Bass Shelton.
Dismissed with prayer by Dr. C. W. Buck.
THUESDAY.
MORNING.
The Association met pursuant to adjournment.
Devotional exercises conducted by Bro. Cabot Lull.
Prayer by Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.
The following petition was received from Letohatchee church for'
membership:
The Baptist Church at Letohatchee to the Montgomery Association-
Greeting:
Dear Brethren: We ask admittance into the Montgomery Bap-
tist Association and send as delegates brethren E. Farrior, C. W.
Powell, Rev. John Prj-mire and Rev. H. W. Beville.
We take the New Testament alone as our Creed and Confession of
Faith. E. Farrior,
D. S. Hurst,
Committee.
Done by order of the Church, in Conference, July 26, 1897.
H. W. Beville,
Moderator.
CnrRCH Statistics — Present membership. 28; licentiates, 2.
Church Directory — Pastor, H. W. Beville; post office, Leto-
hatchee, Ala.; Clerk, C. W. Powell; post otfice, Letohatchee, Ala.;
preaching on first and third Sundays; church building in Lowndes
county; value of church building, §1,500.
On motion, a committee, composed of J. L. Thomjison, George W.
Thomas, J. R. McLendon and G. G. Miles, was appointed to consider
the letter and to report on same.
The following visitors were welcomed and invited to take part in
the discussions:
Baptist State Board of Missions— Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.
S. S. Board of Sou. Bap. Con. — Rev. J. M. Frost.
Judson Institute and Selma Ass'n — Rev. A. J. Dickinson.
Howard College— Profs. H. M. Roof,E. P. Hogan, Rev. M. M. Wood.
Alabama Baptist— J. A. Howard.
Birmingham Association — Rev. W. R. Ivey.
Troy Association — Rev. N. C. Underwood.
Tuskegee Association- Rev. G. S. Anderson, Prof. W. D. Fonville.
Letohatchee Church -Dr. H. W. Beville.
Orphans' Home — Mrs. S. J. Ansley.
The report on Foreign Missions was offered by Rev. J. L. Thomp-
son, Chairman.
The Clerk read the church letters.
The hour for preaching having arrived. Rev. W. R. Ivey, of Besse-
mer, conducted the services. Song.
A portion of the 24th Psalm was read by Bro. Ivey.
Sang "My faith looks up to thee."
Talk by Bro. Ivey on passages from different portions of the Scrip-
tures suggested by the brethren.
Resumed discussion of Mission reports, by Dr. Bledsoe.
The Committee to consider the application of the Letohatchee
church, through Rev. J. L. Thompson, Chairman reported as follows:
We, your Committee to whom was referred the application of the
Letohatchee church, submit the following report:
Upon au investigation we find that there was no ordained minister
present at the constitution, which, however, does not invalidate the
regularity of the organization, but we are of the opinion that it would
have been better and more prudent to have had the counsel and advice
of a presbytery of ordained preachers. We therefore recommend that
the Association receive ,the Letohatchee church, provided the said
church, in conference assembled and by vote of the church, adopt the
Philadelphia or New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith, and so
report to this AssiK-iation at its next session.
J. L. Thompson,
Geo. W. Thomas,
J. R. McLendon,
G. G. Miles,
Committee.
Report discussed by Revs. H. W. Beville, C. Johnson and J. L.
Thompson.
On motion, adjourned with benediction by Bro. M. M. Wood, to
meet at 3:30 o'clock.
AFTERNOON.
The Association met pursuant to adjournment.
Sang ''My soul, be on thy guard."
Remarks by Rev. J. L. Thompson G. G. Miles and J. A. Howard
in support of the report concerning the Letohatchee church, and by
Rev. H. W. Beville in opposition.
On motion, the report was adopted.
On motion, the Mission reports were adopted.
Report on State Missions.
'Of the twenty members who compose the State Board of Missions,
seven reside iii the city of Montgomery, which seven constitute a
quorum. This is some advantage, in that liusiness can be transacted
should all the other members fail to be present.
OBJECT OF THE BOARD.
It must be understood that the object of the Board is not to supply
men with work and homes, but to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ
throughout the destitute parts of our State. Whether this be done
through evangelists, missionary-pastors, eolporters, or all of these
agencies combined, matters not, so the end is attained by "gathering
up the fragments."
DUTY OF the BOARD.
It is the duty of the Board to collect money for State, Home and
Foreign Missions; to appoint evangelists who are properly qualified.
called of God, equipped and sent out by the Holy Spirit, and to see
that such men shall confine their work within their limited territory
and do the work assigned them by the Board.
Each evangelist is entitled to a salary of :?1,000, provided he gives
all his time to the State Board. Should an evangelist give three-
fourths of his time to the Boai-d, he is entitled to a 8alar>^ of 1^00.
But no one of the evangelists is entitled to $S00 salary for one-half or
one-fourth of his time. Should an evangelist, after accepting the work,
offered by the Board, decide to do sonielhiug apart from the work
assigned, he forfeits all the salary promised b\' the Board.
The State Board of Missions have now five evangelists and one in
"general work." Through the consecrated work of these men we
hope, next November, to find our State Board of Missions in a healthy
condition.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS.
1. Confidence of the Baptists ought to hh maintained, and if once
lost must be regained by adoption of means justifying the end.
2. Allow no evangelist to organize a church unless it can be made
eelf-sustaining or held as a naission station, or supplied by a mission-
ary-pastor or supported by the Board. To organize a church as weak
and helpless as an infant, and leave it to take care of itself, is the
meanest thing the Baptists ever did.
3. Let the Board help all the churches now in need of aid, or
abolish that department in toto. Helping one church and ignoring:
another seems to be a matter of purest selfishness.
ECONOMY.
Great care ought to be exercised to restrict the expenses of adminis-
tration, particularly the expenses for collecting funds. It cannot be
claimed that the officers and employes of our Board are paid extrava-
gant salaries, but they are paid very fair, and, as a rule, traveling ex-
penses in addition, when about the Board's business. It is an easy
thing to be liberal and generous with other people's money.. These
funds are a sacred trust, given for a sacred purpose, and should be
most economically used. The usages of mercantile firms and other
societies are not to govern us. We act, not for ourselves, but for others
— for Christ and his cause.
A WORr> OF CAUTION.
To use Hiscox's suggestion as to the future — not to discourage hope,
but to moderate enthusiasm--"the unusual strain of the present year
to secure enlarged contributions for the payment of debts, in addition
to funds for current expenses, w ill lessen contributions for current ex-
penses next year. Multitudes of contributors will 'take rest' for a
while on this important part of Christian service, and the cause will
suffer by their withholding. The managers of our Board ought to
take into account this almost certain result."
C. Johnson,
Chairman.
Report on Home Missions.
The field of the Home Mission Board embraces all the Southern
States, the Indian Territory, Oklahoma and the Island of Cuba. A
majority of the Baptists in the world live on this field. We have
every evidence that the blessings of God are resting upon this agency.
The Board began the last conventional year with a debt of $8,0if0,
arid the obligation to pay So, 700 on a houseof worship in New Orleans,
smaMng a total debt of $13,700. The report however, made at tlie last
session of the Southern Baptist Convention, is cheerful, hopeful and
inspiriug. The ^18,700 was paid and the Board is now out of debt.
The following i^ a sunimar\' of the work done the past year: 375 mis-
sionaries were employed; there were 4,709 baptisms; received by letter,
4,746; constituted 129 churches; built 57 houses of worship and organ-
ized 318 Sunday' -schools, and in addition to this, much other work
was doue.
The total cash received from all sources for the work of the Home
Mission Board was $59,184.09; value of merchandise, $19,090.26, mak-
ing a total of -S78,274.35. The work of the Board in Alabama is con-
fined almost exclusively to the colored people. lu connection wi!h
other Boards, they have had three missionaries working in the State
during the past year, and the work seems to be gratifying to all con-
cerned.
The work in the Indian Territory, in the main, looks toward the
■development of the churches and Christian education of these }ieople.
These churches are becoming, in consequence of this work, self-sus-
taining, and are sending the gospel to the wild tribes farther west.
The present condition of our work in Cuba is not very encouraging
and inspiring. The pastors are ail in this country. When it was no
longer safe for them to remain at their posts, by advice of the Board
they came to Florida, where most of them have been laboring among
the large Cuban population in that State. The sch<jols and churches
in Cuba are still in operation. The brethren and sisters await in
prayer and hope for the dawning of a better day.
The work among the foreign population is a hard and difficult work
and needs to be greatly extended. In its last report the Board ex-
presses its grateful acknowledgment to the Woman's ^Mission Socie-
ties, denominational papei-s, Sunday-schools and other agencies for
material help. There is cause for gratitude to God for the success
that has attended our work in the past. But we have not done <iur
full duty yet. There are in our Association 2,835 members, and they
contributed last year S267 for Home Missions, which is a fraction over
10 cents per capita. We earnestly recommend that in the future we
be more liberal in giving of our means for the great cause of Home
Missions. Respectfully submitted.
W. J. Elliott,
Chairman.
Report on Foreign Missions.
The past year has been full of the blessings of our Heavenly Father
on the work which he has entrusted to us in foreign lands. There
were 660 baptisms in connection with our work last year. It is a fact
that causes great joy to know that the idea of self-support is rapidly
developing in our various mission fields. This is one of the good things
that has resulted from the severe financial needs of the Board. These
young churches have been helped by us so long that they did not
realize that self-dejieudeuce and independence which they should.
The necessary withholding of funds has caused the missionaries to
push this principle of self-help upon them, and the result has been a
blessed awakening of native strength, not before realized. Quite a
number of these mission churches are now paying a part or all of their
expenses, including pastors' salary, and several have built houses of
worship, paying all the cost themsehes. The Board has not paid a
cent for building houses of worship in foreign lauds for years, except
what the giver designated for that purpose.
This has been a most tryiug year on the finances of the Board. At
the Convention in ^Yashiugt()n there was reported a debt of ^32,000.
As a result of the effort uiade at that Conveutkn, about $12,000 came
into the treasury of the Board, which helped very much at a time
when it was greatly needed. At the Convention in Wilmington a
sufficient amount was pledged by the churches and Associations to
li(]uidate the entire debt of the Poard, but mauy of these have not
been redeemed, and some of them will never be paid. By reference
to the report of the Treasurer of the Board it will be seen that S125,-
681.99 was collected during the last convention year. The expendi-
tures were ?107,M14.07, which enabled the payment of 818,367.79 on
the old debt, leaving a debt of §13,532.79 against that of §31,900.71 the
previous year.
Alabama, with her 77 Associations, 805 preachers, 1,702 churches,
and 117,5';6 members, contributed 86,563.29 during the year.
A simple calculation sho^^s that of all funds received bj- the Board,
about ninety-two cents on the dollar went to the missionaries. That
is, eight cents was used for all expenses here including interest and
the cost of the Woman's Missionary Union. The interest account ran
up the expenses 1.7 per cent., so that the actual expenses were only a
little over six cents on the dollar.
Your special attention is called to the Maryland Baptist Mission
Rooms, 304 North Howard Street. Baltimore, Md., which is well sup-
plied with tracts and missionary literature on diflerent foreign fields,
especially those connected with our Convention work. The Mission
Prayer Card, with topics for each month, is quite a convenience and
help to those who wish to study our mission work systematically.
The literature furnished by the JRooms is well prepared and instruc-
tive. Pastors and mission leaders will do well to confer with the
Rooms and get supplies for their work.
Some people seem to think that our mission work is at a stand-
still, or retrograding. It is well to consider some figures. In 1877,
twenty years ago, we had 16 missionaries and 32 native assistants — 48
workers' in all. The contributions were §32,276.00. In 1887, ten years
ago. we had 116 missionarits and native assistants, 228 baptisms, 1,551
members, and the contributions were §80,830.53. In 1897 there were
reported 190 missionaries and native assistants, 660 baptisms, 4,324
membei-s, and §125,681.99 in contributions.
This year's report, with the large increase in gifts at home and the
large number of converts on the foreign field, should fill our hearts
with praise and thanksgiving.
Respectfully submitted, *
J. L. Thompson,
Chairman.
The report oji Ministerial Education was read by Rev. W. J. Elliott,
discussed with report on Denominational Education by Rev. M. M.
Wood Prof. F. M. Roof. T. L. Jones (C. W. Buck in the chair) and J.
F. Gable, and, on motion, both adopted.
Report on Denominational. Education.
Our colleges have ever been a source of strength to our denomina-
tion. From them have emanated influences which have been potent
factors in forming and directing denominational thought and action;
in oi-eatnig urcl niamtainiiig a feeling of brotherly love and oommou
<de} eudeiice, and in uniting iuoobereiit elements of those of our own
faith. The p( sition they hold to-da^y i« both important and unique.
State and secular colleges perhaps supply mental and physical train-
ing, but is that suffi'cient? Is there not iackii'g yet another qualitica-
tiun to a synnnelrical education? Certainly there i,s. The moral na-
ture, the most important and that most susceptible of cultivation, is
neglected. However well one may have been trained both mentally
and physically, yet is that one's education defective if moral training
has not leen made paramount.
Holding this view, we, .your Committee, would earnestly and un-
hesitatingly recommend to those desiring an education, Howard Col-
lege for boys and young men, Judson Female Institute for young
ladies, and the ISouthern Baptist Theological Seminary for ministers.
These institutions, besiles giving mental and physical training, give
moral also. The Bible is a text-book in each.
It is with pleasure we note the success of these institutions during
the last scholastic year. The Howaixi has had its interest-bearing
debt reduced from $38,500, at 8 per cent., to 820,000, at o per cent., an
annual saving in iuterestof over $2,000. Ten thousand di liars of the
present debt is to be paid in live years, the ren)ainder in ten. Last
jiession was one of the most prosperous in the history of the vschool.
Pr(,Si ects are good for next session.
The Judson, for the first time in several years, is free of debt. The
generous people of the State have nobly come to its rescue, and have
|)aid the bonded indebtedntss of i^2.5,o00. Besides, the school has been
so efficiently managed that outstanding debts to the amount of §3,000
have been paid.
The Seminary is the foremost theological institution in the world.
W. R. Meadows,
Chairman.
Report ox Ministerial Education.
The minister of God should be, as far as possible an approved work-
man, rightly dividing the Word of God and of whom none can be
ashamed. In all ages, most of our leaders have been scholarly and
well educated. Moses was "skilled in all the wisdom of the Egyp-
tians." Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. Many of the
apostles began rude and uneducated men, but they did not remain
such very long. Mr. Spurgeon did not graduate at a college, yet he
made himself a splejidid scholar, and he was a builder of colleges for
the education of young ministers. It is not the much, but the little
learning, that is a dangerous thing. The demand from all quarters
is for an intelligent and consecrated ministry — men of good common
sense who are willing to give themselves wholly to the work. Such
men are in demand and they will be supported by the churches.
The Lord never does anything for a man that he can do for himself.
When he calls men into his work, it is their duty to prepare them-
selves for that work. The Board of Ministerial Education, with head-
quarters at East Lake, was created during the State Convention, at
Tuscaloosa, in July, 1884. This Board, through the liberal gifts of
our people, has, during the past thirteen years, assisted many young
men who are to-day doing good service for the Master. There has
been raised from i;2,000 to 83,000 annually, and from twenty to forty
worthy students for the ministry have been helped each year. How-
ard College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary aflTord
10
supeiior opportimities for traiuing and iuf^tructiou, and our ministe-
rial students can attend these institutions at a nominal cost. The
present location of Howard College at East Lake aflprds fine advan-
tages for the development of the preaching talent of theological stu-
dents. They can find convenient places in which they can exercise
every Sunday in the mission stations and villages in and around Bir-
mingham. In these villages they may find future pastorates. We
learn that ample accommodations will be furnished all worthy appli-
cants during the coming session at the college.
Our Association has no beneficiary at school, but we can assist the
young men who belong to other Associations. It is a source of regret
that our contributions to the Board for the past year have not been
sufticieut to meet the necessary expenses. We urge the churches to
contribute more liberally to the support of this work; one-half of the
money to be paid by the first of November, and the remainder by the
first of February. All contributions for this purpose should be sent to
Bro. C. C. Jones, Secretary and Treasurer, East Lake, Ala.
Respectfully submitted,
W. J. Elliott,
Chairman.
Bro. W. B. Davidson offered the report on Sunday Schools, the
Chairman, Bro. Dickson, being absent.
On motion, a report by Bro. G. G. Miles, President of the Sunday
School Convention of Montgomery Association, was adopted as a sup-
plemental report.
Bro. Ellis reported on behalf of committee appointed at last session
concerning the formation of a Normal Training Class in Howard Col-
lege and Judson Female Institute for the training of Sunday School
teachers, that the matter was presented to the Baptist State Conven-
tion bj' the Committee on Denominational Education, but the Con-
vention failed to adopt or to recommend the plan suggested.
Remarks by W. B. Davidson, J. F. Gable, Prof. Hogan and G. G.
Miles, on Sunday School reports, and adopted:
Repokt on Sunday Schools.
To the Officers and Members of the Montgomery Baptist Association:
Brethren: Your Committee on Sunday Schools beg leave to re-
port that they have endeavored to obtain the necessary information
to enable them to put before the Association a true condition of our
schools, and point out the work to be done in order to advance the
interest of the schools within our bounds, but the failure of the schools
to co-operate with us and furnish us the information asked for, places
it beyond our power to make anything like a full report. From the
few responses we have received we are glad to note that the schools
are increasing in nuiubers and register a better average attendance,
but we fear little or no progress has been made along other lines of
development.
One brother writes: "Any suggestions from you or any of the com-
mittee as to how we may do better and more efl[ective work will be
gladly received." We believe this brother has voiced the sentiment
ot many of our Sunday School workers, and it comes to this Associa-
tion as a Macedonian cr^-, "Come over and help us." The Sunday
11
School idea has grown, and mstead of looking upon it as an append-
age of the church, as formerly, it is now considered, and justly so, the
church itself, and you can no more separate it from the church than
you can the mid-weeli prayer meeting. What are the churches in
this Association doing for the develoi^meut of this branch of their
work? How are they using this mighty instrument for disseminating
the gospel truths and moulding the youthful miud for Christ and his
cause? Brethren, we fear that its irnportance has not impressed itself
upon you as it should, and that you are too easily satisfied with the
slow progress we are making. Our people need to be informed of the
advanced methods of conducting our schools and to be encouraged to
adopt a higher standard of teaching. One of the ways to accomplish
this is to request the ministers of this Association to study the subject
and inform the churches through the Alabama Baptist, and, when
opportunity otters, visit the churches in person and render personal
aid in instructing the schools.
Another method is to form a Simday School Association and hold
Sunday School Conventions. This method, we are happy to know, you
have already adopted, and we trust that the brethren you have placed •
in charge of the work will receive your hearty support and co-opera-
tion. A plan is a good thing, but unless it is carried into effect it be-
comes futile. Let not the plan of Sunday School work that you have
adopted fall through for want of support. Stand by the brethren you
have placed in charge of it and let this be a year of advance.
W. B. Davidsox,
Chairman.
SUPPL,EMEXTAL REPORT.
To the Montgomery Association :
In accordance with a resolution passed at the Association last year,
at Wetum'pka, a Sunday School Convention was organized on April
10th, at Fort Deposit, which lasted two days. The sessions of this
meeting were replete with interest, and, we think, resulted in much
good.
At this Convention the undersigned committee was appointed to
investigate the condition of the Sunday School work within the
lx)unds of this A,ssociation, and to endeavor to excite greater interest
in the work among the various churches, and your committee was
also requested, after canvassing the situation as best we could, to ad-
vLse as to the feasibility and wisdom of recommending the organiza-
tion of a State Sunday School Association, to be held at some time
and place hereafter agreed upon.
Your committee addressed a circular letter to the churche.s, which
was printed in the Alabama Baptist, and also printed in note form
and sent to the churches, reciuesting a detailed report sent us as to
the spiritual condition, as well as the numerical strength, of each Sun-
day School, but we regret to say that we only had a comparatively
few responses to our request. We are pleased to state, however, that
from the best information we can gather we are led to believe that the
Sunday School work is growing in our Association, and, with a united
effort put forth as suggested further on in this report, we are confident
that the day is not distant when the churches in the Association will
witness a marked imi^rovement in the work, which, in our judgment,
will strengthen all the various auxiliaries of the church.
After looking over the field carefully and considering our denomi-
national work in all of its phases, we do not deem it wise to undertake
12
the organization of a State Couvention, at this time, for the followii^g'
reasons :
1. Our Sunday School work in the Association is not sufficiently
well organized to warrant the success of the undertaking.
2. We think the expense of an extra Convention of this character
would be too onerous and too taxing, generally, upon our people, tt)
accomplish the good that might naturally be expected from a venture
of such magnitude.
3. We recommend the more thorough organization of the Sunday
School work in all of the Assjciatious in the State, and, whenever it
is possible, to organize a Sunday School Convention in each Associa-
tion, and let each Associational Convention report to the annual meet-
ing of its Association, and in this way the statistics of the Sunday
School work of the State will be more carefully and thoroughly com-
piled.
4. We further recommend that at least one-half day and one night
session be set aside at the State Convention to Sunday School work,
at which time the Ass'oeiations can make brief and concise reports of
the work done within their bounds.
Re&pectfully submitted,
G.G. Miles, Ch'n,
J. R. McLendon,
J. C. Pope,
J. G. Hakris,
W. B. Davidson,
Committee.
The Committee on Apportionment made its report.
Remarks by Bros. Ellis, Gay and Gunn, in which it was urged that
the churches try and raise the amounts suggested.
On motion, the report was re-committed in order to change the ap-
portionment for some of the churches and to add the Orphanage,
On motion, adjourned with prayer by Rev. M. M. Wood.
EVENING,
The Association assembled at 8 p. m. in Mass Meeting in interest of
Sunday Schools.
Song service conducted by Prof. George W. Thomas.
Remarks by Prof. Thomas on music in the Sunday Schools.
Bro. G. G. Miles, President of the Sunday School Convention of the
Montgomery Baptist Association, presided.
Rev. J. A. Ploward discussed The Model School. The true idea of
the Sunday School is, the study of the Bible, all the members in it,
and a thoroughly trained corps of teachers.
Bro. T. L. Jones spoke on How to Prepare and Teach the Lesson,
Teach systematically, have the map in your mind, and study earnestly
and teach with discretion.
Adjourned till Friday 9:30 a. ni. with prayer by Rev. J. F. Gable
13
FEIDAY.
MORNING.
The Association met pursuant to adjournment.
Devotional exercises conducted by Rev. M. M. Wood.
Song. Prayer by Rev. W. C. Bledsoe.
Clerk read letter from Hayneville church, which had just been re-
ceived.
Bro. J. N. Macon read the report on Baptist Young People's Unions,
which, on motion, was adopted :
Report on Baptist Young People's Unions.
Yovir committee for a report on the B. Y. P. U., otherwise known
as the Young People's Meeting, beg to submit the following:
At Chicago, in July, 1891, at a called convention, representatives
from the baptist churches throughout America met and launched
forth upon the gospel waters of America a nobler and still newer ship
of war in the cause of the Master's kingdom, the name of which as
announced to the world was The Baptist Young People's Union of
America. Upon its banner as it floated to the breeze was inscribed in
glowing terms its purpose, as follows :
"The object of this organization shall be the unification of Baptist
youug people; their increased spirituality; their stimulation in Chris-
tian service: their edification in Scripture knowledge; their instruction
in Baptist doctrine and history, and their enlistment in all missionary
activity through existing denominational organizations."
Now for seven years this noble gospel ship has made remarkable
progress in carrying to the youug people of the churches of the North,
South, East and West of the American continent the message of its
principles thus enunciated, by reason of which these seven years has
been a season of unprecedented growth among the young people of
our laud and country in Bible knowledge, missionary work and Baptist
history. Nearly every State in the United States of America, as well as
the Provinces of Canada, has met and organized into State or Local
Unions. Our own State of Alabama was organized in December, 1894,
since which time this peculiar work has advanced among us until to-
day it is more largely understood, felt, appreciated and accepted, so
that not only are we organized as a State Union, but our own Mont-
gomery Assiaciation also — the B. Y. P. U. people coming up to the
Association, holding their meeting a day or two before the regular
meeting of the Association. Last year at the meeting of this Associa-
tion at Wetumpka, Ala., the day preceding the convening of the As-
sociation, a thoroughly good meeting of the B. Y. P. U.. composed of
several of the churches within the bovmds of this Association, was en-
joyed. Last Monday and Tuesday, July 26th and 27th, the two days
preceding the meetings of this session of this Association, were occu-
pied by the B. Y. P. U., representing quite a number of the churches
of this Association. A varied program was carried out, which was a
real spiritual feast for the young people. Splendid addresses, touch-
ing the B. Y. P. U. and its work, were made by Dr. A. J. Dickinson,
of Selma, and Rev. W. A. Hobsou, of Birmingham. Not only is the
B. Y. P. U. of our State and of our Association organized, but also in
the communitits where there are more Baptist churches than one the
14
yottng people unite as a whole, in quarterly or monthfr meetfiigff, a>^
they may elect. We have reason to believe that qaite ail the ehurche?'
within the bounds of this Association have each a B. Y. P. U. organ-
ization where it is at all possible to form one. The day has eome
when the churches are taking hold of this great movement among the
.young. We are exceedingly happy to be able to report of the rapitJ
growth of local B. Y. P. U. organizations in the bounds of this Asso-
ciation, and the general and ready acceptance of its principles.
We are as yet unable to present with this report a complete enroll-
ment of B. Y. P. U. olganizations or the churches composing this As-
sociation, but we know that sinceourlast year's meetingatWetumpka
one has been organized in the Wetumpka church, another at Pratt-
ville and Coosada, and we have reason to believe at other places. The
four Baptist churches in the city of ^Montgomery have B Y. P.
U. organizations, all of which are flourishing and doing a good work.
In conclusion, we congratulate the churches of thi» Association for
their increased interest in the B. Y. P. U., with the prayer that the
coming year may be one of yet gi-eater consecration fo-r each one of vis?-
and yet larger progress in the yoimg people's work.
Re&pectfuily submitted,
Georgk B. Eager,
J. N. MACOif,
BRINSOf McGowAj?,
Committee.
The CTlerk read the report on Indigent Ministers, in the absence of
the Chairman. Bro. T. J. Threadgill. Discussed by Bros. Gay, Diek-
inson and Harris, amended and adopted :
Rbpobt on Ijfdigest Ministers.
To the Montgomery Baptist Association ;
Dear Brethren : We, your committee, deem it inexpedient to
make a report upon this subject without first having briefly discussed
the relative duties of pastors and churches. We believe it to be the
imperative duty of every pastur of a church to devote his entire time
and talents to the work of the ministry. Why? Because the New
Testament Scriptures teach it; because our Savior himself instituted
the practice; because the apostles followed it, and, finally, because if
there was ever a time in the history of the Christian churches that
there was need of a thoroughly equipped ministry to combat and tO'
thwart the eftbrts made byinhdels for the overthrow of Christ's king-
dom, that time is now in the closing years of the nineteenth century.
And the question arises, how shall we obtain such a ministry? Why,
by relieving them of all care as to worldly matters, for no man can do
the work of a pastor as it should be done whose mind is constantly
bowed down beneath a load of care as to how he may perform some
manual or mental labor apart from his ministerial work, by which
he may supplement the meagre salary ujion which he is forced to live
while engaged in preaching the gospel. Thwt this state of things does
exist in many fields of labor, no one will deny. Nor will any think-
ing man deny the fact that .«!uch a condition greatly militates against
the progress of oi;r Lord's work. Such a state of things brethren,
would be dreadful enough for our ministry to contemiilate could they
l>e assured that they would tliroaah life retain the strength and vigor
of their young manhood: but to realize the fact that they will sooner
15
OT Tat eT "i(>^e tbt strength of mind and body which enables them to
ibattle with the difficulrie.s and misfortune.'^ of life, and prubably be
tbnowu upon the charity of the world, it i.s apinilling. Xow". brethren,
Mc should ask ourselves the qu&stiou, w hat is our duty to God's miu-
as;ry? An-d we find no better answer than that which is i-ecorded iu
the"9th chai)ter of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Hear what
he .says; "Who goeth a warfare at his own exj^euse? who jjlauteth a
vineyard and eareth not of the fruit thertof? or who ftedeth a flock
and eateth not of the milk of th'e tlock? If we have sown unto you
•of spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal
things? Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things
live of the things of the templt? and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar? Even so halh the Lord ordained that they
^vhich 1 reach the gospel should live of the gaspel." Heuce you see
our duty is plain as taught in God's Word. But some one luay say
that when miuistei'S are no longer able to preach the gospel, then the
duty of the church to take care of them ceases; but, in our opinion,
the obligation is just as binding upon us as Christians to take care of
them iu thi-« condition as it was when they were iu the prime of life
and served their churches most effectually. Shall we, followers of
Christ ^vhose only mission was to do good, be less philanthropic than
members of ordinary benevolent societies? They do not feel bound to
aid each other oniy in life time, but even care for the families of their
deceased meml>ers. What a rejiroof to those Christians who would
refuse to help the families of those men of God who have spent their
lives iu preaching the gospel. Why, brethren, it id one of the most
emphatic doctrines of the New Testament that we should l>ear each
other's burdens: that we .should distribute to the nece'vsities of the
saints: that we should love our neitrhbors as ourselves. And in view
of the obligation resting upon the churches to take care of Gtxi's min-
isters who need help, we. your committee, would most earnestly rec-
ommend that a fund Ijc raised by the churches of this Association and
turned over to the State Board of [Missions for the relief of needy min-
isters. Let our Association, brethren, out of love for the cause of
Christ and for humanity, be placed upon record as beins determined
never t<j permit Gcxi's ministers, who have grown old and infirm, to
suffer, but ou the other hand to supply them with all the necessarj'
comforts of life, and let us esteem it not only a privilege but a duty to
contribute of our means to the accomplishment of this end.
While we are thankful that it is the privilege of >our committee,
after careful inquiry, to state that, so far as we have been able to as-
certain, there are no indigent ministei-s within the bounds of this As-
sociation, still we feel that it is our duty to urge you to take steps,
even now, to devise means for the relief of ministers who may need
your help in the future. Respectfully submitted.
T. J. Threadgill,
Chairman.
Report on New and Weak Churches was read by Bro. R. H. Hud-
son, discussed by Brethren Gay and Hudson, and adopted :
Report on New and Weak Churches.
To the Officers and Members of Montgomery Baptist Association:
Dear Brethren: Your Committee on New and Weak Churches
beg to submit the following report:
The report of your committee had to deal with churches now in
existence and those in contemplation or to be established. As regards
16
the former, they are here, aud while we are glad to say in small num-
bers, still they are here aud claim our aid aud sympathy. The two
churches which seem to demand our immediate atteutiou are Hope
Hull aud Hayueville. As to the needs of the churches, we prefer the
pastors to make their statemeut iu speaking to this report. Before
aiding iu the establishmeut of a uew church, it is the judgment and
recommendation of your committee that the field iu which the church
is to be established should be thoroughly cauvassed by a committee,
appointed by the Executive Committee for that purpose, aud the
prospect of its becoming a self-sustaiuiug church if established.
"When I am weak theu am I stroug" does uot apply to churches (of
course, iu the light of which I use the quotation here), aud the multi-
plicity of weak churches retard the work of the Association. While
we hold to this theory, ^\e recognize the fact that there are a number
of places within the bounds of the Association where are congregated
one or more Baptist families who long to hear the word of God
preached by a minister of our denomination, and we feel that they
should be accorded this privilege. To meet the requirement we rec-
ommend that missiou stations be established at such points, and we
recommend to the ministers serving contiguous churches that they
hold a day's service with them once or twice a month — a service
which our lay brethren could well assist iu. We further recommend,
if practical, that a missionary colporteur be appointed by the Associa-
tion to visit these places and hold a meeting of a week "at least, aud
distribute Baptist literature.
Respectfully submitted,
R. H. Hudson,
Chairman.
On motion, Bro. A. J. Dickinson was given time to present the
interests of the Judson Female Institute.
Bro. J. B. Gerald, Chairman of Committee, read the report on the
Orphanage, which was discussed by Brethren C. L. Gay and J. G.
Harris aud Sister S. C. Ausley (matron of the Orphanage) , and adopted :
Report on Orphanage.
The Orphanage is located at Evergreen, 80 miles south of Mont-
gomery, on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and it is the property
of the Southern Baptist Conveutiou. It has been in existence about
five years, and cost about $5,500. It consists of eighty acres of land,
thirty acres in farm, thirty in pasture aud twenty in woods. There
is a ten-room brick house, large barn aud other 'houses on the place.
All its debts are paid aud it is iu uo way encumbered; all of which is
due to a wise and able management.
Seventy children have been received into the Home — thirty-three
boys and thirty-seven girls. Thirty-two have gone out by adoption.
The children attend the Agricultural School, where no tuition is
charged. The,y attend Sunday School and church. The boys are
taught to do farm work, and the girls to do various kinds of house
work. It costs from §6.00 to $57.25 per mouth to care for each child,
while according to the report of our Methodist brethren it costs their
institution f;i2.75 per month for each child. The old building is en-
tirely too small, and is badly out of repair, and should be remodeled
aud enlarged at once so as to properly care for the children uow there
and those who are to come. A dining room, cook room, lauudpy
17
bath room and at least six bed rooms are badly needed and should be
supplied at once. They also need water works. Brother Stewart has
all this work planned and commenced, but his hands are tied for the
want of money. This work ought to be completed by all means be-
fore the rainy season commences, for a portion of the building is so
exposed as to cause damage and endanger the health of the children.
We urge and entreat, most earnestly, every Sunday School and
church in this Association to set apart one Sunday in August, or Sep-
tember, at latest, to take a collection for this purpose, and forward it
immediately to llev. J. W. Stewart, Financial Secretary, at Sver-
green. The Board, the Financial Secretary and the Matron have
managed the affairs of the Home in an excellent manner, and are
entitled to your lilieral, hearty and prompt support, and you are most
earnestly entreated to give it to them.
Respectfully submitted,
J. B. Gerald,
Chairman.
On motion of Bro. Gay, a collection was taken for the Orphanage
amounting to $10.51.
Report on Woman's Work was read by Rev. Vv'. J. Elliott, in the
absence of the Chairman, C^ibot Lull, discussed by Bro. Dickinson,
and adopted :
Report on Woman's W^oek.
To the Montgomery Baptist Association:
Your Committee on Woman's Work has been greatly embarrassed
both by tiae magnitude of the field and the want of statistical material
upou which to base a report. Particularly is this true of the territory
embraced within the bounds of this Association.
The value and etlicieucy of organization is one of the great facts, not
to say discoveries, of the present century, and need not be argued here.
Every department of human activity or industry has organized for
united effort, thus securing the maximum of possible results with the
minimum of labor and cost. Woman's work in the field of Christian
service must follow the same direction. By organizing into a society,
with an auxiliary in every church, opportunity is presented to arouse
the enthusiasm, enlist the sympathy and employ the talent, otherwise
latent, which is always to be found in the membership of every church.
The Woman's Missionary Union raised and paid into the treasuries
of the Home and Foreign Mission Boards of the Southern Baptist Con-
vention during the last fiscal year, in cash, the sum of t)5o,407.64, and
a further sum of §83,937.31 in value in ofTerings and supplies has been
forwarded direct to the missionaries in the various fields. This has
been accomplished without any cost as to salaries, for none are paid.
But it is not alone in missionary enterprises that woman's work is
done. In every church where a Ladies' Aid Society exists, there is a
zealous and busy circle of faithful women, "full of good works," sup-
plementing the church committees, and coming, with unfailing con-
stancy and courage, to the rescue of every struggling and sometimes
despairing cause. In the opinion of your committee, a society, aux-
iliary in purpose if not in name, should be organised in every church,
including among its officers a secretary, whose duty it should be to
keep a record of all its work, making a report in duplicate annually,
both to the church and to the parent society at Baltimore, or, better
18
still, to a State General Committee. For this purpose your committee
reports aud recommeuds the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Association earnestly advises the organization,
in every church within its bounds, of a society for distinctively wo-
man's work auxiliary to the Woman's Missionary Union, as recom-
mended by the late Southern Baptist Convention.
Respectfully submitted,
Cabot Ltll,
Chairman.
Rev. M. M. Wood extended a hearty invitation to the delegates ap-
pointed by this Association to the Baptist State Convention, m hich
meets at East Lake Friday before the second Sunday in November,
1897, and further asked that every church send a delegate, as they de-
sire a large attendance.
The report on Temperance was read by Rev. W. D. Gay, Chairman.
On motion of Bro. J. G. Harris, the report was received aud ordered
recorded in the minutes.
On motion of Bro. Merritt, the Clerk was instructed to print in the
minutes the Articles of Faith.
The Financial Exhibit was read by Bro. J. I. Lamar, of the Com-
mittee, aud adopted. (See back of minutes.) Also read the Treas-
urer's Report, which was adopted, as follows :
Treasurer's Report.
Montgomery Baptist Association
In account with Jesse H. Dickson.
1896. Dr.
Aug. To Cash for Minutes $30 45
Collection for Orphanage 9 36 .
State Missions 15 43
Foreign Missions 13 12
Home Missions 14 00
Howard College 1 00—583 36
Cr.
By am't paid W. C. Bledsoe $43 55
J.C.Pope 30 45
J. W. Stewart 9 36— ?83 36
ASSOCIATIONAL PtJRPOSES.
Balance on hand last report, in bank § 5 58
From Bethel church 8 30
Collections at Ex. Com. meetings. 3 03
Collection S. S. Con., Ft. Deposit. 3 47— ?20 38
Cr.
B^^ am't for printing circulars, Ass'n letters, programs,
postage, &c ? 7 75
Balance on haud $12 63
J. H. Dickson, Treasurer.
Statement was made by Bro. Gay coTicerning Treasurer W. B.
Holmes, who cannot serve, and, on motion of Bro. Geo. W. Ellis, Bro.
Pope was elected to serve as Treasurer.
19
The report on Apportioumeut was presented by Bro. Ellis, and, on
motion, adopted:
Report on Apportionment.
CHURCHES.
^a
a s
SO
Adams Street 8 300 00 S
Bethany : 40 OOj
Bethel, Fori Deposit \ 85 00
Bethesda | 30 00'
Clayton Street • 200 00
Coosada 15 OOi
Deatsville 40 00
First Montgomerv TOO 00
Friendship . 20 00,
Havneviile ' 25 00
Hope Hull I 10 go!
Lowndesboro 50 Oo!
Mt. Hebron 25 00
Mt. Lebanon 20 00
Mt. Zion I 50 00
Pine Level i 50 00
Prattville J 85 00
Raraer i 30 00
Shoal Cree-k j 10 00'
South Montgomery 10 OOl
Wetumpka 180 00 _
Totals SIOVFCOS
30 OOi
5 OOl
10 OOj
4 OOi
30 00
2 501
5 00
100 00,
3 00!
3 00
2 50
5 00
3 00
3 OOI
5 00
5 OOl
10 00
4 00
2 50i
2 50[
15 OOl
15 00 3
2 .50
5 00
2 .50
10 00
2 00
2 50
.50 oo;
2 .50'
2 50'
2 00
2 50
2 50
2 50
2 .50,
2 .50
5 001
2 .50;
2 00'
2 00,
7 501
15 OOS
2 .501
5 00
2 .50
10 00
♦ 00
2 50
50 00
2 50
2 50
2 oo'
2 .50
2 50'
2 .50;
2 50,
2 .50,
5 00
2 50
2 OOl
2 OOj
7 .50!
50 00 3 410 oe
5 00 55 00
10 00
4 00
80 00
2 50
5 00
12.5 00
3 00
3 00
2 .501
5 m
3 00'
3 00
5 00
5 00
10 00
4 oo!
2 60
2 50
20 00
115 00
43 00
280 00
24 00
5-5 00
1025 00
31 00
3(3 00
19 00
65 00
36 00
31 00
65 00
65 00
115 00
43 00
19 eo
19 00
30 00
2.50 00 5 128 00;S 128 OOS 300 00 32781 00
Your committee have reduced the apportionment to all the
churches, with one exception, in the hope of stimulating the
membership to make an extra effort to bring up their contribution to
the amount apportioned each.
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. GUNN,
W. B. Davidson,
Geo. W. Ellis,
Committee.
The Committee on Nommations reported as follows:
Report on Nominations.
The committee recommend that the next meeting of this Associa-
tion be held with the Baptist church at Lowndesboro on , 1898;
that Bro. C. Johnson preach the introductory sermon, and that
Bro. J. L. Thompson preach the missionary sermon.
Delegate to Southern Baptist Convention — Rev. J. F. Gable; alter-
nate, Rev. W. D. Gay.
Delegates to State Convention — Rev. W. J. Elliott, Rev. Geo. B.
Eager. J. C. Pope, G. G. Miles, Rev. E. F. Baber, Rev. B. A. Jackson,
Rev. G. \V. Townsend, J. I. Lamar, Cabot Lull and Rev. J. F. Gable.
Respectfully submitted,
W. P. DAW.SON,
J. R. McLendon,
A. H. EUBANKS,
Committee.
20
Rev. W. J. Elliott urged the delegates to come to Lowudesboro
next >ear.
Bro. Ellis reported concerning resolution passed at the last associa-
tion, as follows :
Your committae to whom was referred the r.^^olutions of the last
raeetiug of this assjeiati.)n recomnieuding to the next State Conven-
tion the establishment of a Board of MinisCc^rial Education, beg leave
to report that the resoluiiou was brought before the annual meeting
of the State Board of Missions just preceding the last Convention, and
upon the recommendation of the said P.oard, the State Convention
established a Buaid of Ministerial Education with headquarters at
East Lake, Ala.
Respectfully submitted,
W. J. Eli.tott,
Geo. W. Ellis,
J. C. Pope,
Committee.
On motion of Bro. Elliott 500 eo})ies of minutes were ordered printed.
On motion, the Clerk was voted remainder of minute fund, if any,
for his services.
On motion of Rev. VV. D. Gay, to reconsider the vote by which the
report on Temperance was voted to be recorded, remarks were made
by Bros. J. G. Harris, W. D. Gay, J. I. Lamar R. W. B. Merritt and
J. T. Boyd.
Motion to reconsider prevailed by vote of 10 to 9.
On motion by Bro. J. G. Harris to amend, the report was discussed
by Bros. G. G. Miles, J. G. Harris and W. D. Gay.
Motion to amend was defeated by vote of 8 to 7.
On motion, the report was adopted, as follows:
Report on Temperaxce.
Your committee does not think it could make a better report than
the following advanced action against the legalized, organized, de-
monized liquor traffic, adopted by the General Association of Ken-
tucky:
"We would put on record again our unqualified condemnation of
the saloon iiusiness. Our opposition to it deepens with the years.
We believe that the business is a sin against God; a disease in the
State; a blot upon our civilization; a shame to the chur'-hes; a foe to
prosperity; a menace to society; an adversary to the cause of Christ;
an enemy to the home; and a destroyer of men, in body, mind and
soul. There is nor a '.-^race that adorns human nature, not a virtue
that gives strcug.h to man or to society or to State, not a talent that
serves mankind, not an interest that pertains to human welfare, nor
a cause that looks toward hujnan redemption, but what is blighted,
or weakened, or perverted or hindered by this Satan of modern pro-
gress. And there is not a sin or crime or vice or shame known to our
courts that by it is not produced or strengthened and widened. There
is not another enemy of our people that does not tind in this its most
faithlul ally. Any complicity with this business is unchristian. To
engage in it as distiller, wholesale or retail dealer, or to have it in con-
21
iiection with a hotel, to have money invested in it; to loan money for
its support; to rent property for its use; to frequent the saloon as a
patron; in short, every vital connection with the business we look
upon as inconsistent with the Christian profession. We announce it
as the sense of this body that no person should be retained in the fel-
lowship of a Baptist church who is engaged in the manufacture or in
any way in com|)licity with the sale of intoxicating liquors for bever-
age purposes. Your committee would recommend that the Constitu-
tion be so changed that hereafter no church be allowed representation
in this body which retains in its fellowship members engaged in the
aianufacture or sale of intoxicating licjuors for beverage purposes.
Finally, brethren, your committee would press home upon you the
truth, that when we have, as Christians, separated ourselves wholly
from this business, still there is a weighty responsibility resting upon
us, as citizens. We would recommend that the committee to be ap-
pointed for next year co-operate with like committees from otSier de-
nominations in securing better temperance legislation.
JRespectfully submitted,
Wm. D. Gay,
Chairman.
Adjourned, with prayer by Rev. J. L. Thompson, to meet next ses-
sion with Ijowndesboro church, twenty miles west of Montgomery,
on the Western Railvvny of Alabama, time to be fixed by the Execu-
tive Committee. T. L. Jones, Moderator.
J. C. Pope, Clerk aud Treasurer.
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24
CONSTITUTION
OF THE «
MOXTGOMEEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATIOX.
Article I. This iiuion of churches shall be known and distin-
guished by the style and title of the Montgomery Baptist Association.
II. This Association shall be composed of representatives from the
churches in union. . Each church shall be entitled to three delegates,
and for every additional twenty-five members, above the first hun-
dred, shall be entitled to an additional delegate; but in the business
of the Association, whenever the delegates from any church of the
bodj' shall request it, the vote shall be taken by churches, and in that
event each church shall be entitled to three votes.
III. The delegates when convened shall organize themselves into
a deliberative bod.y, by the appointment of a Moderator and Clerk;
these officers shall be chosen by ballot, at each annual meeting, and
continue in office until new ones are chosen. Should any event
transpire so as to prevent an annual meeting of this Association, the
Moderator shall have power to call a meeting at any time or place;
which meeting, when convened, shall have all the rights of a regular
an nun 1 meeting.
IV. This Association shall not interfere Avith the rights of the
churches of which she is composed. She shall regard them as inde-
pendent bodies in all measures of internal government, and shall only
act as an advisory council; assuming no authority but what is ex-
pressly delegated to her by the churches, or evidently implied by the
very nature of the compact. She nevertheless claims authority over
her own members, the delegates of the churches, and in justice and
propriety must have power to withdraw from and disown all churches
that depart from the principles of this compact, by becoming hetero-
dox in faith or disorderly in practice. She should, therefore, regard
all the churches, united under the constitution, with a vigilant eye
for good. Her principal business shall be to promote the declarative
glory of God, by extendii'g his kingdom of grace on earth, through
the medium of preaching the gospel, and other means, in accordance
with that gospel, to cultivate union and fellowship with all the
churches of Christ, and especially with those united in this Associa-
tion.
V. Newly constituted churches, or churches dismissed from other
associations, of the same faith and order, may be admitted into this
union, on their sending up delegates to an annual meeting, with a
petition, and by those delegates agreeing to the abstract of principles
adopted by this Association.
VI. The churches in this union shall transmit to every annual
session of the Association written communications specifying the
names of the delegates, number in fellowship, baptized, received by
letter, dismissed, excluded, restored, deceased since last session," and
all other information which the church may deem of importance,
which shall be read and minuted ac*cordingly.
VII. This Association shall have a fund,"sui)plied by the volunta-
ry contributions of the churches, and all monies thus contributed
shall be transmitted from the churches and paid over, through the
25
Core 111 i*tee on Finauce, to the Treasurer, who shall be elected by bal-
lol, and hold his office during ibe pleasure of the Association. He
shall receive and manage the funds according to the order of the As-
sociation, and present annually, for insertion iu the minutes, a clear
and full statement of all receipts and expenditures.
VIII. This Association shall furnish the churches with the Min-
utes of every session.
IX. This Association shall take cognizance of no query sent up
from the churches unless they have endeavored to solve the same and
have failed: nor of any ditiiculty between churches, unless they have
pursued the directions contained in the xviii chapter of Matthew,
and have not been able to settle them; then the Association shall take
such matters into consideration, and act upon them at their discre-
tion.
X. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of this Association to keep a
regular file of printed Minutes of every session of this body, and de-
liver over the same to his successor in office.
XI. This Association, when convened, shall be governed by proper
rules of decorum, which she is authorized to form and am.end accord-
ing to her own views.
XII. This constitution may be altered or amended at a regular
meeting of the Association, by a concurring voice of two-thirds of the
members present; provided, such alteration or amendment be ap-
proved by a majority of the churches.
26
DECLARATION OF FAITH
OF THE
MOXTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
I. Of the Scriptukes. — We believe that the Holy Bible was
written by meu divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of hea\ enly
instruetiou; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and
truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the
princiijles by ^v hich God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall re-
main to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union and
the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opin-
ions should be tried.
II. Of the Trup: God. — That there is one, and only one, trueand
living God, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and iSupreme Ruler of
heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness; worthy of all
confidence and love; revealed under the personal and relative distinc-
tions of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal to every divine
perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption.
III. Of the Fall of Man. — That man was created in a state of
holiness, under the law ol his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions
fell from that holy and happy stat^; in consequence of which all man
kind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice, being by na-
ture utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, wholly
given to the gratification of the world, of Satan, and of their own sin-
ful passions; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal juin,
witliout defense or excuse.
IV. Of the Way of Salvation. — That the salvation of sinners
is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial ottice of the Son of God,
who took on Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the law by his
personal obedience, and made atonement for our sins by his death;
being risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven, and, unit-
ing in his wonderful person the teuderest sympathies with divine per-
fections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate
and an all-sufficient Savior.
V. Of Justification. — That the great gosi el blessing, which
Christ of his fullness bestows on such as believe in him, is justifica-
tion; that justification consists in the pardon of sin and the promise of
eternal life, on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in
consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but
solely through his own redemption and righteousness; that it brings
us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures
every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
Vi. Of the Freeness of Salvation.— That the blessings of
salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate
duty of all to accept them by cordial and obedient faith; and that
nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, except
his own voluntary refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ, which
refusal will subject him to an aggravated condemnation.
VII. Of Gracp: in Recjeneration. — That in order to be saved,
we must be regenerated, or born again, that regeneration consists in
giving a holy disposition to the miud, and is effected in a manner
above our eom prehension or calculation, by the power of the Holy
Spirit, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that
its proper'evidence is found in the holy fruit we bring forth to the
glory of God.
VIII. Of God's Purpose of Grace. — That election is the gra-
cious purpose of God, according to which he regenerates, sanctifies and
saves sinners; that, being jjerfectly consistent with the free agencj' of
man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that
it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being in-
finitely wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boast-
ing and promotes humility, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active
imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the
highest degree; that it is ascertained by its effects in all who believe
the gospel; is the foundation of Christian assurance, and that to ascer-
tain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves our utmost dil-
igence.
IX. Of the Perseverance of Saixts. — That such only are real
believers as endure to the end: that their persevering attachment to
Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial
professors; that a special Providence \Aatches over their welfare, and
that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
X. Harmoxy of the Law and Gospel.— That the law of God
is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it
is holy, just and good; that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe
to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of
sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them, through a Me-
diator, to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the
gospel and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of
the.visible church.
XI. Of a Gospel, Church.— That a visible church of Christ is a
congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith
and fellowship of the gosjDel, observing the ordinances of Christ, gov-
erned by his laws, and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges in-
vested in them by his word; that its only proper officers are bishops
or pastors, and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are
defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XII. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.— That Christian
baptism* is the immersion of a believer, in water, in the name of the
Father, Son and Spirit, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful em-
blem our faith in a crucified and risen Savior, with its purifying
power; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation
and to the Lord's supper, in which the members of the church, by the
use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of
Christ, preceded always by solemn self-examination.
XIII. Of the Christian Sabbath. — That the first day of the
week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath and is to be kept sacred
to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and recrea-
tions, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private
and public, and by preparation for that rest which remaineth for the
people of God.
XIV. Of Civil Government. — That civil government is of Divine
appointment, for the interest and good order of human society, and
that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and
obeyed, except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is the only Lord of the conscience, and Prince of the kings of the
earth.
28
XV. Of the Righteous and the Wicked. — That tbere is a
radical and essential ditlerence between the righteuiis and the wicked;
that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteoii/i in his
esteem; while all such as continue in impotence and unbelief are in
his sight wickedand under the curse; and this distinction holds among
men both in and after death.
XVI. Of the Wokld to Come. — That the end of this world is
approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven
and raise the dead from the grave to final retribuiiou; that a solemn
separatiqn will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to
endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this
judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on
principles of righteousness.
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