SOUTH-WESTERN CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION.
Annual Meeting at Terrebonne, La., Apr. 7–10.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.
The fact that our meeting was to be at Terrebonne, where we have a live, growing church, and a vigorous, devoted minister, gave promise not only of a hospitable welcome, but of a profitable season of communion.
Brother Clay and his church had made every preparation. One hundred and fifty dollars had been raised and expended in putting the church and parsonage in perfect order. A long room in the house adjoining the church had been provided with a table sufficient to accommodate the delegates, and the table was furnished with new tumblers, knives and forks and spoons, and the kitchen with a new stove, all involving a good bill of costs, but met with the greatest cheerfulness, and without the thought of hardship; and then the members of the church and congregation brought in chickens, hams and bread, and everything to satisfy the appetite of hungry men, and I find that Louisiana Congregationalists eat with the same relish as their brethren in the New England Associations. So much for the material part of the feast, for which Brother Clay and his flock deserve all praise and thanks.
With the exception of two of the small mission churches, every church was represented. Terrebonne is central, and the Morgan R. R. extension (finished to New Iberia), makes communication easy and rapid. There is something delightful about a new church organization. There is an inspiration in building upon newly-laid foundations, and every member feels that he is essential to the success of the movement. In an organization representing many years and great numerical strength, a man of quiet, retiring spirit is lost to view; but in the first years, every heart and hand are needed.
The reports from the churches indicate a pure and steady growth. The process of cutting off dead branches has gone on, so that although nearly two hundred have been received during the year, the numerical gain over all losses has been very small. We are glad to believe that the sixteen hundred members in the churches of the Association represent more solid moral worth than in any previous year. In the business sessions, when questions requiring wisdom and prudence were presented, and in the discussions of vital religious topics, I was gratified to observe real progress in the ability, self-control and kindly Christian spirit of the brethren. These annual meetings serve as a profitable school, and are attended by willing and eager learners. It was a great joy and blessing to have Dr. Roy with us this year. The brethren have already learned to love him, and to confide in his counsels. The Association placed him under heavy tribute at this meeting. At their request he give an address on “Our Country,” and with his large illustrative map indicated the vast extent and marvelous resources of what is now their country, and of which they are citizens. But a few years ago the plantation was all the country they knew anything about, and from the law of the plantation there was no appeal. But now they belong to Uncle Sam’s family of 50,000,000, and can look to him for protection.
Dr. Roy gave an address on our Congregational polity, which greatly delighted the people. Hitherto, many of them have loved Congregationalism without being able to give a reason for it. The address was timely and profitable, because the brethren, while not waging a denominational warfare with other churches, desire to be intelligent in regard to their own faith, and to be able “to give a reason for the hope that is within them.”
The annual sermon, by Rev. W. P. Ward, of Gretna, was earnest and practical, and prepared the large audience for the sermon of the Moderator which followed it. But few congregations in the North would bear two sermons on the same evening, but they not only did that at Terrebonne, but by song and prayer and exhortation continued the service another hour. The brethren seconded the appeals of the preachers from the pulpit, and went down among the people, entreating them to come to Christ by repentance and faith. Eight came forward and kneeled down for prayer, and many hands went up in the audience. God put honor upon His truth that night, and the hearts of the people were touched.
The sermon of Dr. Roy on the last morning was tender and searching, and the tears of the people showed that he had not spoken in vain.
The Church in New Iberia called Rev. W. R. Polk, and he has already entered upon his work. He has a good field. May God give him grace to cultivate it.
Five “missionaries at large” were chosen. Some of them already have churches, and take on all the supplementary work for which they can find time. These men are unsalaried, and depend, in their missionary tours, upon the thoughtful kindness and hospitality of those to whom they go. Hospitality is a virtue among this people. They exercise it “without grudging.” They have a real love for sharing their “loaf” with him, be he stranger or friend, who calls at their door. It is only necessary that he have the “password” of the Christian Church.
Rev. W. S. Alexander and Rev. Isaac H. Hall were elected delegates to the National Congregational Council.
The next meeting of the Association will be held in Terrebonne the 1st Wednesday in April, 1881. Brother Clay said: “I haven’t been half paid for my trouble. You must come back next year.”
Greeting to all the sister Associations in the North! Perhaps we should say filial rather than fraternal, but the infant of five years ago is a good, strong child to-day, and we claim a seat at the family table.