LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION.
Annual Meeting at New Iberia, La.
BY REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.
This is the seventh annual meeting of this association I have attended, and I am glad to be able to say that for sustained interest, for vigorous thought expressed in the discussions, and for wise planning for the future, the meeting of this year outranks the previous ones. This is as it should be. It shows a degree of study and fidelity on the part of the ministers which promises well for the churches.
We are always glad to come to this beautiful Teche country. These broad prairies are fertile as a garden. The soil is so easy of cultivation, and yields such abundant harvests, and its market value is so low, that it is within the power of every industrious man to be a “proprietor of the soil,” and to own his homestead. That is what the colored people are doing in this garden district of the State, and it tells upon the character of the people and the respect which they claim from the community.
It has been a year of quiet growth in most of the churches. Central Church of New Orleans reports the largest accession, 46, of whom 40 came on profession of faith—the ingathering of the revival of last winter. Some of the churches have been repaired and beautified; debts have been paid off, or greatly reduced; disturbing elements have been eliminated, and the way opened for a larger and more healthful growth in the coming year.
One new church has been organized at Belle Place, near New Iberia, and by the timely help of the A. M. A. will soon put up a tasteful chapel, and will become, we hope, the center of religious influence for a large colored population. Mr. Samson, the white planter, encourages the enterprise by kind words and generous donations.
There are other open doors which we should enter at once. We can hear the word of command: “Go up and possess the land.” How much good a little financial aid would do just now in the beginning of church enterprises, which, by God’s help, would grow into important centers of good for the race.
I believe so thoroughly in the comity of churches, that where the field is already occupied by other churches, and vigorously cultivated by them, and the religious needs of the people are met, I would not favor the establishment of another church, though its creed and polity were more to our inclination. But the field is so broad, and the destitution so great, that there is room for the expenditure of the largest sympathy and the most vigorous effort toward church enlargement. This missionary spirit was felt by the Association, and the session of most tender interest was the last, when the broad subject of missions was presented by eight speakers selected by the business committee. The meeting had a glow to it that was refreshing. Every one seemed to catch the inspiration and to respond heartily to it.
Our field agent, Dr. Roy, always welcome, and always charged with just the message which these churches and brethren need, brought to us again this year, vigorous words, wise counsels, and the kindest, most sympathetic spirit. Our association would hardly seem complete without him.
Thus another year of effort, of struggle and of self-denial for Christ, has left its record upon the churches, and has, we trust, made a record in heaven, which we shall be willing to meet.