The Central South Association
By Rev. B.A. Imes.
Another "best of all meetings" has occurred. The Union Church at Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., together with the combined population of that interesting institution, was "our host," and was most cordial in the entertainment of guests, from April 3d to 7th. Jonesboro, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Sherwood, Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., with Louisville, Ky., Sand Mountain, Florence and Athens, Ala., and Little Rock, Ark., were represented by from one to three delegates each, including pastors, except in cases of Louisville and Sand Mountain.
Rev. Samuel Rose of Jonesboro, gave the opening discourse—"If ye love me, keep my commandments." Friday morning devotional meeting found a good number of one accord in one place, asking for the renewed anointing of the Holy Spirit. The business session began with Brother Yancy B. Sims, of Little Rock, as Moderator, Rev. S. Rose, Recording Secretary. After roll-call, the narrative of the state of religion in the churches showed not any flattering condition of prosperity, but in general a state of hopefulness. Some of the churches are evidently becoming established, while pastors, laboring amid all the trials incident to the common poverty, the want of general culture, and of experience in self government, have occasion to walk by faith oftener than by sight. "To patience, experience," is a phrase we are studying in the original.
"Christian Benevolences and their Administration," was the title of a paper presented by B.A. Imes of Memphis. The general discussion was animated. It was agreed we should understand that contributions to the cause of religion are not gifts. When we offer to the Lord we only pay what we owe. Religion has too long been made to go a begging.
Prof. H.S. Bennett spoke on "Ministerial Support."
On Friday night, members of the Association found themselves "complimented" with tickets, and crowded in the chapel of Livingstone Hall, where Prof. Spence and the Mozart Society, of Fisk, treated us to an [pg 153] excellent rendering of Haydn's great oratorio, "The Creation." Many came over from the city, whites from "best families," all crowding in—listening, wondering, enjoying! How the music of those well-tuned instruments and voices caught us up and carried us away! Color-line melted and faded out! How we wished the politicians all might have been brought under that magic spell of solos and choruses! Next morning yet they were ringing in our heads, and stirring our hearts with the praises of God.
Saturday A.M. was largely spent in the able and effective presentation of the topic, "The Holy Spirit, His Personality and Work," by Rev. R.B. Johns, of Nashville. We agreed to carry the discussion further on our knees before God. Saturday P.M. nine young men were examined for licensure to preach. With few exceptions, their intelligent answers and general clearness of thought were creditable indeed. These young men belong to different college classes. They have taken instruction in theology with Prof. Bennett, at times crowded in between regular work in their classes. With these was Brother J.D. Pettigrew, a former Fisk student, who returned recently from Paris, Texas, to be ordained. His examination was conducted with something of scrutiny, and it was apparent that a clear head, studious mind and consecrated heart afford reason to expect for him a useful career. He seems devoted and teachable.
Sunday at eleven A.M. Prof. Bennett gave the sermon from "I magnify mine office." Then followed the solemn act of ordination. Rev. Jos. E. Smith, H.S. Williams, Prof. Bennett, and B.A. Imes, the latter offering the prayer, laid their hands on the kneeling brother's head and "set him apart for the ministry." All present seemed impressed with the solemn ceremony. The afternoon brought us to the Lord's table. Five young people were taken into the church.
At night a service of song led by Prof. Spence and his "sweet singers," together with addresses by Rev. George Smith, President Cravath, Rev. Eugene A. Johnson and B.A. Imes closed the delightful day and another meeting of the Central South.
Florence, Ala., is to be the next meeting place.
Rev. J.H. Frazee of Knoxville Pilgrim Church was received "by letter" into the Central South Association. Also Rev. Lot Lake of the Welsh Church, and Rev. F.E. Jenkins of New Decatur. The latter reported his church as expecting to join in the near future. The Plymouth Church Knoxville, was received in response to its application, by letter; the two delegates appointed, business men, were hindered from coming. However we have these tokens of the blessed Gospel spirit uniting these churches in fraternal union, we hope in spirit as well as name, and casting out from the Lord's people the demon of color-caste.
Not the least interesting feature of our gathering was the presence of the many bright and promising young people at Fisk University. And we renewed our appeal for a Theological Seminary, which is greatly needed.