As I have already spoken of the precious revival in Central Church, in which more than fifty were converted, and the church itself greatly quickened and refreshed, I will not recite the facts again. The church of Brother Clay (one of the veterans and pioneers of Congregationalism in Louisiana), in Terrebonne, has passed through joyful and glorious experiences. The church has been thronged for days and weeks. Mr. Clay said: “I did not know where all the people came from. The church and church-yard were filled with a dense mass of people. It seemed as though they sprung out of the ground.” Night after night the earnest truths of the Gospel were preached, and night after night “mourners” crowded the anxious seats, crying for mercy. The people came from long distances, five and seven miles. God put honor upon His word, and many have been converted, and still the good work goes on. Pastor Clay’s heart is filled with joy and thankfulness.
QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.
Among the topics considered at the Conference were the following:
Revivals: The best method of promoting and conducting them. Education: The demand of the hour; how shall we meet it? Faith: Its nature; how can we secure greater faith? Its joys and its triumphs. What more can we do to reach the people with the Gospel?
These questions were discussed with vigor and interest. Of course, no speeches had been prepared in advance, and I was surprised at the real excellence of the addresses. Mistakes in grammar were sometimes made, and there were not many classical allusions, but the speeches had the true ring, and good will come of them.
PUBLIC SERVICES.
The opening sermon was given by the Moderator, Mr. Alexander, from Matthew 1, 23: “They shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” It was a great pleasure to speak to such an audience. The church was densely packed, the entry was filled; people took positions under the windows on the outside, and fully one hundred, having sought admission in vain, went reluctantly away. Mr. Hall, of New Orleans, preached the second evening; after which, the Moderator made an address on “Christian Unity,” in the hope of removing or modifying some of the asperities and jealousies existing among the colored churches. The address was received with strong expressions of sympathy. One good old “auntie” said the next day: “Don’t you say anything against that minister. He is trying to build up both sides. He don’t wish to break down anybody.”
ORDINATION.
On Friday evening Mr. Homer Jones, a member of the church at New Iberia, but a resident at Lake Piegneur, having passed a faithful examination before the Conference regarding his Christian experience, his religious belief, and his ability to preach, was ordained as an Evangelist.
Bro. Jones is a warm-hearted Christian, and will make an able and successful minister. He has served the churches faithfully for two years or more without compensation. He owns a small farm of eighteen acres on the shore of the beautiful Lake Piegneur. His worthy wife was for a short time a student in Straight University. He expresses his willingness to leave his beautiful home, and go anywhere, even to Africa, where God may call him.