The Georgia Congregational Conference, from which I have just returned, is a large body, if an extensive framework can make it so. My share of the travel to its second annual session at Savannah was about six hundred miles. Of the fourteen churches, two of which are in South Carolina, all save one were represented, and the meeting was much enjoyed by all. The color line was a little indistinct and almost forgotten. The colored brethren were quite in the majority on the platform and on the floor, and gave good proof of their ability to preside with dignity—Rev. Floyd Snelson was our Moderator—and to speak fluently and well. In fact, they showed a real genius for public address, warranting the statement of a city daily—the Southern press is growing liberal—that their speeches were “worthy of the most dignified deliberative body.” Dr. Roy reported the great meeting at Chicago, giving, as he had already done at Atlanta and Macon, rich skimmings from the papers and speeches there presented, and greatly cheering, with these proofs of the sympathy of Northern Christians, those who must here learn to do without the sympathy of their near neighbors. His lecture on Congregationalism also elicited much interest, and nothing but the lack of money to pay the printer prevented its immediate publication in full, as a much needed campaign document for the use of the churches. To whatever church a man here belongs, it becomes him to be able to state and to justify its faith and polity. There is kept up a running fire of small arms between denominations here. It was encouraging to see that the men of this young Conference desire to be intelligent Congregationalists, and able to defend themselves; but it is hoped that they will not fall into the mistake of making denominational strife the chief end of their existence, as some of their neighbors seem to do.
The reports from the churches do not show any rapid increase. “We must expect the churches to be small, perhaps, for twenty years yet,” said one who has grown up with this work. There are obstinate prejudices in the way, and there is a great educational work yet to be done. A lay delegate sagely remarked: “When the ground is rough we must go slow, or there’ll be trouble,” adding also his personal testimony that, in seeking to bring others over to his way of thinking, he found it “mighty hard to sense them into anything better than their old ideas, that a man cannot have religion without making a great big fuss about it, and cannot pray without hollering as though the Lord was deaf;” but still he was sure that “if we kept pulling at the wheel and rolling on the chariot we should gain the field.”
TWO COUNCILS.
On the way down to Conference, some of us stopped at Macon, according to letters missive, for the examination and ordination of Preston W. Young, acting pastor at Byron; and during the sessions of Conference another council examined and ordained two others, A.J. Headen, of Cypress Slash, and T.T. Benson, of Orangeburgh, S.C. These three young men passed very creditable examinations, and, with Rev. J.R. McLean, moderator of the second council, formed a very interesting and promising group—all Talladega men and classmates—a fine illustration of the good work done by the school for the church. Putting all things together—Conference and Councils, and acquaintance with the teachers and their excellent work in Macon and Savannah—it was with us all a grand week, quickening in its Christian fellowship, and profitable in its revelations of work already done, and of harvests yet to be gathered.
THE CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE.
Education—Discipline—The Exercises.
REV. HORACE J. TAYLOR, ATHENS, ALA.
The Central South Conference embraces the Congregational churches of Tennessee, North Alabama and Mississippi. Last week we enjoyed the rare privilege of welcoming to our homes some of the members of this Conference, and the Field Superintendent of the A.M.A. On Thursday evening, Nov. 20th, Rev. G.W. Moore preached the opening sermon from Psalm lxxiii. 24, “Thou wilt guide me by thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” The subject was clearly and forcibly presented. On Friday morning an organization was effected by electing Rev. J.E. Smith, of Chattanooga, moderator. That morning was spent in hearing the narratives of the churches. The reports generally showed progress. Athens alone reported a less membership than last year; but in this church there has been a growth in grace in many of its members.
In the afternoon we discussed the subject of education. The young people were especially urged not to be content with a little schooling, nor even with a good common school education, but to press forward with a determination to secure the very highest education that can be secured. The idea that the schools at Chattanooga, Athens, Florence and Memphis ought to be feeders of Fisk University was well brought out. These schools cannot give the high education that can be gained at Fisk, and their success should be measured largely by the number of students they send to Fisk University. Rev. J. E. Smith read an article on the necessity of church discipline. The subject was well presented, and in the discussion that followed, as in the paper, the idea that church discipline ought to have for its main object the reclamation of the offender, was clearly brought out. Dr. Roy and others also spoke as to the method of church discipline, and especially the propriety of getting evidence from any source. It seems that some, perhaps a majority, of the churches about here will not receive the evidence of any but their own members. Some think that Congregational churches should be bound hand and foot in the same way, so that the devil and his followers can manage all in their own way. Then any member could be guilty of theft, adultery, fornication or anything else; if he only were not seen by members of this church he could remain in “good and regular standing.” Dr. Roy said emphatically that evidence was to be sought from any source, and weighed carefully. Others agreed with him.
At night Dr. Roy spoke, using his fine large map, on the work of the Association in the South. The house was full, and all were deeply interested. Saturday morning we listened to a paper by Rev. G. W. Moore, on how to reach the young people. Saturday afternoon was mainly taken up with hearing reports of committees. Revs. H. S. Bennett and J. E. Smith were chosen delegates from this Conference to the National Council. Saturday night we listened to the news of Trinity church and congregation. This was one of the best meetings of Conference. Sunday morning Rev. H. S. Bennett preached from Acts ii. 3, and Revs. A. K. Spence and G. W. Moore officiated at the communion. At night Rev. A. K. Spence preached to young people from Ps. cix. 9.