THE CENTRAL SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE.
This religious body held its autumn meeting with the Second Congregational Church, Memphis, Tenn. Delegates representing the Churches in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, were present. The following programme illustrates the orderly way and the practical character of the brethren engaged in our church work South:—“Annual Sermon,” Rev. Wm. H. Ash, Florence, Ala.; “Church Extension,” Rev. Jos. E. Smith, Chattanooga; “Education,” Rev. G. W. Moore, Nashville; “Missions,” Professor H. S. Bennett, Fisk University; “How to Develop the Benevolence of the Churches,” Professor A. K. Spence, Fisk University; “Absolute Necessity of Education for the Colored People,” President Magoun, of Iowa College.
In addition to the foregoing exercises, the Conference examined and licensed for one year Mr. B. F. Foster, of Arkansas, a former student of the Theological department of Fisk University. It also renewed the licensure of Rev. W. H. Fuller, a student of the Theological department of Talladega College. During the session a council was organized for the examination of Mr. B. A. Imes, a graduate of Oberlin College and Theological Seminary, with reference to his ordination and installation as pastor of the church in which the Conference was convened. Rev. Dr. Roy was Moderator of the Council, and the examination was very thorough and satisfactory. Dr. Magoun, whose daughter is the accomplished teacher of music in the Le Moyne Institute, was present to preach the ordination sermon, and Rev. G. Stanley Pope, of Tougaloo University, to give the charge to the pastor. This young conference, which already numbers twelve churches, possesses the elements of a steady and helpful growth, indicative of a better era for pure religion at the South.
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Wilmington, N. C.—Pressure for admission to the lower classes still continues. The school is crowded and there already is an overflow room. Others are knocking morning, noon and night for admittance.
Macon, Ga.—School opens unusually full, but better than that is the fact that we have a good school. I can truly say that I feel we are doing well in every part of the work.
Marietta, Ga.—Our work here is decidedly encouraging. No new members yet, but three or four candidates are waiting to be admitted whenever we deem it proper to receive them. One of these is a man who brings a nice family to our Congregation; he has six very bright children, five of whom are old enough to attend our Sunday-school. I have been laboring in a quiet way, spending much of my time in visiting the people, and with better acquaintance with them I hope to do good work here. Sunday-school is already showing an increase. Our monthly and quarterly concerts are doing much good. Our choir meetings are helpful; in connection with the practice of songs for the Sabbath we teach vocal music, and allow all who wish to attend; thus far the plan has worked well. Our organ is our greatest present burden, but we hope to be able to pay for it at the stipulated time.
Anniston, Ala.—Last Sabbath was our regular communion day, and a very precious day it was to us. We were gathering up the fragments of our protracted services. There were seventeen conversions during the revival, and thirteen of the converts united with us. The church has been quickened by the Spirit and backsliders restored.