Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-06-22
Altoona District II. E. Church Sunday
School Convention.


The Convention met in the N. K. Church
in HolGdaysburg, Tuesday, June I. 1870, at
10 O clock A. NJ.
Rev. J. S. McMurray was elected chair
man, John G. Love, Secretary, and Rev.
". II. Norcross, Assistant Secretary.
The Sunday Schools of the following
charges were represented by one or more
delegates, including many ministers of the
District.
Allegheny, Altoona lst Charge, Holidays
burg, Duncansville, Martinsburg, Williams
burg, Logan's Valley, Howard, Bellefonte,
Half Moon, Clearfield Station, Clearfeld
Circuit, Warriorsmark, Glen Hope and Os-
ceola.
On motion it was resolved that all friends
of the Sabbath School work, who are pres
ent, be invited to take part in the business
of the Convention.
The morning session was occupied with
reports from the Schools represented. The
first question for discussion was, ''At what
sge may we, with proper religious instruc
ton, expect the conversion of our children,
was taken up in the beginning of the after
noon session. and after a number of earnest
remarks by several ministers and lay men, it
vas resolved, that according to the teach
ings of the Bible, we may expect the con,
version Of children at very early age and
therefore School Teachers, even including
those having charge of the infant classes,
should direct ali their efforts to this couver-
sion and christian training
The second question, What is successful
teaching and what is the secret of success,
was discussed in an impressive manner by
several, among whom was the s. S. agent
from New York, Rev. j. S. Ostraudcr.
The hour for adjournment having come
the question was laid over until Wednesday
morning.
Tuesday evening was appointed for the
Annual Sermon by Rev J. MuIin, of Belle
lonte 1t was truly an able production. The
stirring eloquence Of the Rev. gentleman
doubtless made impressions lasting as life
itself His tezt was Psalms IA: -.
After the sermon, Rev. j. s. Ostrander
entertained the audience with a forcible ad-
dress on the Importance of the Sabbath
School work, and the nature, object, and
workings of the Sunday School Union
Wednesday morning, after the adoption
of a resolution appointing the next meeting
Of the Convention on the 4th Tuesday of
May, 1871, at Clear6eld, Pa, tie discus
sion of the question of yesterday was resum-
ed. and the following resolution adopted:
Rcs0iCe3, That successful teaching is that.
and that only, that reaches its cnl-the con
version of the sorl and the training of it
for God and Heaven, and that the secret OF
success lies in the soul conservation of the
teacher TO God and the work.
On motion, Rev. j. S. Ostrander proceed
ed TO illustrate by blackboard, the best means
of Sunday School teaching, showing the re-
q1sirements Of the model teacher in very
instructive manner.
The question, How far may children and
youth be employed in the advancement Of
Christs Kngdom?" was then taken up.
and ably discussed by Rev. j. d, Brown. Of
India, and Others, when the question was
decided by the adoption Of the following
resolution:
ResoIcsI, That children and youth may
be employed in the enlargement Of Christ 3
Kingdom in many ways therefore il is the
duty of every parent, pastor and teacher to
encourage them 10 devote their time and
talent TO this end.
Quite pleasant discussion by Rev Mr.
Blair of the u Presbyterian church Of In
diana, and others, was carried on on the
question, What is the reflex operation OF
Sabbath SchooliastrUction upon the person
al piety Of the teacher" but the hour fixed
for adjournment came before a resolution
was adopted.
The afternoon was appointed for Chill
dren's meeting. This was, to many, the
best meeting of the entire session. Rev. j.
d. Brown, in very pleasant manner, told
many things about the children of India
and sang couple of hymns in the language
of the heatens. Stirring addresses by Rev's
]. Il. M'Cord, j. Foster Bell and j. S. 0s
'trander, interspersed with many beautiful
Sunday School Songs by the sweet-voicec
children, constituted an entertainment thai
| will not soon be forgotten. After passing
resolutions Of thanks 20 the people and pas
tor of Hollidaysbnrg for their hospitality
Rev's J. D. Brown and j. S. Ostrsnder fo
their presence and assistance, and Rev. j
Mullin for the annual sermon, the Conven
tion adjourned. The children sang Vale!
of Blessing and the DOxology, and ali wcr'
dismissed with benediction by Rev. j. S
! Ostrander. ". Il. NoRcRoss,
Asst Secretary.
/ THE ANNEXATION of British Columbia
10 tba Dominion Of Canada, is now unde
o,,s;.lorot;on bnt principal difficulty il