, 1872-12-11
CHICAGO BAPTIST UNION.

First Annual 1Ieeting-Addrcsscs by Promi-
nent Clerg5men-EIection Of Omcers.
The first annual meeting Of the Chicago Bap-
tist Union was held last evening, in the Second
Baptist Church, Mr. c. r. Blackau in the chair.
Delegates were present from nearly all the
churches Of that denomination. The exercises
opened with the singing Of the hymn, after
which the Rev T. ". Goodspeed read the Scrip
ture and the Rev. ". Everts offered prayer.
The roll Of the churches having been called,
the Rev. DR.. Goodspeed, ST., pastor of the
church, briefly welcomed the Union and invited
the members to q sociable at the close Of the e1-
ercises.
Mr.. Blackan presented his annual report as
President. After dwelling On the history Of tho
Union at length, the President made some rec
concentrations; first, to have an annual Sunday
School gathering second, to have m annual
business meeting Of the Union, and th1rd, to
have an annual dinner.
Mr. Hancbett presented the annual report OF
the Board of Directors, which consisted OF
brief epitome of the events Of the past year,
having an interest for the members Of the
Union. There had been eleven meetings Of the
Board; the attendance had been regular, and
the work kharmoniously carried on. The report
Was concurred in.
The Board proceeded to ballot for officers for
the ensuing year, resulting as touo~s:
Prcsident-C. B. Blackau.
Vice Presidents-W. Garnet, s. s. scribner, 0. B.
Mullins.
Greasurcy-H. B. Brayton.
Secretary-Theodore J. E1nore
During the absence Of tie Committee, the
Rev. Florence Mccarthy VAS called upon to ad-
dress the meeting. He said he had no speech
we're those, he asked, who had predicted the
dissolution Of the Union; who had croaked of
the corpses OF, defunct Unions scattered round?
Il the Union lived, it was big thing for two OF
ago. It was the mission Of the Union TO create
the sentiment upon which the Union should
live. He had never heard such prayer be-
fore that which DR.. Eyerts had offered.
He felt then that al the Baptist Churches were
praying together. He loved bis OWL Cthe Union
Park Church loved everything about it !; but
he did not know which he loved best, his Church
or the Union. He thought the Constitution of
tho Union WAS badly drawn up, but it Was good
all through. twas good democratic constitu-
ton, and the ministers we're for once put in the
background. He recommended that a collec-
tion be taken up in every church for the pur-
pose Of putting the churches at Lawndalo and
the Rock Island car works on sure basis. The
some OF those he loved vas libel and elan-
der.
Rev. DR.. Thomas was called upon, but shook
his head in the negative and finally took off his
and DR.. Mccarthy we're formerly on the Board
Of Directors, but had left it. Since that it had
prospered LLaughtor.l For the purpose Of
saving the Fifth Church, he had worked hard
also to effect an union between the North Side
churches, but he had failed. He then left the
Board. A part Of the church extension pro-
gramme had been carried out, but was not men
toned in the report; one church had been
scattered; second absorbed; . third seriously
troubled and embarrassed, while fourth had
been sold. lLaughter.] He rejoiced with
Mr. Mccarthy that the work should
have progressed as well as it had
done since Mr.. Mccarthy and: he had left the
Board of Directors; and hoped that at the next
meeting he would find fund subscribed for the
encouragement Of feeble churches springing
into existence.
4 communication VAS read from L. D. Boone,
calling attention to the fact that, unless speedy
measures we're taken, the Fifth Church would be
sold for half its value, and the congregation
scattered. 1t WAS referred to the Board Of Di-
rectors.
communication from the Swedish Baptist
Church, calling for assistance, was also referred
to the Board of Directors.
After hot discussion by DR.. Evarts and
others, On the subject OF some funds connected
with the North Star Church, the meeting ad-
iOurned.