Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-03-31
on the leares like a sllEer raln.
THE BAPrIsrs IN NASHVILLE.

The Late Educational Convention
Southern Baptist Theological Sem
fnary-NashvIIIe Baptist Personals.
Rev. w. a. Montgomery, DID,, of Lead
vale, Tenn, one of the editors of the Rich
mond Religious Herald, attended the late
Baptist Educational Convention in this city,
and writes to his paper as follows:
The location of the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary" was a matter of alb
sorbihg interest, and the opinions of the
brethren present, we believe, were unani-
nous in favor Of Nashville as the place for
its location. We were surprised to find
such unanimity among brethren from diff
ferent sections, when Nashville had been
scarcely mentioned as the future seat of
this all important institution. We were led
to ask, is not the finger Of God in this
We are firm in. the conviction that this
city possesses advantages Of location,
facility of access, healthfulness of climate,
unequalled by any other competing point;
and We feel equally certain that, if not
located here, a serious mistake, if not a
grievious blunder, will be committed. We
do not say this because we happen to live
in Tennessee, but we speak from maturest
conviction. So far as the writer is con-
cerned, he is distinctly pledged to work
with and for the Seminary, wherever loCat-
ed, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande.
In bis estimation, the future success, and
consequent usefulness, of this institution
are in very great degree dependent on
favorable location, and the question of
such location is far too grave TO
allow personal preference for sections to in
fluence opinion or action. The following
points, made by I. G. Jones, were admira-
bly, put, and sustained by him in a speech
of great power, and full of the earnestness
of thorough conviction: Nashville is the
great radiating point from the South and
Southwest; it is south, but west as well,and
thus will harmonic those sections, now
likely to be estranged; it is central likewise
TO the Northern and Southern territory of
the Southern Baptist Convention it is grand
in scenery, healGhful in location, and sur
rounded by the loveliest country upon
which the sun ever shone, filed with pop
ulation cultivated, refined, warm-hearted,
Christian, and one promising a large and
rich field for the laboTs of the young men
while training for the work of after life.
Can more be desired? Yes, money, you
say. There are considerations, said the
Doctor, higher than money. A favorable
location, a united brotherhood South and
West, are far more important than money,
important as that is admitted to be by all.
The Doctor concluded by stating
,that the Tennessee University, at
Nashville, offered the Seminary
al the lecture rooms it would ever
need, with grounds for building dormitories
for the students and residences for the pro-
fessors, use of its magnificent library and
chemical and philosophical apparatus, ETC.,
free for all time to come. Mrs. EX-GOv.
a. V. Brown offers, also, a beautiful site
near the city. We have quoted the sub
stance of DR.. Jones' remarks from memory;
be will, we hope, excuse us for the injustice
we feel we do them. We conclude, on this
subject, as DR.. j. concluded his speech:
Tennessee is the State and Nashville is the
place for the Seminary"
Before closing, We must be allowed TO
say few words about Baptist interests at
Nashville and Edgefield. we have two
churches in Nashville and one in Edgefield.
The First church has for its pastor Rev. I.
G. Jones, ID. D., formerly Of Norfolk, Va,
a man known to most of our readers as
former President Of Richmond College,
clear-headed, warm-hearted, remarkable
alike for his vigor of intellect, varied
learning and simple, child-hke manners.
AS DR.. Skinner once said Of him, 'He is
fine specimen Of the old Virginia gentleman,
brought down by the grace sf God to the
simplicity Of a child" Under his able adj
ministration, the First church is in
flourishing condition. If we may Judge
from the expressions of love for DR.. Jones
we heard from members of his church and
congregation, he had just as well make
arrangements for lot in the cemetery, Tor
he will certainly be buried at Nashville.
The Central church is also in good con-
dition under the paStOrate Of Bro. lnman:
He has struggled with many difficulties and
surmounted them nObly. lie feels now to
e'thank Goo and take courage We were
delighted to make his acquaintance and feel
the warmth Of his genial nature.
Edgefield church is awakening to new life
under the pastOrate of our warm-hearted,
clear-headed, noble Bro NelSOn-the most
genial gentleman on this continent. Our
love for Bro. Nelson, an old East Tennessee
confrere, is so great that we will not trust
ourself to say more. We had the pleasure
of worshipping with this church on Sab
bath, in little upper room" the Mason
ic Library Room-and we almost felt, when
we saw cle zeal and devotion Of the little