The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-08-08
Middle District Baptist Ass0cIatioH'
I
lRepor:ed for the Dispstch.J

CHESTERFIELD COCFI1 huSust -, Ao'T'
The delegates of this Association assem-
bled in their ninety-frst annual session with
Bethlehem Baptist church, Rev. w. 5. Blanc,
pastor, at y o'clock to-day There are TWEEN
tv.six churches, most of which are repre-
serted, and there are some Elk or eight Visit
ing ministers and prominent laymen.
The Introductory sermon was preached nj
the "stand" by Rev. j. K. Bagby, of Pow
hatan county, from /. Corinthians IN, "a
"Lo, run that ye may Obtain" The speaker
was in good voice, and his sermon clear,
practical, and warmly pressed.
The music was particularly sweet and the
whole service delightful.
The hospitality of the People was richly
displayed during the recess. Long and
loaded tables, served by the most attentive
walters, fully supplied the inner man,
while the COMMITTEE on Eospitalities "
provided every delegate with home for the
night.
at O'Clock the Association was called to
ordsr by Rev. w. S. Bland, the former
moderator, the letters read, and the organi-
zltion for the present session effected by the
election of Rev. w. S. Bland, moderator,
and Dr.. Lewis Dorset, clerk and treasurer.
Visiting ministers were invited to seats.
Among them we notice Rev. W. j. David,
of Mississippi, who is expecting to be ap-
pointed missionary to Africa; Rev. r. W.
Cridiin, of Portsmouth,; Rev. c. Fl. Ry land,
financial secretary Of Richmond College,
and others. After the appointment of the
usual committees, special committee on
state Of the Churches was raised, whose duty
it will be to suggest some practical method
Of supplying the destitute parts Of the asso..
ciational field with preaching. 1t is notice
able from the letters that Church consolida-
lHion is much talked of, and will correct many
of the evils complained of.
Rev. c. Fl. Ryland has been actively can.
yassing the memorial contributions of this
Association, and from his close conferences
with leading men in each church, we suspect
he will return to Richmond with all the il.
formation required for the successful prose
cution of his great work.
Rev. j. AID. French breaches at "The
Pits" tonight sat early candle-light."
Second Day.
The morning opened with light rains, and
| the crowd gathers slowly. In looking around
for few moments before services, We notice
| more particularly than on yesterday the need
Of new house of worship for this well,to
| do people, and we are not surprised to learn
| that those who are jealous tor the Lord:
honor" are contemplating the erection of
better building. If stranger might expires;
wish, it would be to see the present site
| abandoned for one on the turnpike, more
accessible and appropriate. The present
Bethlehem is very decidedly "bid away
and the church should arise, move, anc
build.
After opening religious services the Asso
ciation was called to order.
The first report taken up was by D. N
| Goode, Of Mt. Hermon church, on Systematic
Beneficence and Ministerial Support. 1t wa
discussed by the laymen principally, anl
unanimously adopted. The speeches 0
Messrs. Goode, Payne, and B. a. Hancock
were all excellent.
| Following this, came the report on Minis
terial Education, which was discussed will
very practical results by Revs. G. 81. Ryland
j. r. Bagby, and s. c. Clopton. All The
churches pledged contributions through
special committees to the Education Board
and Mr.. Clopton got very praiseWortby
Offering in bonds to the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary.
After a recess for the grand dinner, spread
in the neighboring grove, partaken of byi
vast crowd, among whom re noticed large
! number of beautiful young ladies from the
vicinity, the Association considered the re
port on Foreign Missions. Rev. Messrs
Upper, of Richmond |; David, of Mississip
pi, and Ryland, of Richmond, and Delegate
Payne, of Chesterfield, delivered addresses
The occasion was the most interesting ye
noticed BY us, caused by the presence OF the
young missionary elect and the illusions tt
him BY the speakers. At the close of thu
discussion, prayer was offered for Mr. David