The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-05-30

ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN Sun
DAY-SCHooL UNIoN.-The anniversary OF the
Presbyterian Sunday-School Union was Gel
ebrated on Sunday afternoon at O'Clock IN
the First church. In spite OF the threaten
ing clouds the house was filled almost to
overflowing, crowding even the asleS, gal
leries, and adjoining lccture-room. The
President, j. d. II. Sleight, conducted the
exercises, and Robert Someryille secretary.
The singing by the children, led by the
president, and the organ, played by Profes-
sor n. 3. Clapp, were pronounced by all TO
be uneXcelled. The opening hymn was
" Come, come to the Saviour. make no de-
lay" This was followed with prayer by
Rev. w. n. Scott. Then another hymn and
reading of Scripture by Rev. w. W. Hous-
ton, of Salem, Va. The reports Of the sec
retary and president were then presented.
The report shows total attendance OF Of
fcers and teachers in the schools OF l95;
scholars on roll, 1865; average attendance
of scholars, 1904; contributions-reSular,
SL07S.60; special, S47l.12. Conversions
First church, 16; Second church, 80; Grace
Street church, II; Third church, 6; Man
chester church, 8; Second Ch'lrch mis-
sion, 3-total, II. Deaths-First church, l !;
Second church, 1; Manchester church, T.;
Second Church mission, total, 4.
The president next read his annual re-
port. The mission school OF the Second
church is reported to be in tlourishlng and
healthy condition. The attendance OF the
Grace-Street, Third, and Manchester schools
average almost exactly the same for the past
three years. =
"In closing" says the President 81 Will
make two or three suggestions which, II
prayerfully followed, will, I am sure, bring
forth fruit in the year to comc-VlZ.: Flrst.
That we inaugurate a more persistent anu
regular system of visitation, either By the
teachers themselves or by committees ap--
pointed for this special work. The fruits OF
such plan are constantly seen III the
schools and classes where it is followed, and
it never fails. To this visitation would
add liberal attention to the physical wants
OF the needy ones in certain seasons
of the year. Second. | would commend
the formation OF adult Bible-classes, to be
taught by the pastor, or some competent lay
man. And, finally, that the Church itself show
more interest and zeal in the welfare OF this
branch OF its work by 90 devising liberal
things" for its support; not throwing its
financial burdens upon the teachers and scho-
lars, but cheerfully supplying all the funds
that are needed, remembering that we cam
not s!make brick without straw; and,
lastly, by cheering the labors of the teachers
with their presence in the school when pos
sible so to do.
In the year to come may Gods richest
blessing rest upon our labors, and when an
other anniversary shall come may we be
enabled to say: ''He hath done great things
for us, whereof we are glad" and to His
name shall be the glory forever more.
After these reports there came brief and
appropriate addresses from Rev. William
n. Scott, M. NJ. Gillian, Esq, Rev. w. A.
Campbell, and Mr.. c. 81. Harris, Of New
Jersey.
The exercises were closed with singing
GIVE shall meet by and bye" " and the bene-
diction by Rev. Il. L. Preston, D. D.