The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-04-04
Sunday School Meeting IN waynesboro'

|
meeting of delegates from churches IN
tho First District of the Augusta Baptist AS
ISOLATION was held in Waynesboro' last week,
beoinninp Friday and continuing through
Sunday, in which many important matters
!, relating to Sunday-schools we're discussed.
} AS the weather was pleasant and goodiy
number of delegates were present, some Oh
whom had evidently prepare themselves
carefully on the topics to be discussed, TIE
meeting was one Of interest from the peslh :
ming, and continued to be more attractive
to its close, as was indicated by the con-
stantly increasing attendance at every ses-
sion, till, OIL Sunday,at the last two sessions,
the house was too small to hold the congre-
cations assembled.
The exercises were begun on FRIDAY
morning at II O'Clock, by the former Mod
orator, Rev. S. Funk, calling the body 10
order; and, after devotional services, the
body proceeded to organization by appoint
ing VIM. II. Peyton as Moderator, and W.
A. Whtescarvcr as Clerk. The introduce
ton sermon was then preached by DR.. Man
| !. dCCUIulIlS W ENCNiOua dPPOiiAthiS''s ~
the s'Conversion of the Young" from Mark
x, II, Is. The subjects for further consid-
Grafton having been announced, by special
vote, visiting members of other denomlna-
tons were cordially invited to take part in
the discussions and it added not a little TO
the enjoyment Of the meeting that this in
vitation was acted upon by Rev. Mr.. Nc
Cutcheon, pastor of the Presbyterian church,
and Rev. MIR. Grabil, pastor of the Metho-
dist church.
The discussion of the first topic, The
Teachers Preparation of the Lesson" was
opened by Revs. J. A. Woodson and W. L.
Yarbrough, in which thorough and prayful
study of the Bible itself was insisted on as
the chief matter. Another speaker called
attention TO the Importance OF the teachers
keeping constantly i'll mind the individuals
of his class, to adapt his Instructions to each
one, according to his special need. Mr.. G..
J. Pratt then read an essay on the "Mutual
relation of Superintendent and Teachers, :"
which showed that he understood something
about this subject as we'll as how to raise
the fine stock for which he is so well-known.
And as Superintendent of the WaynesDoro'
Baptist Sunday what he said embod-
led the results of thoughtful experience.
''Country Sunday-schoois, their Peculiar
Difficulties, and how to overcome them,!"
was the next subject. This was presented
in practical way by Messrs. r. 3. HIND
ley and E. Furr, superintendent. the one
oo1 al, Of
Laurel Hill. The question of suspending
) schools during the winter, received some at
tention In this connection and it seemed to
be considered that this practice is rarely
really necessary, and is to be avoided where
at all possible.
"The importance of training the young in
UNCONVENTIONAL Principles" was next pre-
sented in two essays-the one by Rev. S.
5 Funk, and the other by Mr.. J. S. Gillian.
, Both these papers attracted particular at
, | tention, as taking strong positions with the
utmost simplicity and frankness, but with
SO much courtesy to other denominations as
to give no just ground to any to find fault.
From what we have heard, it is probable
: that, at least, one of these essays will be
given to the public in printed form. The
Rev. ]. H. Taylor then delivered an address
on the Relation of the Family to the Sun
day-school, defining the sphere Of each
and showing how they may prove mutual
: help.
.srhe Importance Of training the Sunday
: School in systematic contributions, twas dis
eGssed oy Messrs. w. Fl. Peyton and G..
I w. Satler, each in an elaborate essay, with
points well taken and impressively illustra-
Lied. With one of them chat of Mr.. Peyton)
the Editor Of the Waynesboro' Tribune was
so favorably impressed that he requested it
for publication, and it will doubtless soon
appear in the columns of that paper. 1t is
to be hoped that it will be widely read.
Some questions, submitted in writing, re-
lating to Sunday school matters were placed
, in the hands OF DR.. Manly to be answered.
This gave pleasing variety to the exercis-
es, and the answers seemed to give satisfac-
. ton.
The value Of the ''Uniform Lesson Sys-
ten," as method of teaching, was forcibly
S presented by Rev. W. A. Whitescarver,
: whose long experience in Sunday-schools
> enabled him to speak with authority.
The last topic considered was Sunday
school Music" In an essay by MIR. L. Vaw-
ter, who is himself capital singer, much
valuable suggestion was made, showing the
true place of music as means of worship
: and instruction, and pointing out some
l abuses that have existed. Rev. S. Funk
called attention to the Importance of teach
, ing in the Sunday school, the old by INNS and
tunes which will forever form the staple of
music in public worship.
For the want OF time, it was impossible to
discuss two other subjects chat were on the
programme the 'Principles of Rewards
to Scholars" and the "Relation Of the Pas
! tor to the Sunday-school.
These exercises were frequently inter-
spersed with beautiful music, directed by
DR.. w. A. Jones, in which the congregation
:, heartily joined,-an organ, lent for the oc-
: clsion by lady of the congregation, being
= generally presided over by Mr.. Stebbins,
who displayed great taste and skill in the
. Use of the instrument.
Besides those mentioned in connection
D with each topic, other gentlemen participa-
v ted in the discussion, contributing to the in :
y terest and spirit of the exercises. On Sun
: day, the visiting ministers supplied the pull
pits of the churches in the place, and in the
: afternoon mass meeting Of all the Sunday
Schools was held In the Baptist church. 1t
was crowded to its utmost capacity, and
+ many who came could not get in at all. At
l. ter singing and prayer by Rev. Mr.. McCutch.
e en-, addresses were made by DR.. Manly, Mr..
l. Taylor and Mr.. Huff, beautiful songs occur.
ing between. the addresses. Without any Of
e the jokes and funny stories which are some
r times all that is heard on such occasions, the
e interest of the congregation. old and young.
= was maintained to the end of the service, as
e was indicated by their increased attention
e Thus ended meeting, not only delightful
as it evidently was to all who attend ed it.