The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-14
For the Central Presbyterian.
Convention of Elders and
DeaconS.
New RIVER DEPOT, VA,
September 5, 1881.

1
Messrs. Edstors,-The New River Con-
vention of Elders and Deacons of the
Presbyterian Church held its annual
meeting at Blacksburg, Va, August Is,
1881.
President, Elder James G. Taylor, of
Christiansburg, being absent, the Conven-
ton was called to order at 8 o'clock P.
NJ, First Vice-President, Elder John M.
Hoge, In the chair, and was constituted
with prayer by Rev. w. B. Arrowood.
There were in attendance ten elders and
seven deacons, representing the following
churches: Blacksburg, Roanoke, White
House, Pearisburg, Dublin, Bell Spring
and New River.
The first subject for discussion was
Worldly Amusements, and was opened
with sermon by Rev. w. II. Ochiltree,
OF New River text Matt. XII, 80, For
my yoke is easy and my burden is light"
After the sermon, it was resolved to fol-
low in free discussion of two hours the
subject of each sermon or address, and to
facilitate this the question box was insti-
tuted' and opportunity given the congre-
cation, as well as members of the Con-
vention, to deposit questions bearing on
the subject of such sermon or address.
The Convention then adjourned to meet
on Friday at o'clock A. M.
After the two hours discussion of the
subject, I" Worldly Amusements, on Fri
day, the following subjects were opened
for discussion At IL o'clock A. NJ,
Sunday Schools" an address by Elder
j. Hoge Tyler, of Bell Spring, and fol-
lowed by free discussion o'clock P. M,
exposition of the teachings of the Book of
Church Order on the duties of Church
officers, an address by Deacon George w.
Walker, of Dublin s o'clock P. NJ, 1.-THE
Deaconship," a sermon by Rev. w. B.
Arrowood, of Pearisburg.
Saturday morning was occupied with
the general discussion of the subjects in
troduced Friday afternoon; 8 o'clock
P. M. Saturday "The best methods of
conducting the finances of church,
an "a address by Deacon Geo. w. Walker.
Though the opening speeches were
good and manifested real familiarity
on the part of the speakers with their
subjects, yet the most Interesting feature
OF the Convention was the discussions
suggested by the various questions depos-
tied in the question box.
Arguments for the continuance of this
Convention are many, but we will only
mention three LIST. All admit the bene-
fits one may derive from the experience
OF others engaged in the same calling with
himself. This Convention affords large
opportunities for the interchange of
thought and experience, which is bound
to result in mutual instruction. I'd. The
private members of the Church get to hear
wise discussions of subjects important to
them as followers of Christ. They are
instructed both as to their own duties
and also as to the duties of the officers of
the Church who are over them in the
Lord. Sd. All the sessions of the Con-
vention are public, and thereby may re-
suit In the instruction and enlightenment
of many who are not members of any
church. The Convention adjourned with
only one regret, viz, that more of our
brethren were not present to enjoy the
spiritual feast that we enjoyed, and to
experience the hearty hospitality of the
whole-souled people Of Blacksburg.
W. II. 0.