The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1881-09-10
Urbana.

The re-assembling of the Western
Union Baptist Association in this
city, recalls to the minds of many, the sad
ness and gloom attending its sitting here
seven years ago, caused by the startling and
painful intelligence of the death of one of
Its most prominent and beloved members,
Rev. John X. Bowles. Although he had
been indisposed for some weeks previous
TO his death. yet his sickness was not con-
sidered fatal and the news of his sudden de-
cease was as startling as a clap of thunder in
a clear sky. Among the ministerial arrivals
up to this writing, Thursday A. M, we
recognize the familiar faces of the venera-
bic and intelligent s. ID. Fox, OF Yellow
Springs, the suave Fossett, of Cincinnati,
the ready -witted Meek, of Ripley, Bailey, of
jamestown, whose large and commanding
figure is only typical of the big heart and
genial disposition he possesses, Steele of Xe-
. MIA, affable, companionable and true as steel,
i Hunt, of PIqua, our lifelong acqua Mt
ance, and of whose erect and graceful figure
Is not sin to be covetous,
and chief among them all is the aged and
beloved, and only surviving founder of the
association, Rev. Wallace Shelton, who has
lived his more than four-score years, but
possesses all the vim, zeal and activity of
mind and body as though he were but
hfty. Among the rest are Rev. Samuel j.
Smith, ,CIncinnati:J. Chambers, Flatrock ;D.B
: Houston, Sandusky: w. II. Roberts, Colum-
bus w. III. Stewart, Troy, Among the lay
delegates we note the following: Waverly
Byrd and j. Toney, Xenia: Jas. Wilson and
Mrs. Corbin, Springfeld; n. Jones, San
dusky; - Garnes, Kenton. Bro. Toney,
en- passent, is accompanied by his bride,
having been married Wednesday morning
at seven o'clock, and embraces the oppor-
tunity for a bridal tour At 9 q. m. We'd
nesday the Ministerial Institute convened,
-Rev. 5. ID. Fox, President, and Rev. w. H.
Steel, Clerk. By resolution, passed
unanimously, the first hour of the session
was devoted to earnest prayers by the
ministers present for the recovery of Presi-
dent Garfield, and the consequent comfort
of his family, becoming act of Christian
sympathy and patriotisml The re-
mainder of the morning hour was
occupied in discussing the following topics:
First, "When is Church properly organ
ized?" Introduced by Rev. w. II. Stewart
Second, "How long should pastor stay in
"a placer" Rev. p. +. Fossett. The discus
. siOns were able and instructive, as the sub
jects had been carefully considered by the
peakers The first business of the after
the reelection of Rev. s ID. Fox as Presi-
dent Rev. j. NJ. Meek Vice President, and
Rev. w. II. Steele Clerk. Rev. j. NJ. Meek,
with characteristic ability, introduced the
topic, What relation does one Church sus-
tain to another of the same faith and order2"
.the second topic of the afternoon How to
sreach the masses" was not assigned to any
particular person, but was energetically dis
cussed by several ministers. In the evening
at half past there preaching by Rev.
Samuel j. Smith and Rev. w. Ii. Steele, and
the examination of candidate for ordina
tion. Thus was the first day of the Associa-
Mon most pleasantly and profitably en-
pioyed ...... Revs. Rockhold and w. III. AL
jen are doing nobly IN receiving
and locating ministers and delegates .....
Thursday mornings trains landed numerous
visitors and delegates. Among the pr0mi-
gent ones we mention Rev. K. Meredith
i. Portsmouth, who has hosts of friends in
Urbana; "Jarius, Secretary of the Associ-
alton. who is domiciled with his associate
quill l-driver, the '.old curmudgeon," Selwob.
The morning session was opened with ap-
-xopriate devotional exercises, with the
NY. L. B. Moss, of this city, Moderator,
and Chas. ID. Swayne, Springfield, Clerk
The irst business was the reading of letters
from the various churches and enrolling
names of delegates As remarked in last
weeks issue, Thursday and Friday will be
devoted to the general business of the
church. Saturday the S. S. Institute will
convene. wien an increased number of Wis
itors will be present. Sunday an immense
throng will pour into our city from all di-
rections. A Dountiful rain has fallen and
the indications for cool, dustless Sabbath
sre very fattering, which will add
much to the interest of the occasion ......
On Monday evening last the young gentle
men of the p. L. G. feasted their fair COM
pahions OH watermelons and other delicious
fruits of the season. Everybody present