Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-05-01
THE BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY
SCHOOL.
Celebration of the FIfty.FIfth Anni-
versarY-The superintendent Re-
port.

The Baptist Church, on Chippewa square,
was last evening crowded with an immense
congregation, the occasion being the cele-
bration of the ffty-ffth anniversary of the
Sunday school. The church was very
deliberately decorated with festoons
of evergreens and moss, dotted
with flowers. The back Of the altar pre-
sented a very beautiful sight, the floral
decorations being srtistically arranged and
profuse. In the centre were suspended the
figures So formed of flowers. and beneath
these magnifcently wrought floral anchor.
The chancel has rarely on similar commemo-
rations presented a more attractive appear
aRce.
The Sunday school scholars occupied the
first pews opening on the centre aisle, and
were out in their full strength. The exer-
cfses were opened with singing the process
sional hymn, "Sound the Battle Cry" fol-
lowed by the hymn, "I Will Not Let Thee
Co." The infant class then sang "March-
ing to the Temple" and we may here say
that the singing generally was very fine.
2 After the reading of the scriptures, the
beautiful hymn, Crock of Ages" was sung,
and prayer was then offered by Rev. DR..
Edward Lathrop, former pastor OF the
church. The hymn, "Jesus Blesses Children
STILL" was sung, after which the Superin-
tendent, Mr.. Charles W. West, read his
report for the year, which we give below,
and from which it will be seen that the
condition of the school is fourishing.
sUPERINTENDENT's REPORT.
We welcome you this evening, as you meet
with us in celebrating the fifty-hft anniversary
of our Sunday school
These occasions are ALWAYS joyful ones, as
the school meets with the church under whose
fostering care its sessions are held, and as their
interest are the same. the prosperity Of one is
the advancen ent of the other.
Preaching the Gospel is the highest and no.
lest calling in which men can engage, and
those who devote their lives to 1t receive the
Masters approval; those who teach its truths
act in accordance with the great commission,
which enjoins not only to preach, but to teach.
Thus the church and the school work. together,
each in its sphere, in obedience to the Saviour 8
command.
We still pursue the course of lessons arranged
by the International Committee, and which so
many in different parts of the world are study,
ing at the same time. Each year they grow in
interest. For several months selections from
the Gospel of Luke were studied, embracing its
parallels, the crucihxion and resurrection of
the Saviour. also that memorable walk to EN-
maus, when Christ caused the Disciples hearts
stand the Scriptures more perfectly. In study
ing this lesson many a teachers heart was
warmed and quickened with new Christian life
and vigoT, as they were brought into chosen
communion with Him who spoke as never
man Spake"
During part of past year we studied the
history of Gods chosen people from the be-
ginning until the time when. at Joseph's death.
they were enjoying prosperity in the land of
their adoption.
How changed their condition when we again
take up their history, during this year, for we
ind them reduced to the bitterest bondage,
slaves to those from whom they should have
received only gratitude With how much in
terest we have followed them, step by step,
through the various ways in which God led
them. from the time of their deliverance, all
through their wanderings in the desert, even
down to the margin of the promised land.
How many useful lessons we have learned in
contemplating the grand characters of those
who acted as leaders in all those journeys
What a disappointment that he who with so
much humility and selfsacrihce endured with
patience the n'urmurings of an unreasonable
people; and, how sad to behold him on the
mountain top. having only glimpse of the
promised land-that land for which his soul
had longed through many a weary year-but
debarred from entering, because of one sin.
We leave with reluctance the interesting
study, and turn to the New Testament. from
which the lessons are selected for the whole of
the present year-the gospel Of Mark being
taken cOnSecutively.
sions to our numbers. They remain about the
same as last year, the roll being, officers and
teachers thirty, adult scholars seventeen.
school one hundred and ffty-three, primary
class seventy five; total, two hundred and
seventy-1ve.
Sessions have been held each Sunday since
our last anniversary, the average attendance
being twenty-one teachers, one hundred and
eighteen scholars and seven visitors. During
the year the penny collections amount to
Sill ID. from which the school expenses have
been paid.
AS our library has been used great many
years, and consequently not only read out but
worn out we have for some time felt the ne
cessity of obtaining a new one, and for this
purpose have been accommodating fund. which
now Is to about one hundred and fifty
dollars When this subject was spoken of last
year, Mrs. Dustin turned over to the school
part OF the proceeds of a concert, which was a
Ducleus Of this fund. A few months since
she, with her accustomed energy. arranged a
concert. which was very successful. netting
over one hundred dollars for this fund, as well
as entertaining the large audience present at
the time.
We feel indebted to her as a school. and
take this occasion to acknowledge it, not only
for the successful effort to which have just
referred, but the uniform interest in and the
talent shown in conducting the music OF the
school. In this she has been verv ably assisted
by Bro. Babun, whose punctuality in the school
sessions is as noticeable as his regularity at
the church serv' ces.
Much has been said and written for and
against Sunday school libraries; some have
abandoned them altogether, while others have
class of books which misht with profit to the
schools also fare the same fate. Yet we feel
that iudiciously selected library is a benefit,
and we hope before another season to have
such a one on our shelves.
The lesson FPS and papers taken are from
Baptist publishing houses Of Macon, Ga and
Philadelphia. the teachers using various re-
riodIcals to assist them Comparing our pres
ent number with that Of year ago, as already
stated, we find little If any change; yet we are
not discouraged because we have not large
occasions, for we believe that large numbers
are not always the true index of prosperity,
but rather the interest taken in the study Of
the Bible. the amount OF Scripture information
obtained-Ihat knowledge which makes the
heart better.
Il is a pleasure to report that during the
meetings which we're recently held fifteen
scholars have united with the church upon
profession of faith. Truly, as there is joy in
the presence OF the angels Of God'' over peni-
tent sinners, that JOY must be augmented
when those in early life take their stand as
Christians, and give to Gods service the fresh
ness Of their days in the springLime of life,
that by a ripe experience they may draw from
religion comfort and pleasure for those of its
autumn.
Referring to the anniversary of year ago
brings to our afRectionate remembrance our
former pastor, DR.. Landrum, that daV being
his last Sunday with u.s. Among his latest
duties was that of baptizing one of the schol-
ars, and among the first of our present be-
loved pastor, Brother Holmes, was to extend
to the same scholar the hand of church fell
Iowship. Thus the lsst duty of one and the
first of the other connect them with the school,
in which they alike feel deep interest Dur
ing my absence from the city for several
months Brother Morgan had charge of the
school, and very kindly attended to my duties,
In addition to his own.
1t is my privilege and pleasure to bear
testimony to the zeal and faithfulness Of the
officers and teachers Of the school during
this, as in former years, each one filling the
measure Of duty, and all working harmoniously
for the accomplishment Of the grand result,
which is the object OF the Sunday school.
At the close of the reading of the report
the hymn, "a Little Talk with Jesus" was
sung, and then the pastor, Rev. j. Z. L.
Holmes, addressed the school, referring In
terms Of Satisfaction to the statements of
the Superintendent, and giving the children
good advice IN regard to their conduct In
life. Towards the close of his remarks an
interruption was occasioned by the cry of
sire" from the outside, which caused many
to leave the church, and confusion ensued,
which, however, did not last long, and there
was no panic
The exercises were brought to a close by
singing the hymn, "Who are These?" fol-
lowed by the benediotion.
A little girl, granddaughter of Mrs.
Frierson, at the close OF the services, and
whilst the congregation were leaving the
church, tainted. Prompt attention was
given her, and she soon revived.
-%<-B-S<-
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