Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1885-10-29
For the Advertiser.
SimmonS Ridge Samaritan Baptist
Association.
To the Editor of tile Advertiser:

To the Editor Of tile Advertiser;
The interest manifested by you il
the publication of religious matters
induces me to write a few brief note:
of the Simmons Ridge Samaritan Bap'
tiet Association. This Association is
composed of churches mainly from
Edgefeld County. The last meeting
was its ninth annual session, and it
now comprises thirty-six churches.
The last meeting was at Willow Spring
Church, Tburrday, Oct. 18Th, inst,
lasting four days. The Moderator,
Rev. Ell Key, opened the meeting
with the usual ceremonies. After
Shich the introductory Sermon was
preached by the Rev. Ned. Stai ks,
the oldest Minister in the neld, At
the close of the sermon, which was
very much appreciated by all present,
the Moderator announced the house
in order for business. Blu. before pro-
ceeding to the regular business OF the
Association, Rev. ]. G. Burket, Pas
tor of the Willow Spring Church,
rose aud in very feeling and chris
tianlike manner, extended a cordial
welcome to the delegates and breth
ren, assuring them that they were
welcome in every sense Of the word,
and said that they were not in a land
of strangers, but among christian
brethren and sisters, who could and
did feel for them. Further assuring
them that no pains would be spared
to make their short stay a pleasant
one. And indeed it was. Space will
not allow full description OF the hos
pitalities Of the Willow Spring breth-
rem and sisters, Suffice it to say; that
the people of that community have
always been noted for their generosi-
ty and christian benevolence.
The next business in order was the
enrolment OF delegates and churches
and the reading OF letters Quite a
large number OF delegates were pres
eEt at the opening of the meeting,
though many of them reside in the
most distant part of the County, and
even some from other Counties. It
was quite evident from the statistical
report of letters that many. of the
churches had made large accessions
during the Associational year, and a
great many Of these accessions, too,
were made from Sunday School Schol-
ars. Right here, Mr.. Editor, may
digress little from the main subject
of this letter. In speaking Of Sun
day school scholars, it is to be regret:
ted that many OF the churches are |
wanting in that peculiar interest that
ought to be taken in Sunday School
work. Those who see and feel tho
great necessity of building up this
branch Of the christian church, have
been left too often unaided in their
efforts to make it permanent and
living institution. Even too by pa.
rents who are protesting christians.
Many seem to think that it is Of sec.
ondary Importance in church matters,
aud therefore make no special Efforts
to keep their children in attendance
Or aid in support of the echool. 1t
seems to be difficult matter for some
10 understand that the school ia the
or rather an indispensable
part Of the church, that ought to be
tostered and supported by the church.
Now when we think that there little
ones who ara now Sunday school schol,
ars, in few years will have taken
our place both in the church and
school, how important then
hat their little minds be properly
trained and stored with Biblical truths
!or their noble calling.
Returning to the subject Of this
etter. With q few excep:ionsi tie
sseei tiirass-cuaiidi be desirei-t
Matters of copsidera Bile import were
brought before the body, and, as a
Of course, caused brethren to
]iffer in their views and olinions;
'ut any delegate was privileged to
lircuss and vote On all subjects before
NV final disposition could be made
II them. Many important, subjects,
uch as Home and Foreign Missions,
and Education, were tax
IN up and discussed fully and freely
y the delegates and other visiting |
brethren.
We were glad to see our white
'rethren in the meeting. They may
'e assured that their presence and aid
re a.. ways acceptable and very much
ppreciated in all OF our mdetings.
We mention one Of distinction, DR.. D.
J. Tompkins, who visited the meeting
wo or three times during the session.
We were delighted with his presence
nd pleased with his remarks. Hope
he doctor will meet US again.
There were three special sermons
reached during the session: Intro
uctory, Doctrinal and Missionary.
)octrinal sermon Friday evening, by
.ev. F. Dorm. Missionary sermon on
unday, by Rev. R. G. Bracy.
The Association adjourned the fol
,wiug Sunday, to meet with the
.idge Hill Church Thursday before
,e third Lords day in Oct, 1886.
=. R. A. GREEN, Clerk.
Oct. Goth, 1885.