The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-09-30


it's morning session yesterday at 0 a. m.
with devotional exercises. Psalm "a
was read by r. II. Elicit. Although the
first business before the body was an
address by the Rev. c. Ga rrison. owing
to the small attendance OF the delegates
at that hour, it was deferred until later
in the session. n1n
Invitations were extended to the as
ISOLATION from Charlottesville and Har-
risonburg for tho place Of holding the
next years convention. 1t was decided
to accept the invitation from Charlottes-
Vile as it was moro convenient point.
The time of the next annual convention
will be fixed by the executive commit
tee. j. B. Gregory, Of Lynchburg, was
unanimously elected as representative
of the Virginia association to serve on
the executive committee of the Letter.
national convention association.
Rev. Mr. Garrison then delivered an
in Sunday school Work" In substance
he said there are no automatic methods
for enlisting men in the Sabbath school
work. 1t is impossible to enlist all
classes, and before you can enlist the
sympathies of any man there must be
something in his nature corresponding
with the Work. He described at come
length how Christ and Paul could not
enlist all to their work. To engage the
interest Of large number you must
have an interest yourself, coming from
earnest prayer. Enthusiasm is neces-
sary and enthusiasm is catching.
There is much spurious enthusiasm
In Sunday. schools. Let your enthu-
siasm be deep and spiritual; think over
1t, pray over it and pray for 1t. In sue
cessful work it is necessary TO avoid
fora ality. Let your school be living
thing, absolutely change unfruitful
methods. Sunday-sc should COM
mand the respect of all In speaking OF
methods to enlist scholars and workers
the reverend gentleman laid special
stress upon the fact that throughout his
teaching Christ invariably placed him
self upon plano with his hearers, and
always led them from it to spiritual
things. This is necessary in Sunday
school work. BY personal and direct
contact with the individual great things
may be accomplished. Study the nature
of the pupil. arouse the sympathy o..
the teacher, make clear to them tina as
the scholar through the teacher.
He pointed out the difficulties fre-
queatly arising in endeavoring to in
terest the church members in the Sun
day-scbool. gradually open their eyes
70 the fact that true Christian sh ould
engage himself in this branch Of the
work for Christ. Tho great thing is to
be living soul in this work and when
you are spiritually interested you will
be able TO enlist a large number.
Several reports were then read from
different counties showing progress of
the work. A discussion followed as to
the best methods OF compiling a statis-
tical report for the State of Virginia. 1t
was clearly demonstrated that the coun-
ties would necessarily have to be organ
lied before this work could be done. The
question drawer was opened and Hon.
VIM. Reynolds answered tho following
questions:
Q. How many scholars should con-
stitute class? A. Six or eight, depend
ing on size and convenience OF the room.
q. viii scolding bring order? A. No,
but be firm, yet kind.
.. How long shall school session
last? A. About one hour.
Q. How will you get the poor into
Sunday sctool? A. Start school in
their midst and no trouble will occur in
getting the children.
Q. Should non professors OF religion
teach? a. Yes, if you cannot procure
others. Christians are preferable.
Q. At what Time shall the library be
distributed? A. Before or after, but
never during teaching.
q. Should tho pastor be expected to
make the opening prayer always? A.
No. Change about
q. Isn't it better for teaching to
change union school to demon national
school wherever possible? A. Yes.
q. Should the infant class he kept in
as long as the other classes? A. No.
Dismiss earlier. lu.
Q. Please give model outline of ses
sion. A. Worship, fifteen minutes;
teaching, thirty minutes; closing with
review OF lesson, fifteen minutes.
The convention adjourned after the
blessing was pronounced until $50 D. M
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The afternoon session opened with
devotional exercise. A discussion then
followed upon the conducting OF the
primary department.. 1t was suggested
that possible teacher be present with
the teacher OF the primary department
and get acquainted with the scholars;
that VIXEN They were drafted into an
other class the possible teacher would
at once be provided with a suitable class.
Special rooms are necessary for the
primary department.. This department
must be improved. 1t is the fountain
head of oil schools. 1t should be pro-
vided with every convenience in the
way of maps, object sheets and rolls.
and should.be as bright, comfortable and
attractive as it is possible to make it.
1t was the burden of Christ's teaching
that the little children be looked after.