Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-07
STUDENTS OF THE BIBLE
Anniversary Meeting of the Society Of
Religious Education.
Interesting Addresses at the Annual
President Stevenson to Preside.

The American Society of Religious Edu-
cation Will observe its fifth anniversary
with appropriate public exercises tomorrow
evening at 1880 o'clock in the First Con-
gregational Church, 10th and G streets.
BY special invitation, Vice President Ste
venson will preside. The president of the
society, Gen. John Eaton, Reconnaissance
Of education, will present an annual re-
port. Rev. ]. E. Gilbert, d. D., of Indian
apolis, the general secretary, will give an
account Of the society's purposes and
plans, and Bishop John F. Hurst will
speak on THE Bible and Recent Discov-
cry There is some hope that Prof.
Smedes of McMicken University, Cincin-
natl. and DR.. King of Cornell College. both
fellows Of the society, will be present to
speak.
This society, formed in Indianapolis. has
operated thus far mainly in the western
states and has done important service
in about $50 cities. In the hope OF COM
handing greater influence and enlistins
public sympathy more quickly, the head
quarters have been transferred to this
city and at the meeting Of the executive
council this afternoon steps Will be taken
to perfect the necessary details, including
the opening of suitable rooms, the estab-
lishment of library, &c. 1t is intended at
the meeting tomorrow evening to make
the Washington public aware Of the i'm
portant interests involved.
Aims of the Society.
The grand object Of the society is to
awaken increased interest In the Bible and
to provide improved methods of Bible study
and teaching, that the truths Of Scripture
may be mere widely disseminated and in
fuential, in forming character and in pro-
noting the welfare of the church and the
nation. In the prosecution Of this uEder-
taking II invites the assistance of scholars
of all denominations and gathers up the re-
suits of the best study upon various Ribli-
cal and educational themes, making these
available for still further advance in this
seeks to bring the best minds to bear upon
the question: How shall the Bible become a
potent factor in the spiritual life?
The society divides its work into four
great departmentstheS Sunday school, the
family, the closet and the college. In each
of these the Investigations pertain not only
to the necessity of these several places of
Bible study, but also to the methods to be
employed in them; seeking to bring them to
the highest degree of efficiency. 1t is ex-
pected ultimately that out of all work SO
done a system will be devised for the crder-
ly cultivation of the spiritual nature, be-
ginning In the earliest years and continuing
to the latest age. A large number of prom
inent men in various parts have expressed
their interest In this great movement.
Meeting of the Council.
The governing council of the society held
an executive session this afternoon in the
First Congregational Church. Among the
members of the council are the following
gentlemen: Gen. John Eaton, former commits
sioner Of education; John NJ. Gregory, LID,
late superintendent Of public schools for
Michigan; Rev, ]. E. Gilbert, DID,, secretary
of the society; Prof. E. NJ. Willitts, former
assistant secretary Of agriculture; John
NJ. Coulter. LID. president of Lake
Forest University; Prof. W. w. Grant, prin-
cpal of Providence High School; DR.. W. L.
King of Cornell College. The session was
occupied with reports of the past year. the
election Of new members of the council and
the perfection Of plans for next year.
Secretary Gilbert's report will show that
during the past year the society has done
work in lis cities and in % states; that the
work of training Sunday school teachers
has steadily advanced; that a Bible Read
ers' Union and Students Bible Club have
been formed, the former enlisting many in
the latter entering several col
eges. The society now has nearly 10000
students enrolled in its various depart
ments Twenty-eight names of scholars
will be presented to the council for election
to fellowship. The treasurer's report will
cover the receipts from lectures, publica-
tons. patrons and all sources, amounting
to nearly $4,000