Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-31
WORK OF THE SPIRIT.
SCOPE OF rnn CONVENTION.
Rsv. Mr.. Daugherty Tells How the
idea Of Such . Meeting Originated.
Many Ministers Expected to At
teud-InterestinH Details.

lar papers have contained references TO
q proposed convention of ministers or all
denominations to be held In the city of
Richmond In the near future. So great
and unique a gathering Of preachers can
not fail 10 attract widespread attention.
The idea of bringing together In one
body the ministers Of all denominations
In Virginia Is an unusual thing, and great
Importance and power must attach to
such a meeting. Feeling that the con-
yention must be Of great interest to
the people of all creeds. and having I'M
derstood that Rev. John w. Daugherty.
pastor OF Fulton Baptist church, was
prominently associated with the move
ment. the dispatch sought an interview
with him with reference TO the move
ment.
In answer to the question as 10 the
origin OF the idea, Mr.. Daugherty said:
Primarily. the idea Is from God. I ex-
pressed the idea in a letter to Mr.. ID. Il.
Strouse, n prominent Christian lawyer OF
Salem. Va: ne sent my letter to Mr..
J. NJ dambill. a wealthy and noble Chris
tan m reliant OF Roanoke. These two
gentlemen requested me to meet them
at Salem. which / did. There the subject
was prayed over and discussed tho
roughly and a plan decided upon
MANY HAVE SHOWN INTEREST.
what was your plan, Mr.. Daugherty"
I'VE decided 10 lay the matter before
the ministers In Virginia. just as 1t was
before us, and ask them what they
thought OF IL. This was done In a circu-
lar-letter prepared by myself. In that
1t was proposed TO invite Revs. a. t.
Pierson. A. c. Dixon. A. Il. Simpson, X.
A. Towey. Charles f. Cutter, ID. l..
Moody and others TO make addresses"
What has been the result so farY'
80 far. nearly coo ministers have re-
sponded. About 800 endorse the move
ment."
"Can you tell something Of the interest
telt In the matterT
Yes: responses are still coming In.
get a good many letters from various
some from as far as Mexico. / have been
informed that Christian bodies In differ
ent parts OF the country are praying
for it's success The letters from the
Virginia ministers earnestly call for the
meeting. Many seem TO be looking for
ward to the meeting with great eager
ness. Nearly all the ministers In their
replies said they were praying Gods
blessing upon It,"
THE TIME AND PLACE.
"When and where will the body meety'
"A call for the convention has been
published over something like go sigma
lures. II is proposed 10 hold tho con-
vention in Richmond At first April was
suggested as the time, but now IL -
thought that about the middle 81 June
will suit better on account OF other
religious meetings and the colleges"
How do you propose TO handle the
convention"
I've hope to get free entertainment for
all preachers who come, 10 get the trans
portation companies to aid US In getting
the ministers here very cheaply. and
10 get the street-car companies TO grant
free passes TO the preachers while here.
We hope you and other papers will help
by kind words and advice"
DO YOU propose to do all this your
self?"
Il don't see hcw I possibly can.
scarcely think such will be necessary. IL
is known that 800 ministers or more de-
sire 10 meet here, and / am sure they
will be made welcome somehow IL we
can't do any better we will bring the
whole business TO Fulton and hire Mill
SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION.
what will be the scope OF the con-
vention's work."
I'VE propose TO hold meetings about
five days and nights, 10 talk about the
Holy Spirit and look for His blessings
on ourselves, our churches, and our State.
and. II | could, I would get the entire
press OF Virginia TO attend and talk 70
them on the relation OF the Holy Spirit
to them and the world, that God might
give them pens and pages OF living fire II
would be glorious indeed for the editors
and reporters and preachers to unite in
this meeting, and present ourselves unto
the Lord In united purpose to glorify |
His name on the earth. Then would the |
Kingdom come In great glory and power |
I'm this convention there will be no |
debates. no controversies. but pure de- |
votion and practical instruction. A pro- |
gramme OF topics and speakers will be |
,arefully arranged and strictly adhered |
10. This Is thought TO be the best thing |
10 do. For the sake OF order there will be |
sufficient organization to secure IT,"
WILL DO MUCH GOOD.
What are your own views concerning
he convention"
II believe It will do much good In seve-
al directions. l think the personal touch
" the ministers OF all denominations in
me body will be wonderfully inspiring.
believe this alone would bring about
'ery tender and affectionate feelings and
heartfelt joy. ! believe the churches
throughout the State would receive a
mighty uplifting. The missionary enter
rises would be revived and strengthened |
believe all our boards would get along
etter, and have more to get along on.
think much OF our distress in raising
means TO conduct our work would be re-
ieved. l believe a mighty revival would
'ist our churches, and our preachers
you'd rejoice in increased power in
reaching. 1 believe IL would be a great |
lessing to our own city and churches.
{ would reveal wonderfully the most
eautitul thing on earth or in Heaven
he glory OF that respondent thing which
cams and brightens in the bosom Of
love. Ii would startle the
overs OF darkness, and make hell
remble.
Il believe" Mr.. Daugherty concluded,
God will as certainly and distinctly own
nd crown the work as that Carmel
la Zod at His touch that the neonla might |