Birmingham age-herald., 1895-05-11

been provided where desired or needed to strengthen the societies.
 Great stress has been laid on this con- vention, with the idea of making it cen tral point from which enthusiasm and conservation should radiate throughout the state to give the work a grand im- petus during the coming months To that will be added a tidal wave from the Boston convention, and many new socie- ties will be formed and old ones invigor- ated. Three circulars have announced this convention to every known society in Alabama, and copies sent to about seventy-five newspapers, with requests for publication.
 While we may congratulate ourselves on our work, yet there are many points of weakness. One question to be acted on is that of our rela tion to the colored societies. I have not invited them to this convention, but have furnished them advice whenever asked for
 Greater stress should be placed on our junior work. A more systematic method of organizing new societies and reviv- ing the old should be adopted. more compact state organization should be had. with the secretary and president residents of the same city. More lit- erature should be disseminated by the state union to keep all societies alive and abreast of the times. Several other things will suggest themselves during this convention.
 And now, having finished my term as your president, fully mindful of the fact that not all has been done that was needed, submit to you this summarized report of my trust and invoke the sanc- tion of God upon, what we have done and pray for his guidance of our future.
 FIRED S. BALL, President Alabama Christian Endeavor
 Union.
 Montgomery
 The other state officers and district superintendents made verbal reports
 Delegates reported the different socie- ties over the state as being in good con- d1tlon and increasing in membership.
 One of the most interesting reports was that from the junior society of the First Christian church of Selma made by Miss Eunlce Varnum, a bright little girl of only years. Her report was one of the best heard by the convention.
 Evening Session.
 The ilrst fifteen minutes following the religious exercises were occupied with the "Endeavors' symposium conducted by Prof. w. P. Taylor. Several of the delegates gave their impressions as to the good the Christian Endeavor had done them.
 pr. G. c. Kelly of Kentucky discussed the interdenominationa feature of the Christian Endeavor society. He thought 1t good thing to obliterate all denomi- national prejudice. The society is un- denominational, and is spoken of in that light. but 1t has never been so considered by its author and promoter. It is only when it is impracticable to organize a society in any one congregation that union society is organized. Another mistake is that it is of Calvinstic origin While 1t was first organized in the Con- gregational church, yet it is as free from Calvanistic influences as the human voice is from the influence of the telephone It answers the needs of the local church. It meets a long-felt want. It came when thousands of pas tors were looking for it. It supplied the need of the evangelical churches for a medium through which to speak to each other.
 brief history of the organization, and the work it had accomplished in the great cause for which it was started was given by Dr. Kelly. He said it had become we'll nigh universal in it's scope, and the protestant churches of all de- nominations might prepare for it's com ing.
 Professor Taylor said more homes were needed for the delegates and asked that the people of Birmingham throw their homes open to the visitors.
 At the conclusion of Dr. Kellys talk President Ball called for short sentence prayers and song, after which the con
 
 morning.
 The ferns and lilies used in decorating the altar of the church were furnished gratuitously by Reed. the florist.
 Mrs. c. B. Spencer presides at the pi- ano during the sessions of the conven- tion. Mrs. Spencer is president of the Alabama Womans Christian Temper ance union and great believer in the Young Peoples Societies of Christian Endeayor.
 Among the visiting delegates to the Christian Endeavor convention are MT. Henry Booth and Misses Mryte and Ka- tie Booth of Montgomery, who are stop ping at the home of Miss Mary Roberts, 1916 Eighth avenue.
 Prof. w. P. Taylor works so hard in the interest of the convention that he lost his hat last night during the ser vices.
 This afternon's session of the conven- ton will be held at the Red Mountain pavilion and lunch will be served there at o'clock.
 Today's Programme-Mo Morning.
 9:45, Prayer and praiSe-Conducted by Rev. J. J. Dalton, Selma.
 10:00 Open Parliament, How to Make the Christian Endeavor PracticaP'-Rev. Ira Landrith, Nashville, Tenn.
 1O:15, "The Prayer .Meeting"-T. K. Brockman, Birmingham.
 10:30, "The Missionary Meeting"-T. K. Roberts, Columbiana.
 1O:45, Discussion, The Junior Work"- Led by Rev. A. T. Clarke, Shelby.
 11:15, "The United Society"-Rev. Dr. J. A. Rondthaler Indianapolis, Ind.
 11:30, "The Alabama Unon'-Prof. William P. Taylor Birmingham.
 11:45 Convention business meeting.
 This Afternoon.
 Session in Red Mountain Top pavil- ion; take dummy at the end of South Twentieth street, foot of Red mountain.)
 2:45, Thanksgiving service-Led by Rev. J. Bryan, Birmingham
 8, "The Best Things in Christian En- deavor"-(a) Christian Development"