Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-28
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
Matters TO Come Before the Body at
IFS Session In Washington.


In 1876, in the city Of Augusta. Ca.
a number of prominent Baptist ministers
and Iaymen organized the Southern Bap-
list Convention. The issue Of slavery
had made II uncomfortable for the south
ern Baptists in the old trennlal conven-
ton, and hence they found IL desirable
10 form this new organization. This is
the semi-centennal year, and the thir-
ty-ninth session OF the body Will be called
10 order in the First Baptist church,
Washington. u. g.. on Friday, May 10Th,
al 10 o'clock \. VI.
Judge Jonathan HARRISON, Of the SUI
preme Court Of Alabama, has been for
several years the president OF the body,
and unless he refuses. will probably be
reelected without opposition. The In
troductory sermon will be preached by
In. George Il. Eager. Of Montgomery.
Ala, who was formerly a pastor in Dan
VILE and is a brother OF Rev John H..
Eager. Il former pastor in Manchester,
and now missionary 10 Italy. An his
torical semi-centennial sermon will be
preached by Dr. William fl. Whtsitt, or
the seminary in Louisville.
QUESTIONS TO COME UP.
The two most important matters likely
TO come before the convention Will be
the young peoples work and the ques-
ton OF changing the basis Of representa-
ton, which has been before the body
for several years, but which has not
been settled. Some action may possibly
be taken with reference 10 the CONSOLE
dalton OF the journals, but that cannot
be forecasted with any degree Of GER
tainty.
OF course. the death Of Or. John 4.
Broadus will throw a sort OF shadow over
the sessions OF the great body, in which
for 50 many years ne has been a central
and commanding figure. IL Is almost
beyond question that on Sunday after
noon. May 18th, or at some other app
propriate time, great memorial SER
vice will be held in his honor. Rev. Or.
j. c. Hiden, of this city. will perhaps
be one OF the speakers.
In connection with this meeting OF the
convention there will be held a meet
ing Of the National Education Society.
This will hold TWO sessions. one on the
morning of May Sth and the other on
the night OF the 9th. on the 9th. also.
viii be held the Young Peoples Confer
ence. OF which fun mention has already
been made in the Dispatch.
Al this session Of the convention. for
the first time in It's history, the pay
plan" will prevail, and everybody eX-
cept officers OF the convention and its
boards viii defray his own expenses.
II is almost certain that this plan viii
not prevail next session, inasmuch as
il is understood that Louisville has de-
cided 10 invite the convention TO meet
there in 1886 on the old plan OF the local
churches providing for the free en-
tertainment OF all visiting brethren. IL
viii be very difficult 10 defeat a motion
TO go TO Louisville under the circum-
stances. Nevertheless there - a grow
ing sentiment In favor OF the pay plan,
now 10 be- given its initial trial.
The convention VIII probably not ad-
journ until Tuesday. May 18th. The
headquarters will be az The Ebb!tt.
DELEGATES FROM VIRGINIA.
The State OF Virginia is entitled 10
ninety delegates. and they are appoint
ed By the State Mission Board. About
one hundred and nifty applications have
already been received from those who
wish 10 attend. Selections have been
made in the order In which applications
were fled. Those who. sent In their APP
plications too late viii have the adj
vantage OF reduced rates. and VIII en-
10Y all Of the privileges OF the conven-
ton except those Of speaking and voting.
Here Is the list Rev. W. +. Fisher.
Rev II. c. Smith. j. Is. Winston. Rev.
81. L. Wood. Rev. 7. $. Dunaway. Rev.