The San Francisco call., 1896-08-26
President Hill of Oakland Re-
views the Past Years
Progress.
PLEASED WITH THE RECORD.
Sacrifices and Tolls That Have
Benefited Man and Won
Divine Favor.

SANTA CRUZ, CAL. Aug. 25.-The
fifteenth annual convention of the Baptist
church and affiliated organizations was
begun at the associatlon's handsome
church in the picturesque spot known as
Twin Lakes, taking its name from the two
small lakes in the vicinity. The church
and the pretty cottages surrounding it
stand on broad mesa, surrounded by
little knobs and gulches, with Monterey
Bay at its feet. 1t is desirable spot for
residence, and the Baptists, like the Chris
tians that gather at Garfield Park every
summer, find the pleasure of a summer
outing with the doing of their church
duties.
The convention was called to order at 8
o'clock this afternoon by the president,
! Rev. G. N. Hill. The opening services
and Bible study preceded the appointment
of committees. The com mittee on i'm
portant points in the report of the board
is composed of Revs. s. v. Reach,
Vacaville; A. G. Sturvenant, Sacramento;
G. w. Donald, Hanford. The enrolment
committee is composed of Revs. ].
George Gibson, Emmanuel Baptist Church,
San Francisco; T. II. Stephens, Chico; r.
D. Clarke, San Jose.
The evening session was begun with
praise service attended by a large congre-
CATION at o'clock. The regular business
of the convention was introduced with the
suggestions offered by President Hill Of
Oakland, who presented his report, OF
which this is the substance:
wish first of all to congratulate the con-
vention on the auspicious beginning OF this
anniversary. The attendance even now at the
fC Tfyyirl rlnlx- only
nearer churches, but also some OF the most dis
tant ones are represented. Already a tone of
earnest prayer and purpose has characterized
the meeting.
congratulate you upon the favorable cir
cumstahces under which we meet. The IN
formal appearance of the Twin Lakes resort in
general and the evident careful and thought
full preparation and adornment OF this audi
torium promise to add greatly to our COM
fort and profit during the sessions OF the con-
vention.
l congratulate you upon the record of another
years work for man and God. 1t is record
that shall not be wholly disclosed until the
books are opened at the last day. We may be
sure that the record will tell of many sacri-
fees and tolls and successes. Gods blessing
has rested upon our labors in conspicuous
manner.
By way of suggestion, permit me to remind
you that the interest of meeting like this de-
pends upon the interest of the individual del
egates The statement needs no special enforce
ment. Delegates who have come here have
accepted responsibilities. The responsibilities
involve the presence OF the delegates at the
sessions; their prayers and their hearty coop
Grafton. The profit of the convention depends
upon its order and dignity.
We represent 10000 Baptfsts; our conven-
tions, in sense. 100000 Baptists of the
United States. What we do is done in the eyes
of the world; therefore, we should guard well
our words and consider well everv action here
taken. Still further, the efficiency of the con-
vention meeting depends upon every one TAX
ing an interest in all the departments of work
represented in these anniversaries. Let it be
our purpose 10 make this convention gathering
one of spiritual power. 1 ask your help in
this. I trust we shall ask great things in great
faith.
Rev. I. d. Wood preached the annual
sermon, which was listened to with pro-
found attention.