Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-04
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This BODY Meets With Salem Ch"rch
I'm ChesterGeld-Tbe First Day.

The Middle DlStrlct RSSoSio'i'"' ~
bracing the Baptist churches OF Manches-
ter. Chesterfield, Powhatan, and Amelia
convened at Salem church, In Chesterheld'
Yesterday in it's Hath annual session.
The body was called to order by Rev.
Dr. l.. R.s Thornhill, of Manchester
moderator and Clerk j. Haskins Hobson
was assisted by Rev. j. b. Williams
Letters were read from twenty-five out
Of the twenty-six churches in the asso-
citation.
Richmond is well represented at the
meeting. Among those attending are
Rev. DR.. II. H.. Pitt. Professor Charles H.
Winston, william Ellyson, Esq. Rev. H.
L. Quarles, T.. NJ. Foster. Esq, ana Iahli-
ly. From a distance are Professor 'oil'i
Hart of Bowling Green: DR.. Pitcher, OF
Petersburg; DR.. owen, OF PORTSMOUTH,
and DR. Deans Of Windsor.
Around the church in which the associa-
ton is gathering is vast and noole
grove Of oaks and their deep. cool shaue
is very grateful The members OF the
church are particularly hospitable, ana
the delegates and visitors are being en-
tertained in the most cordial manner.
OLD OFFICERS REFLECTED.
After prayer by Rev. Alfred Bagby ana
singing by the congregation. the electioh
of officers was gone into. Rev. John X.
Bagby placed in nomination DR.. Thorn
hill. and he was unanimously reelected
moderator. on motion OF Mr.. w. W.
Baker Mr. Hobson was also unanimously
reelected clerk and treasurer.
After the election of these officers the
Chair announced the following commit
tees:
order of Business-Rev. J. r. Bagby'
Messrs. A. T. Snellings and X. a. Juslis'
Religious Exercises-Rev. r. j. Nettles
and Messrs. j. NJ. Chalkley, William H.
Giddings. William NJ. Willis. and IL. L.
Chalkley ,
Finance-Rev. w. r. Haight, Mr.. VIII
liam G. Owens, and Mr.. j. V. Perrin
THE PASTORS WELCOME.
Rev. r. j. Nettles, pastor Of the enter
tanning church, made a speech oil nearly
welcome to delegates and VISITORS, anu
during the course of his remarks stateu
that ninety-one years ago the association
met with this church, which was now IVV
years old.
The Introductory sermon was preacheu
by Rev. j. II. Harrison, of Powhatan, MS
subject being Truth" He selected as
his text John xviii, 3S-"What is truth!
His discourse was a masterfui ehort' anu
was listened to by the large crowd WIN
the closest attention.
Rev. j. II. Bagby read an interesting
paper upon the State mission work in TINS
state and the subject was discussed by
Mr.. c. X. Hening.
Mr.. William Ellyson, corresponding sec
rotary Of the State Mission Board, was
invited to make an address, and com
piled by making a splendid speech, tell
ing about the work of the State boaru,
and made an earnest and tender appeal
for a more liberal contribution for the
helm Of the board in it's grand and noble
work.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK.
Mr.. Robert Criddle submitted an elaoo5
rate and exhaustive paper on the work OF
sunday schools. He also read a report
Of his work for the past year as colporter
in this district, showing that he had
worked 326 DAVIS travelled 1,00l miles, and
visited 1O39 families. During the time
found eight families without Bible.
Mr. r. G.. Wood made an interesting
address on the same subject eXhortlnS
his hearers to more earnest sunday
school work and showing the great use
fulness of such organizations.
Rev. Ir. ftdlcneI dloo 'PohN w - 'N'
iect. dwelling particularly upon the or
SANITATION and equipment of Sunday
schools and the work of Sunday-school
Bible boards.
Rev. DR.. Pitcher. corresponding secre-
tary of the Sunday-School and Bible
Board spoke to the subject at great
length. giving account of the work of his
hoard. and asking additional support
| from the churches
Before the close Of the afternoon ses-
sion DR.. Thornhill announced the follow
| ing committees:
state Churches-Rev. r. II. Winfree,
| Il. NJ. Robertson. j. b. Watkins, j. a.
| Cosby, and j. II. Hobson.
Place and Preacher for Next Meeing-
! Rev. r. L. Pierce, j. Il. Baugh, Withers
| Bagwen w. r. Carter, and T. j. Green.
| CENTENNIAL EXERCISES TO-DAY.
The exercises Of to-day will include dis
cussions on home missions and foreign
| missions ministerial education. and how
to train our young members for church
and religious work. Centennial exercises
will also take place to-day. The pastor,
Rev. n. J. Nettles, will speak on the
History Of the Church." and Rev. J. r.
] Bagby will make an address on the
| Heroes and Heroism of the Associa-
ton" Rev. DR.. Hatcher will also make
an address.