Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-06
SOUTHERN BAPTISTS.
THEIR CONVENTION TO MEET IN
NORFOLK TODAY.
FEATURES OF The GATHERING.
VIII Innusurafe an Innovation
The Whifsett Case-Thc Young
Peoples unions-An Address by DIR.
Curry-NOtes.

NORFOLK. VA. May 5.-(Speclal)-
| The General Southern Convention Of the
Baptist Church will begin it's annual
sessions in this city tomorrow at 10
o'clock A. VI. 1t will be the longest and
most important religious body that has
| assembled in this city since the sessions
of the congress OF the Episcopal Church
of America were held here eighteen
months ago. The Freemason-Street
church, where the business sessions will
DO held, is "a handsome and commodious
structure, with ample room for seating
the 1000 delegates expected. and in addl-
ton many Of the visitors who will be
present.
At night the great mass-meetings,
which are features never forgotten in
arranging for the annual convention.
will be held in the Academy Of Music,
whose capacity will be taxed to accom-
modate all those who are expected TO
listen TO tho very entertaining and
learned discussions of a great variety OF
topics by eminent diyines, some of them
OF international reputation, which will
take place there.
The convention will inaugurate a sin
gular innovation. but one which those
having the preliminary arrangements i'm
hand are confident will prove d success
in inviting topics OF real live moment
for discussion. IL will have no Official
programme" There will be no cut-and-
dried arrangements. no unalterable as
signments OF speakers and subjects. All
these details will be arranged from day
to day by a special committee on pro-
gramme, which will base its selections
upon the actual presence Of the men most
familiar with the topics decided upon
so there Will be no unavoidable absen-
tses.
There is not likely to be any radical
feature brought forward by any member
10 cause dissenson and strife, and all
appearances now point 10 a harmonious
and earnest convention.
The much discussed matter of eccle- |
siastical history raised by the eminent |
theOlogan, Rev DR.. Whitsett, president |
Of the Baptist Theological Seminary, at |
Louisville, as 20 the exact date Of the |
adoption Of the mode Of immersion by |
the Church, which created so much dis
sension among Baptists may possibly
De revived. The matter was practically |
settled at the convention held IN VIII |
mington last year and while 10 may be-
in open convention, still that |
body has no power to GUST the Doctor.
and IL can only express itself on the
question at issue. The matter is prac-
-ically entirely in the hands OF the Board
lf Trustees of the seminary, and it is
not expected that ;hey will rescind their
action Of last year, the decision rendered
AZ that time having been favorable to
Or. Whtsett. That gentleman will be
present prepared 10 defend his cause, If
need be. and ID any event ne will proba-
by make an address 20 the convention.
The Board Of Foreign Missions, Sunday
school, and other boards, among which
he active executive work OF the Church
; divided. are expected TO make very ex-
client reports. showing all departments
o be absolutely free from debts Of all
.inds This is pronounced TO be a re-
gratifying state OF affairs.
1 am told by a prominent clergyman |
hat the denomnatiOnal work is at the
resent time i'm better shape than il has
ver before been I'm the history of the
southern Baptist Church. The seminary |
las held a session OF almost unprecs-
ented prosperity. and there are other
Udences OF progress.
All indications are for a larger at
enhance of delegates and laymen than
[ any previous StNtu-udNS convention
ED in many years.
Several auxiliary bodies will meet in
onjunction with the convention They
re the Baptist Young Peoples Auxiliary
D the convention, the American Baptist
historical Society. the American Bap-
at Educational Society, the Baptist Wo-
lans Missionary Union. The president
+ Nassar College will be present and
oliver an address before the Educa-
onal Society on the Higher Education
t Women" Or. Hubert, dean Of the
DIVINITY School OF the Chicago Univer-
ty; Professor Poteat, president of
'ake Forest University; Or. j. =. Gam
rell Of Texas, and besides these. the
ficers of the convention itself are men
{ distinguished ability and wide repu-
ltion. its president being q Supreme
curt Justice of the State Of Alabama.
The sessions OF the body will begin at
reemasOn Street church tomorrow
ornng at 10 o'clock The opening cere-
onies will be- simple in the extreme
here will be q prayer, and Rev. Or.
. b. Wharton. pastor Of the church,
in welcome the delegates. The wei
me on behalf of the Virginia Baptisis
in be extended by Rev. DR.. A. f.
wen, OF Portsmouth. president Of the
ate convention, after which Hon
'yndham X. Mayo Mayor of Norfolk
IN extend "the freedom of the city
the delegates and visitors The re
Onses will be made by the president
hi other officers OF the convention.