Arizona republican., 1900-09-27
D. D.; Foreign Missions, Bishop J. W.

Monday-6:00 a. m., sunrise prayer meeting; 800 a. m., devotional services followed by business session and read ing of appointments; 300 p. m., evan gelstic service.
 Rev. c. V. Cowan, pastor of the First M. E. church has just completed his annual report. It is appended, in its entirety:
 To the Members and Friends of the
 First M. E. Church, Greeting:
 In submitting to you my first annual report, I take occasion first of all to thank God for his faithful watch care over us, in giving us health and strength to prosecute the work of the church with but one months intermis- sion.
 Laying aside all unworthy ambitions, we have sincerely endeavored to know the will of God in carrying on the work of the church, and while we have not measured up to the divine ideal in pur- ity and power, yet we are glad to note that there has been a gradual growth in the spiritual interests of the church
 The prayer meetings are held each Wednesday evening, with an average attendance of forty. Great interest has
 
 attending, in the prayer meeting topics. and strength has come into many hearts by waiting upon the Lord.
 The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, under the superintendency of Lloyd B. Christy, and has been con- tinued through the year without any in- termission. The average attendance during the year is 125. We would re- fai fn1 6a upon the part of parents and teachers, and more diligent study of the word of God.
 The Ladies Aid Society. under the presidency of Mrs. J. A. Sparks, has been doing efficient work during the year in raising money on the church debt and in creating a stronger social life among the members and friends of the church. The amount raised and disbursed during the year was $157.60.
 The Epworth League has an enroll ment of members, many of whom are very active in league and church work. The Sunday evening meetings have continued through the summer, with good interest. Under the wise and ju dicious direction of the president, Dr. George B. Pratt and his faithful cabi- 
 of the greatest agencies in the church for the increase of Bible knowledge for charitable work, and spiritual life.
 Special attention was given to the Mercy and Help department during the winter and comforting the sorrowinS and distressed. and in relieving the sick and needy. The social and literary de- partments should be utilized more ex- tensively to balance up the interests of the league.
 The Junior League, the last organiza- tion in the church but not the least n importance and efficiency. This auXil- ary to the Epworth League and nursery for the children of our church was care fully looked after during the winter by Miss Alephia Hamilton. The instruc- ton in the Bible, the catechism. the Apostles creed and the Ten Command ments, were carefully given. An inn pOrtant missionary enterprise was be- gun by sending $15 to India to support a boy in one of our schools.
 Membership-There have been a number of changes in the membership of the church during the year Fifteen have united with the church on prOfes- sion of faith, and thirty-seven by cer- tificate. Twelve have removed by letter and two have withdrawn by their own request. Six of our number have been translated to the better life, viz: Mrs. Minnie Dean, Mrs. GeOrgiana Elder, Mrs Sarah Williams. Mrs. Francis Curtis, Mrs. I. M. Christy and Law renee $. Hough.
 Faith and work will need to go hand in hand for the continued prosperity of the church. And now, as we close the year with the session of our annual meeting may we not all pray for the blessing of God upon us, and may we not have the hearty cooperation of one and all and expect greater things in the future than In the past.
 GENERAL SUMMARY.