Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1900-11-30
County S. S. Convention.

the Ramsey county S. S. conven-
ton convened in the Presbyterian
church Monday evening last, the
three following sessions being held
in the Methodist church. There
was goodly number of represen-
tatives present, but there was a
deplorable lack Of attendance from
our Christian citizens. It is to be
regretted that such manifest leth-
argy and Indifference should char
acterize the parents of our city
when an opportunity such as this
presents itself, Of showing an in
terest and of lending encourage
ment to those who have the moral
and spiritual interest of their
children at heart. However, being
a new thing, it is to be hoped more
hopeful signs will follow. Some
may ask: What is this new de-
parture? Well, it is but branch
of q broader organization within
the state, and has for it's object the
unifying Of alt schools in the
county in more efficient work; the
opening up of new schools where
ever practicable, and Of reaching
in more general way the home
life Of the people and enlisting
them as co-workers more heartily
in Sunday school work. 1t is in
terdenominational, no sectarian or
denominational discussions being
allowed.
j. w. Kelley, of Crary, presi-
dent of the association, presided.
The conference was opened by
short address from Rev. Mr.. Muir
Gibson relative to the work devol-
wing upon the association, and set
ting forth some of the crying de-
mands for a more effective and
wider range of work than is being
done at the present time.
Rev. Mr.. Orchard, state organ
izer, followed, giving most ex-
haustive survey Of the duties and
obligations of Sunday school
workers, laying especial stress
upon the great need Of enlistine
the influence of the home, and i'm.
pressing upon parents feeling Of
deeper responsibility to the school
Mr.. Orchards addresses on.ditfer.
ent themes were listened to with
wrapt attention, especially his in
structive and helpful " Round
Table" talk on Sunday school man.
agement, which was also partici.
pated in by several Of the mem.
bers.
A very comprehensive, logical
and impressive paper was present
ed by Mr.. A. M. Powell on the
"Use and Abuse of Sunday School
Helps.' Mr.. Powell's structures
and comments enlisted the critic
ism and approval of several speak
ers.
Mr.. Orchards "Normal Drill,''
supplemented by Sketch Maps, y
illustrative of successful methods
of such teaching, won special
commentators.
Rev. Mr.. Waddell ably dis
cussed the origin, development and
present status of the Sunday
school, maintaining that while it is
but man -madelagency, neverthe-
less we have not given it it's pro-
per place as an educative and re-
ligious factor in spiritual life.
Rev. Mr.. Turner most earnestly
advocated more general use o1
maps and other helps necessary tc
give the school a more compre
hensive grasp Of the topography
and geography Of Bible Land
maintaining that there is mos
lamentable ignorance in this line
The song service, led by Prof
Haig, was especially enjoyed.
Rev. Mr.. Turner in his evening
address gave a thoughtful resume
Of degenerating forces that are a
work in this present age, set
ting forth the great demand tina
exists for deeper, more emphatic
and earnest religious instruction al
the only possible remedy for thes'