The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-10-31
VIRGINIA BRANCH
NOT SO CERTAIN
Meeting Expresses Interest in Work
of Religious Education.
IT APPOINTS A COMMITTEE.
Plan and Details of Work of the
American Association to Be In-
auirsd Into Before Any
thin. Is Done.
IT APPOINTS A COMMITTEE.

The meeting at7the seventh-Street Chris
tan Church last night, with a view OF or
sanizing a Virginia branch Of the -Ameri-
can Society of Religious Education, was
not as harmonious an affair as might have
been desired. The invitation cards were
signed by a committee composed of Messrs.
Robert Stiles, John Morton. S. II. HAYES,
B. f. Johnson and j. L.. Hill.
The meeting was called to order by Major
Stiles. who explained that the purpose OF
the assembly was to hear representatives
of the Board OF Regents Of the Society as
to whether or not there should be State
branch of the organization in Virginia.
OBJECT EXPLAINED.
The Society was represented by ReVs
Gilbert and Gordon. the secretary and as
s;stant secretary of the Association, re-
spectively. who explained that the mead
and president Of the Society was MI. Jus
tee Harlan, of the Supreme Court OF the
United States, and that its object was the
advancement. Of Bible study and the GeVei-
opment of spiritual life. 1t was pointed
out by Mr. Gilbert that this Society tur-.
nished at a small cost textbooks providing
a Bible study classified in four rarts-the
Silnday-school teachers, normal schooi, the
Bible school at home, the intermediate
department and the college department
These studies, Mr. Gilbert explained, re-
o,,ired two years. The plans were simple,
only an English education being neces-
sary.
When the representatives of the Asso-
citation had concluded their addresses they
announced that they would be glad to
answer any questions that might be asked
them regarding the Plan of the work
COST AND PLAN.
One of the first persons TO interrogate
the sneakers was Rev. sLandon X. Mason,
rector OF Grace Episcopal Church. OF TINS
city. He was anxious to know the cost OF
the proposed literature TO each student
and the other details Of the plan Key.
Mr.. Gilbert replied that the TEXTBOOKS
varied in price. but We're aooetz29 cents CENT,
each He added that the purchase or me
literature was not what the Society sought;
il sought the promotion Of Bible study
and religious education.
Major Stiles said he knew OF no better
way to advance Bible study than to study
the real Word Of God.
Mr. B. f Johnson made few remarks,
in which he expressed the opinion that the
meeting should approve the formation OF
a branch Of the Society in this state. some
one asked Il the Society was inter-denomi-
national, TO which Mr.. Gilber. replied IN
the affirmative.
MOTION TO INDORSE.
After a great deal OF discussion mo-
ton was offered to ndorse the WORK q,
HE society and 10 appoint a committee Oh
five TO look into its merits and report -, d
plan of organization III this state. Inc
first proposition Was adopted by a very
small vote whel,eapon Rev. AR Mason
took the ground that as the vote haa
been feeble It should be recensidered ana
the whole matter Should be referred 10
a committee 30 be charged Watn the uuis
of inuuiring into the plan and WORK OF
HE society With a view OF reporting d.
a subsequent meeting whether or not there
should be q branch of the association III
Virginia.
Rev Carey E. Morgan. pastor of the
Seventh-Street Christian Church, spoke
briefly, saving ne thought those present
!tally felt in favor of The ASSOCIATION s
work, and that 1t should be indorsed- a
COMMITTEES could arrange the plans lor
organZa ton.
no BE INQUIRED INTO.
Mr.. Eugene Massie said the matter
was one which should be inquired into
carefully. The literature should be eN-s
an,iled. he said, IN order that 1t might
be known wlles her or not it was or
not sectarian. He did not think the plan
had been sufficiently explained for those.
present 10 attempt an organization With
aut further inTest:gat on.
The next speaker was Major Robert.
Stiles, WHO suggested that the meeting
should adopt a resolution expressing
hearty Interest in the general work OF.
the society and providing for the appoint
rnent Of . committee of FIVE to inquire
INTO the details and tIae plan of the work
this committee to report 10 a subsequent
meeting, Il deemed advisable. A motion
to the effect was put and adopted. and
The assembly dispersed aeer the benedic-
ton had been pronounced
Attic Hospitals.