The age-herald., 1901-05-17

 IN LITTLE ROCK Delegates From All the South
 ern States Present ANNUAL REPORTS ARE READ One of the Principal Questions for Dis cussion Is That of Abandoning
 Present System of Sunday
 School Lessons.
ANNUAL REPORTS ARE READ

Little Rock, Ark, May 16.-One hum dred and eighty-five commissioners were present at Il o'clock this morning when the retiring moderator, Judge Joseph w. Martin of Little Rock, called the forty first session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church In the United States, popularly known as the southern Presbyterian Church, to order in the First Presbyterian Church. They repre- sent the synods of Alabama, Arkansas Florida, Georgia. Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi Missouri, North Caroi'ha' South Carolina, Texas and Virginia" Al ter singing by the choir Moderator Mar tin introduced pr. N. M. Woods of Mem phis, who delivered the opening sermon' which was strong presentation or Inc Bible doctrine of sin. The venerable Dr' G. w. Boggs of Holly Springs, Miss, was called upon to assist in the opening serv- ices He was a commissioner In the first General Assembly in Augusta, Ga., in 1861. The business proceedings were pre- ceded by an eloquent prayer from Mode- rator Martin. The stated clerk, Rev. w. A. Alexander of Clarksville, Tenn, be- fore calling. the roll announced that there had been no changes in the numbers or designation of Presbyteries during the year.
 The moderator declared that nomina- lions for moderator were in order. Dr. R. P. Kerr of Virginia nominated pr. Alexander Woods of Memphis The nomi- nation was seconded by Dr. F. R. Beattie of Louisville and pr. w. R. Dobyns Of Missouri. No other names were placed in nomination and Dr. Woods was given the unusual honor of election by acclanla- ton.
 Drs. Dobyns of Missouri and Scott Of Alabama were elected temporary clerks.
 The hours of meeting were fixed at a. m. 2:30 D. m. and p. m
 Various Reports Read.
 The afternoon session was devoted to the reading and referring of reports on education and colored evangelization and the reports of the executive committees on publication and foreign missions.
 pr. R. H. Fleming of Lynchburg' Va.' presided during the afternoon session the moderator being engaged in making up the committees.
 A special committee with pr. F. R. Beattie of Louisville, Ky, as chairman will report scheme for a more efficient provision for the aged ana 1nnrm nlli- isters. A catechism on church govern ment has been proposed by committed headed by Rev. pr. R. P. Kerr of Rich mond, Va, and will be submitted to the assembly, It will be for use in Sunday schools and Bible classes.
 4 Another question that will excite deer interest Is that of abandoning the inter- national system of Sabbath school les sons for another, which makes a more graded and connected study of the Bible
 The question of the marked decline 1T the number of candidates for the min istry will occasion grave study.
 The assembly asked to approve the consolidation of the work of theological education in Kentucky. The Danvillt Seminary, under the control of the North ern Synod of Kentucky, and the Louis vile Seminary, under the control of the Southern Synods of Kentucky and Mis- souri. have practically consolidated, sub ject to the ratification of the two genera assemblies. North and South. This even ing a meeting of welcome was held, ad dresses of welcome being delivered by Chief Justice Bum of the Arkansas Su- preme Court and Rev. Jasper K. Smith and w. D. Thompson. Responses were made by Moderator Woods.