The age-herald., 1901-10-30
MIR. MURRAY SAT NEAR J.P, MORGAN
 AT CONVENTION One of the Most Modest Among the Episcopal
 Delegates
CLERGYMAN TELLS0F WORK
Considers Missionary Topic the Most Interesting Discussed by the Gathering In San Francisco.
 The Divorce Question.

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 The Rev. John c. Murray. rector of the Church of the Advent. who was a dele gate to the general convention of the Episcopal church, held in San Francisco. has returned home. He was delighted with the convention and with his trip in general.
 Each diocese was entitled to four eleri- cal and four lay delegates in the con- vention and 1t Is a noteworthy fact that Alabamas delegation was full the first time in recent years. The clerical dele gates were The Rev. E. W. Spalding, New Decatur; the Rev Dr. T. J. Beard, Birmingham; the Rev. W. c. Whitaker, Tuscaloosa, and the Rev. MT. Murray. The lay delegates were J. H. Fitts, Tus- caloosa; ex-Governor Joseph F. Johnston. Birmingham; R. H. Pearson. Birming- ham, and J. E. Mitchell, Mobile. The Right Rev. Bishop of the diocese, Dr. Barnwell, was in attendance, of course. In addition to those who went to the convention officially the Rev. Stewart Mcqueen of Montgomery was there as a visitor.
 A Large Attendance.
 MT. Murray said every one at the con- vention was greatly surprised at the large attendance. There are fifty-nine dioceses in the United States. each dio- cese entitled to four clerical and four lay delegates; and there are now twenty three missionary dioceses, each entitled to one clerical and one lay delegate. The number of delegates answering to the roll call was considerably In excess of four hundred.
 MT. Murray was much impressed with the intellectual force and dignity of the convention. The business-like way in which matters of legislation were dis posed of was particularly remarked. No convention had ever made such a fine record as to economy of time.
 The public was kept advised of the pro- ceedings of the convention by the Asso- ciated Press. The divorce question goes over until 1904, when the convention will assemble in Boston.
 Missionary Work.
 Mir. Murray said the topic attracting most attention was that pertaining tc missionary work. The missionary spirit was all prevalent. It was decided that the Episcopal church should go before and follow the flag of the United States It is working on these lines today and is therefore busy in Cuba. Porto Rico and the Philippines.
 MT. Murray was deeply moved at the missionary mass meeting in San Francisco at which between fifteen and twenty thousand people were present. Nothing more stirring he said. could be imagined. Ten surpliced choirs, with full ranks, each headed by crucifler. march ed in turn into the vast auditorium.
 A splendid military band stationed on the stage played the accompaniment for the mass chorus. and when fifteen thous- and voices. led by the trained choirs. burst forth in the splendid English hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldier" the effect was electrical and sweeping.
 The women of the church did noble thing for the missionary cause. MT. Mur- ray said, when they emptied into great bag packages of money, aggregating $1o4,- PA. This amount had been collected dur ing the past three years. No such mis- sionary contribution in the Episcopal church had ever been made before.
 Sat Close to Morgan.
 Did you see J. Pierpont Morgan at 4l. rad
 'I saw him every day, for I sat very close to him." replied MT. Murray. Seats in the convention were drawn by lots. It happened that Alabama got the first choice, following her alphabetical order. Our delegates were in front seats. right at the stage. New York got second choice, and her delegation sat right back of us
 "Pierpont Morgan was always in his place. and we were all struck with his nodesty We knew of course he would be typical gentleman, for he had been an old-time delegate to Episcopal con ventions, but he was singularly mod est.
 Did Not Miss Session.
 ''He is nervous man. but he sat quiet. iy. may say humbly, in the pew just behind me. never having missed a single session. sa far as I recall.
 NO rural delegate could have been more transformations than this great man of finance.
 "Pierpont Morgan is used to talking on his feet, especially in these church gath erirgs. but he seldom rose to speak at this convention. He did occasionally rise to his feet, however. and then he spoke with brevity and force, usually carrying his point.'
 Mr. Murray will conduct a holy com munion service at 7:S0 a. m. All Saints