Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-05-22
Enthusiastic Session Held This
Morning at Christian Church.
CHURCH PROBLEM DISCUSSED TODAY
Delegates Returned to Their Homes
Today Filled With Greater Zeal for
Their Work-Was One of Best
Gatherings Ever Held.

Full of renewed zeal for the work of
the church and with a greater deter
mination to use the efforts in promot-
ing the cause of Christianity in their
local fields, the delegates to the south
eastern district convention of the
Christian church departed for their
homes today. Church problems receiv-
ed the attention of those present and
a general discussion was presented
Ialong several important lines of church
activity.
Since Monday evening the delegates
from the various churches in the
southeastern part of the ate have
been in session in this city Three ses-
sionsshave been held each day and the
interest in the work has grown con-
tmuously since the first meeting, and
the gatherings have been most bene-
nclal to the workers in the church,
The Morning Session.
The session held this morning in
the Christian church of this city was
the closing meeting of the convention
for this year. All the interest and en-.
thusiasm that has from time to time
been manifested throughout the meet
ings seemed to be gathered for the
final session this morning 1t has been
the best ever held in the history of the
organization and it is believed that its
benefits will be felt in the new zeal
and Vigor that will be instilled into the
work of the various churches as the
result of the conference Of delegates
held in this city.
The Program.
The program for the closing session
was opened at o'clock this morning
by devotionals and bible study CON
Quoted by Rev. G. G. Davis, of Daven-
port. In his remarks he gave many
good suggestions for carrying on the
work of the church and especially was
his instructions to the young ministers
worthy of note.
Church Problems.
At $50 O'clock discussion of some
of the important church problems was
begun and Notwithstanding that some
discussions We're unable to be present,
the program was carried out with the
utmost satisfaction to all. State SUI
perintendent B. S. Denny, of Des
Moines, spoke briefly on the work of
the Young Peoples Christian Endeavor
society and brought out the fact that
it should always be kept in mind by
the members of the church that the
work of this society is auxiliary to that
of the church. That there is differ
ent type of life represented in this or
| ganization. Its members are filled
with the hope, bouyancy and enthusi-
asm of youth and that the older mem
be,s of the church should always man
ifest kindly disposition to the young
| peoples organization.
The Prayer Meeting.
The discussion on the proyer meet
ing was led by Rev. c.. Walker of Ba-
ltavia. From the general discussion
that was had on this subject it seem
ed to be generally believed that there
should be greater variety of meth
lods used in conducting these meet
lings. Bible study should not occupy
1.-THE entire time, neither should prayer
be the principal part of the service,
but the two should be brought togeth-
er ana harmonized, and used to make
the meetings of interest. One of the
best methods for securing harmony is
1.-THE appointment of different leaders.
This will, it is believed, bring about
the necessary variety and aid in arous-
ing the people to the value and worth
of this service. AS expressed this
morning in the. discussion, the pastor
should not feel that it is his place to
lead each of these services, for this
loften tends to bring about monotony