The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-12-09
THE BAPTIST CONVENTION.
From the Daily Item, Dec. 3.

From the Daily Item, Dec. 3.
TheConventicn of South Carolina
Baptists met in its 83rd annual session
In the First Baptist church last night.
The church was well filed with people
when toe devotional exercises began.
The Convention sermon was preach
ed by DR.. ". j. Langston, pastor of
the Pendieton Street Church, of Green
vile. His text was taken from IL
Timothy 2:2 1.-The thing which thou
hast heard from me- among many wit
nesses, the same commit thou unto
faithful men who shall be able to teach
others also.'' The speaker said his
sermon would emphasize the import
ance of ministerial education. Environ
ment has much to do with Gods work.
We need men to preach the Gospel.
The duty of supplying this demand
rests upon believers of today. Paul
loved the Gospel and be wanted to
make provision for preaching to future
generations So to-day we must
know and realize the burden which
rests upon us to furnish preach
ers not only for the present but to
make provision for the future. We
enjoy privileges of the Gospel for our
own good, but also for the benefit Of
others.
Paul cautions Timothy to take care
to whom he commits the preaching of
the Word-get faithful men. Some
times bad men get into the ministry,
but the thing to do is to toss these
aside, for there are enough faithful
ones to supply the demand.
The Scriptures demand two qualifi-
cations, for Observation-Disclosures
and ability to teach.
THE ORGANIZATION.
The Convention was called to order
by PresidentD. ". Key, of Greenville,
and the delegates we're enrolled. ,Vill
B. Oliver nominated Chas. A. Smith,
of TimmonsvilIe. for President A. G.
Wilkins nominated L. G. Ezell, who
declined to allow the use of his name.
j. Fl. Wharton moved that the clerk
be instructed to cast the ballot of
tie Convention for Mr.. Smith, which
was done. The newly elected presi
dent was escorted to the chair by
Messers. Ezell and Oliver and in a few
happy remarks accepted the Office. L.
C. Ezel and G.. A. Stiles were elected
vice presidents. Secretaries G: P.
Erwin and Y. I. Masters were reelected
and J. L. .Vass was chosen treasurer
Prof John r. Sampey, representing
the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary, addressed the Convention in
the interest of his institution. Pledges
to the AMOUNT of over 5000 were made
to the students fund of the Seminary.
THIS MORNINGS SESSION.
The convention met this morning at
! half past nine o'clock and the Rev j.
n. Prestridge Of Louisville, Ky, led
devotional exercises.
DR.. C. G. Brown welcomed she
visitors in speech characteristic OF
| the man, provoking no little laughter
at times, but breathing a deep spiri;
of love. President Smith asked Pas
I tor John Bass Shelton, of Chester, tc
respond and bis response was listened
to with interest, because it expressed
the heart feelings Of the body.
A LARGE ATTENDANCE.
The total enrolment last year was
f, 23l. At the opening session last night
218 delegates answered to the roll call
This is an unusually large attendance
at the opening of the sessions.
| President Smith announced the fol
/ lowing committee on time and place o.
next meeting: r. II. Burris, j. H
! Wharton, A. Finch, VIM. Rankin anc
rs. r. Bass. Columbia and Chester
are applying for the Convention.
/ STATE MISSIONS.
L. Secretary Bailey read the report Of
State Mission Board. most gratifying
PAPER. The total amount received wa:
! something over SIS, 900.