The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-11-14
i pitcher closed the discussion with few

r. M. Frost made excellent addresses III
this interest.
by special Invitation, the Dear ana DUMB
Asylum.
EVENING SESSION.
Hon j. #. Ellyson read the report on the
Education Board as follows: I'll
The board has under Its care this ses.
sion forty.two young men, Twelve OF
whom are pursuing their studies at the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
and thirty at Richmond College, the mum.
Der OF students this session Is ftteen less
than last year. The report Calls Afternoon
to the falling off in the number OF young
men preparing for the ministry not only
In virginia, but throughout the country,
and mentions the fact that notwithstand-
Ing that there have been Organized IN
Virginia In the last decade more than
$50 churches, and that the membership
OF the churches Of the general associa-
ton has Increased more than 8,ooo. yet
the number OF students for the ministry
Ia no greater than It was ten years ago.
The financial condition OF the board has
been very satisfactory, tho receipts hav-
Ing been sufficient to pay all OF tho ex-
penses during the year.
The report calls attention to the oeatn
OF Mr.. Josiah Ryland. for many years Sc
cond vice-presilent of the board, and one
OF it's oldest members. both IN point OF
service and OF years.
Emphasis is laid upon the desira oleness
OF thorough preparation on the part OF
ministerial students, and the churches are
urged to impress upon the young men
they recommend to the care OF the board
the value OF a complete college and SENT
nary course, and the Importance or max
Ing the fullest possible preparation FOR tine
work to which they have been called. me
beneficiarics Of the board arc commend.
ed as worthy Of the continued support
and confidence OF the denomination.
Discussion was postponed. "Our denom-
national papers was the next theme
discussed at the evening session.
r, H. Pitt was in charge and speeches
in warm commentator of tho Religious
Herald were made by Drs C.. S. Black
well, of Norfolk. and ]. NJ. Frost, OF
Nashville.
william Ellyson, ESD. then read the
report on State missions as follows:
praise God from whom all blessings
flow is q fitting expression with which
to open this report, since we are able 10
report the most blessed year OF work ever
done by the Baptists of Virginia. rms ID
true Of all our UNCONVENTIONAL enterprises.
The board under instructions OF the
general association has increased Its mis-
sionary force to 100. This Ia the largest
force ever employed in any one year.
They occupied 332 stations, preached 1853
sermons, baptized 1884 persons. aided pas
tors In meetings where 1.74l persons pro-
fessed faith, made 2O.50S religious visits,
organized 81 sunday-schools and ~
churches, were building 80 houses OF wor-
ship and completed 10. In the work OF
church building they raised slS,53l. and OF
this amount. sl4.30G was raised on their
own fieIds.t
Special attention has been given this
year to evangelistc work. The board has
now in the field four brethren finely
qualified for this difficult and exactins
service. Rev, w. s. I.eake entered upon
his work April 1st Rev. w. F. Fisher on
June list, Reys M J. Willis and ]. B..
Craft on November 1st These are labor
ing in fields where the spiritual destitu-
ton is greatest. The board suggests the
policy Of giving to each of these a spe-
cial territory In which to labor
,co1oRED CHARACTERIZATION,
The board Is giving special attention
to the question how to reach and help
the colorcd people OF tho State. The
report says: I'VE should not only con-
tinuie to give them financial aid. but we
should have clearer understanding OF
our relations to then, and stronger
faith in what. the gospel Of Christ can
do for their moral and spiritual elevation.
We cannot too highly commend the spirit
and tone OF recent editorials In the Re
'lirious Herald on this subject. We think
the time has come when the general as
ISOLATION ought to take this phase of our
work under prayerful consideration"
Specially favorable mention Is made OF
tho work of Field Secretary Garland, who
has proved himself pre-eminently fitted
for arouslng interest In this great work.
Through his wise efforts q number OF
laymen have been led to make special con-
trlbutions sufficient to pay the salaries
OF three Of the State eVangelsts.
FINANCES.
The finances OF the board arc In ex-
cellent shape, as may be seen from the
following statement:
Balance on hand October 81, 1902, 81
| 36,OS: collections to October 81. 1903, $2a,.
Abs: total, s2497.43; disbursements, $780,
s6S.97: balance on hand October 81. 1903
| sAlR.46.,
The board recommends-Flrst. the con.
tinuance for at least one year OF the dis
trict campaign meetings: Second, that II
each district association, as soon after tht
general association as possible, the pas
| tors hold meetings OF one or two days du
| ration for prayer and conference abou
the spiritual interests of their fields ant
the best means Of arousing an interes
In our people on the subject OF persona
work for the salvation of men. The boart
asks this year for $4,000 from the Bap
lists OF Virginia.
The report was discussed by DR.. A.
Pickard and others and adopted.