The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-30


 General Secretary Jackson made three recommendations in his report, and they were adopted in full or in part. One was that the work of raising money for the gymnasium be again taken up. Another was that two members of the board be appointed to visit the building at least twice a week to watch the progress of the work, and the third was that fin- anoe committee of three be appointed to have charge of all the financial matters of the association. His report in full is as follows
 January 29. 1904 ITO the Board of Directors: Dear Brethren-Your attention is re- spectfully asked to the following. report of the work of the association Tor the time sthat l have had the honor of serving you as general secretary
 'I began work for the Birmingham as- sociation August 1, 1903 The old office desk and fixtures were moved into this building and the office opened on the above date. On August 4 meeting of t.he board of directors was held and the policy for the first years work outlined and adopted. Much time was given to put ting the house in repair for opening for the uses of the membership which oc- cured September 22. The first meeting was held Sunday, August 16. It was an- nounced in three of the churches and was attended by 39 men. The next six Sundays up to October l. meetings were held for Bible study, the attendance being com posed of the young men interested in daily Bible study. The total attendance was 129 or an average of 21.
 Gospel Meetings.
 ''The gospel meetings began in October. h been held with a total attendance of 1797. or an average of Ill. As result of those meeting 101 requests for prayer were made by unconverted young men, twenty-eight of whom were personally dealt with and twenty three of whom have made public professions of their ac- ceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Six of those thus making public confessions of Christ were already members of churches but stated definitely that they were not saved two have unit ed with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, being members of MT. Bridges Sunday school class; nine are still unde-. cided about their church relationships, one of whom has left the city; six nam.st we were not able to secure on account ,n, the distressing lack of personal workeIa I'd
 These meetings have grown in inte,; al est and power week after week We hado, a band of young men who have be TT, loyal invitation workers, who have d.. tributed 33,000 printed invitation car w and this is the secret of the increasfla,s attendance and interest. I have neIuls seen a more willing and earnest set .p. re young men, and I am fully expecting see many of them develop into exceptiofa {, ally useful Christian men. I trust at,l,, believe that several of them will give themselves entirely to some form iof Christian work.
 ''The speakers at these meetings have been as follows: Arlie Barber, w. M. Cosby T. H. Johnston, w. E. Weir, w. E. Urquhart J. E. Blair, R. w. Cecil, Dr. J. B. McFerrin, w. P. BIssett, J. D. Will jams, Thomas c. Young, Percy Moore, James Bowron. Rev. J. w. Stagg Rev l.. S. Handley, Rev. w. F. Burrill and Rev. J. H. Mccoy. Their addresses were exceptionally strong. direct and effective.
 We found 1t necessary in order to have effective music to employ a pianist and were fortunate in securing the services of w. H. Maxim. In addition to being the pianist, MT. Maxim is good gospel singer and has rendered very useful service in special solo work. In addition to MT. Maxim we have had the valuable service of singers and players of instruments freely.
 "On December Il The Out and Out club was organized, with R. w Cecil as pres- ident, Dennil Bell as vice-president and Francis Lawson as secretary. The bus mess of this club is to have charge of the entire religious work of the association.
 November G. Bible class was started, with MT. James Bowron as leader His class has met regularly with an average attendance of twenty-two. It follows the International Sunday school lessons, adapting the teaching to the needs of young men.
 Fellowship Lunch.
 November 15, we started our now ex- ceedingly popular fellowship lunch This is really the after-meeting of the gos- pei meeting. It is intended to follow up the impressions made in the gospel meet ings. It has been remarkably successful from the start. There have been Il of