The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-08-01
A BRANCH DEPOSITORY AT TExARKANA,
r. E. Magill, Secretary.
ARKANSAS-TEXAS.

r. E. Magill, Secretary.
For years the members of our church west of the
Mississippi River have felt they could be more eff
GENTLY served by the Committee of Publication if
branch were established at point more accessible to
them than in Richmond. Overtures on this sub
Jec have been before nearly every Assembly for tho
past fifteen years, but negative answers have oeen
uniformly returned on the ground that the Church
could not afford the experiment
The rapid development of the Southwest makes
IL incumbent on our Church to keep pace with tbe
growth In population, and this responsibility en-
Phaslzes the need for depository from which Pres
Dyterian literature Sunday supplies and books
OF all kinds may be had quickly. Prompted by q
desire to be more helpful to the whole Church. the
Executive Committee of Publication asked permits
sion OF the last Assembly to establish a branch or
branches at such points might be found desirable
Inc desired authority granted to the great de-
hght OF eleven Presbyteries, which sent nm over
lures asking for the establishment of branch deposit
tories
Investigations as to good distributing point were
"' once undertaken, and after going the matter
carefully, the Committee decided that Texarkana
Arkahsss- texas, was about central a point as
could be selected for the territory to be served This
progressive little city is on the State line between
Arkansas and Texas, and only few miles from the
LOUISIANA State line. Trunk lines run out in every
direction, and the mail and express facilities are nm
usually good With but few exceptions every church
OF our Assembly west of the Mississippi River is
"ithin from two to twenty four hours of Texarkana
"A centrally located building has been leased and
hxtures are being installed for a thoroughly
equipped book store
The Committee feels that they have been especialv
fortunate In securing manager Rev. W. L. Hick-
man. now pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bon
ham, Texas.
The managers of church repositories sbould no
walking encyclopedias they are expected to an
swer all manner of questions as to a world. wide
literature, and give information on every phase of
religious activity.
MIR. Hickman had practical training in the book
trade before entering the ministry and has made
name Tor himself as aggressive and successful mas
tor He IS familiar with the literature of orr
Church and his acquaintance with the modern deve
opment of church and Sabbath school activities add
TO ms special equipment for this work
He will enter upon his new duties in September
and 1T is hoped to have the branch in full operation
by October LIST.
A full line of the publications of the Church will
be carried, and in addition a select line of the host
DOCKS OF the day, and full equipment of material
Tor Sunday-school and church work
The success of the enterprise and the scope Of it
usefulness will be determined by the use made of its
Iacliltles by our membership in Texas, Arkansas
LOUISIANA Missouri, Indian Territory and Oklahoma
In view OF the urgent demand for the establish
ment OF such a branch, led to hope that il
VIII be very helpful to denominationaI interests
III the Southwest and literally patronzed bv orr
people.