The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-24
Many Delegates and Ministers
 Gather from State
A POLITICAL DISCUSSION
Ministers Consume the First Session Talking Over Subjects of Public Importance in State Affairs.
 Dickinson Leads.
BY c. E. cRossLANp.

Dothan, July 3.-(Special)-The Bap- lists of Alabama gathered in Dothan to- day for the annual state convention. Sew eral extra coaches on the morning train from Montgomery brought most of the delegates. being POO. The evening train brought 40. In all over 300 have arrived : far and more are coming on every train.
 Although the weather is oppressively ilol and Dothan is somewhat inconvenent to the northern portion of the state this convention promises to be one of the most successful ever held by Baptists and the attendance bids fair to be a record maker
 The people of Dothan. under the lead ership of the Rev. W. NJ. Anderson, pas to. of the Baptist church, have proved to be ideal hosts in the way they received their visitors A committee consisting of the Rev. William NJ. Anderson, chair man. B. G. Farmer and George H. Ma 1one left Montgomery with the delegates and assigned homes on the train.
 The First Day.
 The first day was given over to the ministers and their first session was the conference at 50 this afternoon, which was called to order by the Rev. A. J. feston of Jasper Rev. R. A. J. Cumbee of Brundidge was elected chairman of the conference and Rev. Arnold Smith of Alexander City, secretary. The prin- cipal address was made by Dr. A. J. Dickinson of Birmingham on the sub ject: "The Church and Politics" Discus sion on this topic occupied the entire afternoon.
 Prominent among the preachers were the Rev. -. B. Crumpton of Montgomery, Dr. II. P. Mccormick and Rev. Frank Willis Barnett of Birmingham.
 Great enthusiasm was shown by the ,astors in the discussion of political con dluons in Alabama and in proposed steps for a campaign of education for the denomir aton. and state at large, on purer government in the commonwealth. At S:30 tonight the second session of The ministers conference was held, Drs. Rosser of Selma and Charles A. StokelyI of Montgomery led the devotional exer- cises.
 The Rev. James D. Gwatney, the new
  before the conference. One of the most pleasant parts of the service was the mu- 1 s by local talent including duet by, l Misses Farmer and Shae.
 After adjournment of the conference l the laymen present began an organiza- ton. G. c. Miles, Dr. Stokeley of Mont I gome,y and Dr. J. M. Shelbourne of East l Lake explained the meaning of the wide- ! spread tendency among Christian laymen | in carrying out the great commission i int"usted to the churches of the twen- | tieth century.
 This great Baptist movement was in- augurated at the Southern Baptist con vention at Richmond last May. It is one of the most important steps eyer taken D. Baptists in the south Its influence will mean much for Christianity the world over
 Minor Is President. After several inspirational addresses on nomination of MT. Montague, president ot Howard college, J. w. Minor of Ems ley was elected president of the organiza- tion After a ringing speech of accept ance further officers were elected as fol- lows: Vice president, c. G. Miles of Montgomery, secretary, c. w. Ellis of Montgomery; treasurer J. S. Carol of Iro.'. Great enthusiasm was manifested y the large number of the laity present.
 Tomorrow morning the organization of the convention proper will be taken up, alu reports and special items presented. The ladies of the Women's Missionary union will begin their work tomorrow.
 Regret Is general that Mrs L. F. Strat- tOn, state president, and Mrs T. A. Hamilton. state organizer, of Birmingham are unable to be present. Mrs. Stokeley of Montgomery will preside over their sessions
 The Programme.
 Following is the programme for to- morrow
 o'clock-Prayer service: Prayer for the Men of Our Churches" by l.. O. Dawson.
 s:30-Enrolment of delegates. election o1 officers
 9:45-Report of programme committee b" c. A Stakely.
 9'5O-Reception of visitors
 9:55-Introduction of new pastors
 10:00-Welcome address, Pastor w. NJ Anderson.
 1o:10-Reply by presidents appointee.
 D:15-Reading reports. state board of missions. board of ministerial educa- ton; Howard college trustees; treasurer Howard college endowment fund; treas urer of convention.
 11:00--Convention sermon by J. l.. Ros- ser; alternate. J. A Hendricks.
 Afternoon Session.
 2:30-Prayer service: Prayer for Our Baptist Institutions" by J. W. O'Hara. 245-Reading reports continued; Judson college trustees; Scottsboro Institute trus- tees; Healing Springs Institute trustees; Orphans Home trustees; board of di- rectors; statistical secretary. 5:25-A Appointment of committees to re- port this session. 39o to 5:30-Discusslon 5 Of state missions.