The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-16
ANNUAL COUNCIL
 Is NOW IN SESSION Episcopal Ministers and Lay- men Gather in Greensboro HEAVY RAIN INTERFERES Division of Races Provokes Heated Discussion-Matter Has Not Yet
 Been Decided-Division
 of the Diocese.

Greensboro, May 15.-(Special.) 1.-The an- nual council of the Episcopal church of Alabama convened in Greensboro today About 100 delegates are already here, and more are expected on this evenings train. Many of the clergy and some of the lay men are accompanied by their wives mak- ing the social side of the council unus- ually pleasant Among the prominent lay men present from Birmingham are Mai E. M. Tutwiler ex-Governor Joseph F. Johnston and Robert Jemison, who brought Mrs. Jemison. Maj w. w. Screws is one of the familiar faces pres ent.
 Tuesday morning after partaking of communion the clergy assembled for short conference. The Rev. w. E. Evans of Birmingham was to have delivered the evening sermon, but such deluge of rain fell that only eight or ten ventured out so the service consisted of only a few prayers This was a distinct disappoint- ment to many who hoped to have the pleasure of hearing the brilliant divine. A beautiful musical programme had been prepared which would have added greatly to the service.
 When the o'clock train rolled in, hav- ing aboard about fifteen olergymen and some ladies' the downpour of rain was frightful. The grounds around the station were fooled with water, and things seemed hopeless. Fortunately Hon. Charles E. Waller was there to cope with the situation. He procured blanks and made a temporary bridge by means of which he got the ladies to the station, where they had to remain some time be- fore they could venture uptown Despite this unlocked for damper, Greensboro Is making good, and will sustain her repu- tation for hospitality.
 Sermon Delivered.
 Today after communion the annual council sermon was delivered by the Rev H. R. Walker. Immediately after the service the council was called to order and routine business disposed of before adjourning for dinner. At o'clock the bishop delivered his annual address to the clergy, giving the general condition of the diocese, the advance made along the several lines. conditions of missions, etc.
 When the order of business came up
 
 negro question: Shall they have their own bishops or not?" The Rev. MT. Gamble of Selma, In a very fervid and eloquent speech advoca ted the necessity of change of some Kind. He did not say what, but disapproved very heatedly of the present arrangement. He was sus- tained In this view by the Rev. J. J. D. Hall, the Rev. E. E. Cobbs and the Rev. Canty Johnston, while Governor Johnston and Dr. Beard were equally as impress sive in their remarks advocating letting things stay as they are.
 No decision was arrived at, and the question will come up again tomorrow ter present. He partook of the com munlon this morning with the other min- isters. Another question that may be brought up during this council will be in regard to the division of the diocese.
 Evening Session.
 This evening at s o'clock the council was again in session hearing the report of the deans in regard to missions. It was shown just what fields were occupied, and what not, and what difficulties lie in the way of the establishment of new mis- sions. The Rev. MT. C1aybrook was pres ent Me accepted the position as mission ary' for the diocese last year. giving up the Huntsville church and declining call to New Orleans in order to do so.
 The Rev. J. D. Glass of Anniston Is sec retary of the council. He was elected in place of Dr. Cobbs, who served in that capacity for twenty years. but had to ask to be released two years ago owing to his increasing deafness.
 Escape Drowning. Three students who attempted to return from Marion last night about 2 o'clock came very near being drowned. It was so dark they drove off the bridge into a creek, and had to abandon their team and swim out Early this morning telegram was received, saying that one of the horses was drowned and the buggy turned upside down.
 The town was wild with excitement for a few minutes as it was supposed the boys were drowned, too, but telegram soon arrived. saying the boys had found their way back to Marion. As they had slipped off for the harmless frolic of see- ing the Judson girl graduates this unfor- tunate denouement Is deplored by thelr friends for, of course Dr. Hosmer will have to demerit them.
 Commencement Programme. The following is the programme for versity:
 Sunday, June ?, II a. m., commence ment sermon. Bishop James Atkins; p. m, sermon before Y. NJ. C. A, by the | Rev. J. M. Dannelly.
 Monday June ?, 10:30 a. m.. prize decla- nation, sophomore; s:30 D. m.. Q junior oratorical contest. @ meeting of trus- l tees.
 Tuesday, June 1. 1o:so a. m.. CD con. test for societies medal. @ address be-