Imperial Valley press., 1908-11-21

thing of this sort will be considered favorably by the citizens of this place that the following platform of organi- zation is offered for criticism, correc tion and adoption"
 PREAMBLE.
 Believing that sectarian division and denominational church rivaIries are contrary to the spirit and teaching of Christ, that they foster unholy com petition among Christian people, that their maintenance involves q need less expenditure of energy and of money, and that they seriously hinder the progress of the kingdom of God, we, the undersigned, believers in Jesus Christ, do hereby agree and covenant with each other to organize and maintain a religious society in El Centro, California, according to the following Constitution and Bylaws:
 ARTICLE l. Name.
 The name of this organization shall be "The Christian Association of El Centro, California"
 ARTICLE II. Purpose.
 The purpose of this association shall be the exaltation of Jesus Christ through the Christian culture of its members, the evangelization of thic community, and the extension of His kingdom in this world. To realize this purpose the following means shall be employed:
 l. The preaching of the gospel on the Lords day and at such other times as may be appointed.
 II. The observance of the Christian ordinances-Baptism and the Lords Supper-according to the teaching of the New Testament.
 III. Maintenance of Sunday school for study of the Bible.
 ". Ministering to the material and social needs of Fl Centro.
 V. Missionary contributions accord ing to appointment.
 VI. Support of such auxiliaries as are authorized by the Board of Over seers..
 ARTICLE III. Membership.
 The membership of this association shall consist of all persons who accept the following covenant:
 Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, I hereby prom ise to obey Him in all things accord ing to my knowledge of His will, to cooperate with the members of this association in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship, and to maintain according to the measure of my ability the work and worship conducted by this association.
 ARTICLE W. Duties.
 It shall be the duty of each member of this association to attend regularly it's meetings for public worship, and to contribute to it's financial support un- less excused by the Board of Over seers.
 All unexcused non-contributors and non-attendants shall be dropped from the record of membership, after proper notification at the end of six months delinquency.
 ARTICLE ". Management.
 The entire oversight and manage ment of the association shall be vested in a Board of Overseers, who shall be chosen on the first Tuesday of Decem- Der in each year, and they shall serve until the successors are elected. The overseers as elected shall be the trus- tees of the corporation. The minister of the church shall be eX-officio a member of the Board of Overseers
 ARTICLE VI. Benevolence.
 On the first Sunday of each month a missionary or benevolent offering shall be received, and it shall be dis bursed by the Board of Overseers at their discretion or at the expressed wish of the donor of the offering,
 ARTICLE VII. Quorum.
 Fifteen members present at any regularly called business meeting of the association shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of busi- ness.
 ARTICLE VIII. Amendments.
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