The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-06

its ffty-sixth anniversary. The occa- sion was one marked by an elaborate program. which Included the report of the Society for the past year. an ad- dress by Rev. H. NJ. Edmonds, pastor of the First Presby Church, and an excellent musical service.
 In view of the fact that the Bible 6o- ciety was to celebrate it's fifty-sixth anniversary there were no services in the Court Street Meth odist Church. the Dexter Avenue Methodist Church, the First Baptist Church and in the First Presbyterian Church where the ceie- bration took place. The pastors of all of these churches being upon the ros- trum of the First Presbyterian Church.
 The report which was read to the congregation by the President of the Bible Society. B. NJ. Wash burn, showed that the sale and general distribution of the Bible throughout the State was way and above that mentioned in the report of the year previous. The finances of the Society were also shown to be in decidedly a better condition than they were reported for the year previous.
 The meeting last night was opened with the doxology sung by the con- gregation standing. Dr. O. c. Mctse- hee. pastor of the Court Street Method ist Church. then read the lesson for the evening frcm the book of Psalms selecting the nineteenth as the one suitable to the occasion. pr. Charles A. Stakeiy. pastor of the First Baptist Church. then led the congregation in prayer.
 B. M. washburn, President of the Bible Society, then read his annual re- port to the congregation. It is as fol- lows:
 Annual Report of the Board of Direc-
 tors Aiabama Bible Society.
 Montgomery, Ala. Dec 3I, 1907.
 The Board of Directors of the Ala bama Bible Society in making this ,fif- ty-sixth annual report are gratifed at the increase of our work. Our books are being distributed in all parts of our State and also-in the following States: Arkansas Florida. Georgia, Illinois. Indiana, Kentucky. Louisiana Michigan, Mississippi. North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Caro- lima, Tennessee, Texas and West Vlr- ginia. Our people are being blessed by the truths of the word as expressed in the reforms. and otherwise over the country. F
 The Bible is being studied with bet ter facilities and more effectiveness than heretofore. The light of the Word has made a stronger Christian manhood and womanhood, and has brought in better condition for liv- ing. The Truth has exalted woman and made purer moral atmosphere for our children. In its increasing light the world Is growing wiser and better. By it's knowledge our children have come to the Savior. the wicked have forsaken their way and found mercy and pardon, anG Christian men have been thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The field is open and the Alabama Bible Society is becoming more and more responsible for the dis tribution of the Word in our State.
 We hope during the year, 1908 to place more fully before the people of the State the work and the needs of the Society.
 We are receiving aid and encourage ment from nearly every denomination Ii. the State. The people are beginning to find out that the Society is furnish ing Bibles of a quality and at prices which cannot be duplicated in the South.
 We are trying to place GSd's Word either by sale or gift whefever it is needed and where. 1t will be efreceived.
 The prospects for the spread of the revealed Word over the earth are irl- spring. Being translated intot 436 languages and dialects-perhaps all of being about 12.000, 900 copies of the Bible circulated annually an ln- crease of 10 or F per cent, we see the number of volumes in circulation doubles every eight or ten years. These facts are. full of hope for in- crease of light means an increase of life.
 Our statistical report shows that our Society, during the year, has sold 13,- 5S7 volumes, valued at $9,249.3s; and has donated 3.0S5 volumes. valued at S2I7.06, making a total distribution by sale and donation of 16,622 volumes, valued at $9.466.44.
 All of our Protestant churches are cooperating in the work, most of them heartily.
 The distribution Is being made through agents. merchants and deposit ories over the State.
 The superintendents have been act i've, and more books have been dis tributed than heretofore, more cash gathered, and the work that covers the State Is well organized.
 The following statement shows the financial standing of the Society:
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