The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-11-18
ALABAMA SYNOD HAS
 EDUCATIONAL DAY Most Representative Meeting
 Ever Held DR. PLUNKET SPEAKS Alleged Preference for Young Ministers Rather Than older Ones Is Dis- cussed-Dr. Stagg Makes Ad-
 dress on Popularity
III DR. PLUNKET SPEAKS

opeiika November 17.-(special. )-To- day was the educational day at the sew enty-ffth annual meeting of the Synod or Alabama All of the schools of the churches came in for their part of dis eusison and debate This is the most representative synod that has ever as- sembled in Alabama, there being larger and more representative attendance.
 A synodical prayer meeting was held at o'clock this morning, and at Il o'clock Dr. L. s. Handley delivered the decennial memorial address to the ten dead ministers of the synod report of schools and colleges was read at 2:5o this afternoon and showed marked signs of improvement during the year
 The opening exercises yesterday morning were conducted by the Rev. J. A. Bryan of Birmingham.
 After the roll call and the reading of the minutes of yesterday. others were enrolled.
 Rev. H, H. Sweets D. D., of Louis vile, Ky, secretary of ministerial edu- ctaion and relief was heard in the inter est of his cause and was ably followed by the Rev. J. T. Plunkett, D. D., of Bir- mingham, who made his maiden speech since coming to Alabama
 As pr. Plunkett began to speak a stove pipe of freshly charged stove fell and created such confusion that the doctor protested that he had been responsible for so much smoke. He in- pressed the great need for more minis ters, and pointed out some of the req sons for the slow increase. He i'm pressed the trouble as lying at the door of the church and it's elders and dea- cons, when they demand a young preacher, and barred consideration of any one over 70 years of age.
 Judge P. H. Pitts of Selma spoke to the point that one reason why the older ministers were not secured for some of the largest churches was because they demanded that the call should be unani- nous, when possibly few young people did not vote for him. Thad Harrison of Mobile spoke to the point that there was possibly need for a modification of one law so as to have a limited pastor ate. Some times a minister remains too long. Judge J. H. Miller of Birming- ham pointed out that there was great CT consideration for the old ministry possibly a pension He told of his city retiring and caring for some Of the faithful, and worn-out horses and that he loved hls city more because it was humane. Can the church care less for the old minister without suffering for it.
 Dr. J. W. Stagg of Anniston spoke Of the demand of handshakng in place of gospel message. the gift of gab in place of expounding the gospel. A man was some time great because he could do these things. There were many flashes of wit The trouble in his mind is that we do not know how to meet the age.
 The Rev l. F. Swallow of Bessemer and the Rev. R. l.. Bell spoke also on this subject.
 The Rev. A. A. Little, D. D., represent ing the executive committee of home mis sions in Atlanta. was introduced and addressed the synod on home missions Attention was called to the need of greater awakening on this subject. The need for prayer. men and means that the situation may be met. It was shown that of the 90,0O0,00o on the United States there were only 2O,00o,000 church mem bers and therefore that this could not properly be called a Christian nation. Could per cent pure water and ' per cent mud be called pure water, or per cent wool and per cent cotton be called all wool Hence great need for mission ary work.
 The fact that great hosts were pouring into our country annually created need for work among foreigners. More for egners pour into New York in two months than the total population of Bir- mingham Our fathers came with the Bible seeking liberty and to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. The new people come largely without a Bible, without worship for God These people are going to lower the tone of life unless we meet and bring them up to Christian life. The address made a profound impression.