Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1910-01-27
THE CONVENTION AN HONOR TO
AMERICUS.

Americas welcomes the annual con
vention of the Episcopal Diocese Of
Georgia, whose territory includes all
of what is generally referred to as
South and Southwest Georgia. 1t is a
distinction not frequently conferred
upon one of the smaller cities to en-
tertain convention of this character.
Americas appreciates the honor.
The grand history of the Episcopal
church in this diocese runs back over
one hundred and seventy-five years, its
birth on Georgia soil being cotempor-
aneous with the settlement of the
colony by Oglethorpe 1t has ever
been a potent factor in Georgia's de-
velopment, giving to the common
wealth many of its ablest and most
consecrated men and women. Its in
fuence in public affairs has far ex-
ceeded its proportionate numerical
strength. Relatively small in numbers,
its membership includes, as it has al
ways done, many men of prominence
in professional, commercial, political
and social life Embracing much
wealth, it is distinguished for its gen.
erous and noble charities Broad pub
lie benefcences have always awaken
ed in its membership an abiding sym
pathy. It has ever been noted for its
magnificent response in money and
personal service to all the calls hum
anity has made upon it. A church the
pages of whose story are constantly
embellished with deeds of Christian
love, the fragrance of whose Christian
charity rises increasingly to the throne
of Jehovah, cannot fail to win the es-
TEEN, the admiration and praises Of
those who while not of its own com
munion are swayed by the same ideals.
Such are the sentiments of those OF
other faiths toward the Christian body
whose official delegates are gathered
here this week.
Representing one of the nations
greatest Christian agencies for the
spiritual elevation of mankind, one Of
its noblest working organizations for
the relief of distress, the succor of
the unfortunate and the inspiration of
those who have almost succumbed in
the stress of life's battles, the con-
yention will enjoy a cordial, hearty
reception from the people of Ameri-
Gus. The influence that such con-
vention radiates is beneficial not only
to those of its own immediate COM
munion but to all workers in the conf
mon Christian fellowship that more
and more draws men together regard
less of the old church lines that at
one time served to keen them apart
Such a convention is h'essing and
a benefit, not only to the direct partic-
ipants but to the community at large
and to those of other denominations
who are open for the reception of new
stimulus and the absorption of new
thoughts. While it's membership is
to one body the attendance at
its public sessions will be inter-de-
nominational, typifying in a measure
The strong currents that have set in
toward closer union of all Christian
life.
The future undoubtedly holds an ever |
expanding usefulness for the Episco-
pal church in this section. IFS re-
awakening enthusiasm insures it's
growth in the great virgin field of
South Georgia. The missionary spirit
'uns strong among both clergy and
atty and the vast development in
population and wealth that the do
,esan territory has ahead of it during
he next decade or two affords op-
lortunity for growth and the extern
sion of its manifold activities that
will not be allowed to pass unheeded
or to no purpose The story of the
irst quarter of the goth century will
doubtless be one of which the Epis-
opal church in the Diocese of Geor-
gia will look back upon in subsequent
periods with pardonable sentiments of
)ride as exemplifying its devotion to
he great cause in which it is enlisted
md its ability as a winner of souls as
veil as a masterful manager of the
more material side of church work.