The border vidette., 1910-02-19
Laynen's Missionary Convention at
 Phoenix.

Phoenix has aspired for several years
 to be fair center, an aviation center and a convention center and it has always covered itself with credit in 1 the way of entertaining visitors, but not wit hsts ndiDg it's past success it now has on hand a movement new in the
 west, but movement that promises to attract wide attention to Arizona, and It is making gigantic efforts to ! bring together the largest gathering of religious men ever assembled in Ari- zona. This. however, does not mean that the idea is restricted to religious men, but a convention is to be held in that city on March 4, 5 and 6, which will be primarily a religious conven- tion. It will be known as the Lay mems Missionary conv. ntion and is most unique in it's character. It is gotten up under the auspices of the National Laymen's Missionary Movement, the object of which is to organize move ment of the Laymen of all Christian churches to spread the Christian re- ligion every where and among all nations. Heretofore missionary work has been carried on by the various churches and the work of stirring up interest in the spread of religion has been confined to the pastors of the various churches But the convention rc f0- of ting the matter of sending the gospel in the hands of the laymen and a very unique method is being used to excite the interest of men in religion.
 The people of Phoenix have organ ized energetic committees for the pur- pose of getting up this convention; headquarters have been established, 8 large sum of money has been guaran- teed in order to get up entertainment for the visitors, and the capital city is active today as it was when the money was raised to build the splendid Young Mems Christian association building.
 The smallest number of delegates from outside towns that will satisfy the Phoenix people is five hundred, and they want five hundred more, and they are making preparation for a dollar banquet for that number, ex- pecting to entertain more If they at tend At this banquet the delegates will have an opportunity to meet the distinguished gentlemen, who are being sent out oy the National Missionary Movement. in social way and after wards they will hear them on the floor of the convention. During the con- vention, matters of great moment will be discussed by the ablest men of the country and Arizona will be given a treat of oratory such as it never re- ceived before. In fact, the Phoenix people feel confident that they will present to the convention as great an intellectual treat as was presented during the Chautauqua and one far different in scope and character.
 It is we'll worth attending as an in tellectual feast, aside from the social moral advancement one will receive. At this convention will be assem- bled the best men and women of the terri tory and it will be in the nature of a great social affair, where men will meet, exchange ideas, do good work and leave behind them pleasant mem ories and lasting friendships.
 Nogales. which has always enjoyed Phoenix hospitality, will doubtless turn out to this convention in large num- bers, especially as committee of Phoenix men have arranged for low railroad rates.