The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-18
DIOCESAN COUNCIL
 COMES ID CLOSE E'Was Most Successful Held
 in Years
 DELEGATES LEAVE Warm Discussion Precipitated by Memorial From Local Pastors Union-Work of Assembly Was Entirely Harmonious

What without hesitation was said to be one of the most successful and profitable diocesan councils held In the past 10 years came to a close yester- day afternoon after three days ses- sion in Birmingham.
 The council, according to the testi- mony of Bishop C. M. Beck with, Mai ". W. Screws of Montgomery. Rev. w N. Claybrook and other well known men has been by far the most profit able and enjoyable one held in recent years. During the entire council not one wave of dissension floated over the assembly. Not one question came up that called for any unnecessary heat in debate or regrettable discussion Evi- dently all of the clergymen and lay men who attended were well pleased, for they showered Rev. and Mrs. Clay brook. their hosts with grateful con- gratulations yesterday when the coun- ell came to an end and many of the visitors prepared to leave the city.
 Up until the last hour of the eoun- ell business of importance. even though routine, was handled. When adjourn ment came every detail had been closed and the visitors were dismissed by Bishop Beckwith, who thanked them for their patient and fair attendance which had characterized the meetings.
 Memorial From Pastors
 Yesterday the council discussed prin- oipally a report of welfare work and a memorial presented by the local Pas tors union, asking the council to join the local ministers in condemnation of certain practices alleged to exist in Birmingham. At one time the discus sion became general and was very in- teresting. However, the action taken was to allow the report and the me morial to pass over until some future time. The council did not create the impression that 1t looked with disfavor upon the undertaking of the other ministers. However, there was some language used in the general debate that did not suit the fancy of many of the delegates present, 1t was said.
 The welfare committee was utterly opposed to the convict lease system, 1t as a relic of barbarism and memorialized the council to lend
 
 disruption of that inexcusable system" That portion of the report was received with general favor.
 The council discussed the local negro school known as St. Marks school, which, from reports, has proven an effective organization The council will lend whatever aidais consistent in the furtherance of that work.
 Bishop Lloyd Leaves
 The leave-taking of Bishop Arthur s. Lloyd of New York yesterday was most memorable feature of the final session. The beloved minister was given the floor and in a talk that was simple and ap- proprlate thanked the council for the kind nesses shown him while here. He said no word that was over two sylables in length, and yet his remarks were of sim gilar weight and effectiveness. He ad- monished the auditors to remember the cause of missions and give the "other follows a square deal" He reiterated his pronounced theory that everyone has been saved and it was his duty to help keep tho other fellow from stumbling. T must keep my hand upon his shoulder and
 
 lire," was the simple, straightforward way in which the reverend speaker put it. The luncheon served yesterday to the visitors by the women of St. Mary's church provoked an unusual scene on the ficor of that room when the luncheon hour cane. Bishop Beckwith called upon Maj. W. W. Screws to convey the thanks of the visitors to the ladies and the peo- pie of Birmingham. The veteran news raper man did so in a remarkable trib- l ute to Birmingham He said that it matters not what local jealousies may | make us do, that no one from Alabama ever leaves the state who upon being asked about Alabama, does not say that she has city that is the richest in the south and has made the greatest gains of any city in the whole country Major Screws tribute to the ladies and his most complimentary references to Bir- mingham were received with. great in- terest and satisfaction. Robert Jemison. Sr spoke then for moment or two unon the work at Auburn, pleading that tie best talent in the state be sent to that place. if necessary. and that money to build a church would be forthcoming. The afternoon session was laNgely- rou- tine, whereupon an adjournment was in order. Bishop Beckwith will leave for Montgomery with Mrs. Beckwith today, while Bishop Lloyd went to Huntsville | yesterday at noon.