The Newport plain talk. (Newport, Tenn.) 1909-1939, 1913-01-02

then there began an active campaign
throughout the south to organize the
lay forces and impress upon them the
Importance of the convention and
what 1t will mean to the denomination.
An Ideal Location for = Convention.
No better place than Chattanooga
could have been chosen for the con.
yention. When the Presbyterian lay.
men held their convention in that city
last winter there was general gratif-
cation expressed that Chattanooga had
been chosen. The convention was a
success from every standpoint and
many of the delegates expressed de-
sire to return at some future date for
similar occasion, stating that they
hoped Chattanooga would again be
chosen as the meeting place for, the
laymen of their. denomination.
A systematic canvass of the whole
south is being made Interest Is now
at high pitch. DR.. Henderson, during
the convention season among the
states, visited practically all the state
conventions of the south and was as
sured of hearty cooperation on the
part of those with whom he came into
| contact. The conventions he did not
visit were visited by other prominent
Baptists with the same results.
| The fact that the convention will be
the first of its kind ever held by the
Baptists gives Importance to it. Keen
, interest is manifested as to the out.
come.
Delegates Are Organizing.
In many southern centers the lay.
men have organized and the pastors
have pledged their hearty cooperation
toward securing large delegations TO
60 to Chattanooga During the day
and night preceding the opening CT
the convention there will roll into
| Chattanooga special trains from all
parts of the south and special cars
bearing delegates. For the time be.
ing Chattanooga will be the mecca of
all Southern Baptists and those who
can not attend the convention will be
much in prayer as to its success.
When Chattanooga entertained the
Southern Methodist laymen, success
was the result, and as soon as it was
announced that the Southern Baptist
iaymen anticipated holding similar
convention there, Immediately the
hearts and the pocketbooks of public
spirited citizens were opened and the
word. Come" was passed out
Chattanooga is the headquarters for
1 preparation activities A complete list
OF committees has been named and the
secretary Of the combined forces is the
Rev. e. E. George, Superintendent Of
Baptist Missions in Chattanooga, who
so successfully. executed his duties Al
executive secretary of the Men anC
Religion Forward Movement campaign
there.
The convention will be character
lied by addresses by. some of the mos
notable Baptists in the country.
1t is vital to the success of the con
vention that Baptists all over tn,
south do their part toward creating al
ever.increasing interest that will cul
inmate In a large attendance. All pas
tors ard active lsyment are urged Il
lay upon the hearts Of their associates
in church life the Importance of tn,
convention.
, 1t lis felt that III every Baptist will
do his duty success is certain.
Gen. Ballington Booth, the well
known head Of the Volunteers o
America, while in Chattanooga recent
ly, expressed it as his opinion that tn
Bsptixts were the most progressive
denomination in America to-day. Tina
spirit will be put to the test Will
stand'