The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-07
OPENING SESSION OF EPISCOPAL COUNCIL
 IN |NSELMAYESIERDAy
Opening Sermon Delivered By the Rev. A. G. Rich ards-Bishop Beck
 with Presides
By R. l.. LARDENT

Selma, May 6.-(Special.) With Right Rev c. H. Beckwith presiding the annual council of the Episcopal Diocese of Ala bama convened at St. Pauls Episcopal church Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock and will continue in session through Fri day. The opening session of the council was attended by about 45 rectors from churches throughout the state and about 65 lay delegates. Additional delegates 10 the sessions of the council reached Selma tonight and more delegates ara expected to reach here on the early morn ing trains Thursday.
 The different sessions of the council will be important ones as before the body there will arise considerable of impor- tance to the welfare of the church throughout the state. Dothan is one or the prominent bidders for the next an- nual session of the council. One or two other cities are also expected to make bid for the next annual meeting.
 With the opening of the council this morning and following the regular devo- tioral service the opening sermon was de- livered by the Rev. A. G. Richards. rector of Trinity church of Mobile. The ser a heard with close attention by the large congregation which attended the opening session of the council.
 In his sermon MT. Richards laid spe- cial stress upon the deplorabie fact that Alabama was giving but a few of her sons to the ministry of the Episcopal church.
 In his remarks MT, Richards cited that other states throughout the union were giving more young men to the ministry than Alabama. He depiored the fact that the teachers in Sunday schools were not using their influence in getting their bright scholars to study for the mln- istry and to consecrqate their lives to the church.
 Following the opening sermon Bishop Beckwith served communion to the dele gates and the members of the Episcopal church present. After the communion service the morning session of the council adjourned.
 In attendance at the annual council is R. H. Cobbs, one of the oldest rectors in the state. For 50 years MT. Cobbs served St. Pauls church at Greensboro as rector, Mr. Cobbs reached Selma this morning and was given most cordial welcome to the convection by the dele gates from all parts of the state. An other veteran of the chufch Tn Alapdha attending the sessions of the council IS John Noble of Anniston. MT. Noble Is the founder of Anniston and the builder of St. Michaels Episcopal church of that city and is receiving a most cordial wei come in Selma.
 Beckwith's Address
 Selma, May 6.-(Special.)-The address by Bishop Beckwith N.as the chief fea- ture of the session of the council of the Episcopal diocese of Alabama this afternoon. As usual, this report related to the achievements and the difficulties which will face the church in the solu- tion of future problems.
 On three points in particular Bishop Beckwith dwelt with those of the general church legislated in New York during the past year and which is to receive the attention of the diocese. This mat ter will come before the council at Il O clock tomorrow morning. The three points of his report elaoorated upon were proportionate representation in the gen. eral conference. The election of a pre- siding bishop, rather than the method by which automatically he assumes office on account of length of service, was the second condition.
 The third question was the suggestion of younger man to be developed for these places. The afternoon session of the council was largely attended and con- siderable routine business was disposed of.