The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-31

Wltu d lntInDtTSHlD OI Sc,zeS, ltl church buildings. valued at s1,951,s90; 224 parsonages. worth s437,700.
 In 1905, conference met in Athens. Since that time decade, additions to membership total 24.01s-equal to an annual increase of 3A per cent for the 10-year period. This ratio is above that of the population rate of growth in the given territory. It indicates, if maintained. that the conference mem- bership will this year go we'll above 100000 Such indication seems justi- fled. not only by comparative statis- tlcs but more so by reports of ingath- erfng from various sections. Methodist ministries appear to have registered gratifying numerical results during 1915
 The north Alabama conference af- lords some interesting figures pertain ing to ministerial supply. During years just past. certain Christian de- nominations have complained Of marked lack of material offering for the ministry. Such condition was deemed matter of deep so1icitude: the more so, since shortage there seemed to imperil present and future eff ciency of the church adequately to do her work. So serious was the situa- ton regarded by thoughtful men. MT. John R. Mott was impelled to write a book whose purpose was to arouse the churches to special prayer and effort in the premises. MT. Mott evil dently counted a crisis exceptionally strong appeal, to the intent that they ministry. as profession worthy their noble powers and laudable ambitions
 Supply Is Ample
 Whatever stress, arising from shortened ministerial supply, may De felt by any s,F f,ttr 1f,- try. like conditions do not obtain among southern Methodists, at least in the com pass of north Alabama conference Dur ing the five years, 19l0-14, 94 young men have knocked successfully at the door of this conference for place in the itin- srant ministry. These figures do not con- slider men who may have come by trans fer from some other conferences: they rep resent the raw material. which. to the manner born. has been grown in Alabama. Ninety-four additions to the ministerial working force of the conference during the past five years; that same period shows the organization of IT additional pastoral charges. Therefore is 1t apparent that the percentage of increase of pas toral supply is considerably greater than any accompanying expansion of the field. This year promises to bring its average quota of young ministers, asking adnis- sion into the ranks of the itinerant pas- torate. Of course, 1t goes without the saying we are full, crowded, almost run ming over.
 The general standard of ministerial re- quirement has been measurably raised. Methodism has been proud to point to a great university as cradling her nativity. and to John Wesley Continent peer of emi- nent scholars) as her founder. Bishop Galloway, addressing class of young ministers, up for admission into confer once 10 years ago at Athens. said that he wished some man equal to the de- mands might undertake the task of writ Ing an article on the subject. John Wes- ley as a Higher Critic" and in that connection the great bishop remarked that 'pra actically all the points raised by high CT criticism were anticipated by MT. Wes- ley 100 years ahead of them" With such antecedents. however, Methodism in this country has never imposed seminary or college equipment as essential condition for ministerial entrance; but as a condi- tion of worthy continuance she has laid large insistence upon that development and growth consequent upon courses of study wisely chosen and diligently pur- sued. Stand has been taken upon the theory that a good way to master pas toral theology" as well as other sorts. was in connection with the actual pros- ecution of the pastoral work; that, by the safe guidance of those fit for the off, flee, the young minister, while actively engaged in the work of the ministry, might by faithful application master his theology, and that under conditions at one time deemed highly ideal. And there be wise men now holding this method Is the safest hence the best. for such study. But the entrance requirements have been raised.
 Through College or Seminary
 The highest councils of the church now recommend that candidates for the min istry tarry till they toll through college and theological seminary. The trend Is that way. The day may come, when Methodist requirement. may be A grade college diploma, plus B. D. from a di- vinity school. Such as that would un- doubtedly be advancement; but whether 1t would be improvement and guarantee of better things that Is another matter whose full disclosure the years must bring. And such recommendations, such trend. as here recorded. may after all be in perfect keeping with the charac- teristic and sustained effort of Methodism in the matter of college and university building. Some very knowing men have gone to record. in final Judgment, that denomination cannot successfully run university; others. that the church has small business. if any, in college effort But all the same. the church keeps peg ging away in this direction, and is doing things in the educational world. Wander bilt may turn a trick. unleash churchly allegiance, and slip ecclesiastical control; but Emory rises to record not merely church ability, but also church purpose and discrimination not to be run out of the field. And after north Alabama has striven 80 masterfully for Owenton, and other conferences for their colleges, and southern Methodism for Emory and the rest. 1t would be almost unthinkable if their failed to develop a. demand to re- quire our young ministers to bear the im- primatur of these noble institutions. The trend is that way.
 Standing Committees
 Apart from the cut and dried plan of tre open daily sessions the bulk of business done by conference. ths working out of plans, the formulation of policies, and the scheduling of things to be done. the bulk of that sort of thing falls to spe- cial committees and standing boards. The boards of educaobn church extension. Hpworth league. Sunday school. missions,