The spectator., 1919-11-18

 ters of Baptist, as well as other churches in the South. have been far too small in the past to enable them to lay aside a competency for old age, a long step in renedying this situation Campaign. which proposes to raise g. 2,500 900 for the relief of aged minis ters during the next five years, and then bring this sum up to $5 900. 900 during the two years Immediately fol lowing the campaign.
 Looking to the adequate care of hun. dreds of aged Baptist ministers and ministers widows in the ranks of the Southern Baptist ConSention who are now in need of financial assistance, this body, at recent session, author. ized the creation of the Relief and Annuity Board at Dallas, Texas, with Dr. William Lunsford as correspond ing secretary.
 Heretofore the average annual sal ary of Baptist ministers in the South has been less than $500 meaning that d large number of preachers received considerably less than that sum- mak ing it necessary that they engage in other occupations during the week in order to support themselves and their families, and rendering 1t practically impossible for them to lay aside any money as support for their old age.
 The establishment of the Relief and Annuity Board and the decision to raise s5,000,o 900 during the next seven years for the relief of the aged minis ters already in need of assistance and the more adequate care of the men who hereafter give their lives to the Christian ministry without an oppor tunity to save up competency to tide them through sickness or care for them in their declining days, has met with a cordial reception at the hands of Southern Baptists. and it is be- lieNed the provision of better treat. ment for the ministers in their retire ment will not only tend to cause young men 10 look with greater favor upon the ministry as life work, but will bring the members of local congrega tions generally to see the need of pay. ing pastors more adequate salaries be- fore these pastors become old and helpless.
 By the addition of an annuity feat. ure 1t is possible for retired ministers to receive an annuity of $500 after tley have reached the age of 6S. and provided they have been in the minis try for thirty years. If they have served less than 30 years the annuity is reduced by certain proportion. To participate in this annuity min ister must make monthly. quarterly or annual payments sufficient to bring in an income of S100 per year when ip. vested, on the principle of regular life insurance. while this is supplemented by s4O0 provided by the denomination. A minister's participation in the an nuity fund is in addition to his claims upon the relief fund.
 II the minister Is disabled at any time after joining the annuity fund. he will receive certain annuity throughout the period of disability. If he dies his widow will receive an an unity of 60 per cent of what would have gone to her husband as long as she lives. and should the widow die her annuity will he divided among minor children until they become self supporting. marry or reach the age of 21
 The board has received an endow- ment of s100.000 from the Baptist Sun day School Board at Nashville not in- cluded in the 75 Million Campaign. and this sum will be divided equally between the relief and annuity depart ments This enables the board to be- gin work immediately and assistance b already being given to 2S5 aged min hters and ministers' widows.