The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-05-19
M E N w o M E N
A ND T HIN G S

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where the whole city gave itself UP to
trying to make the Baptists of the south
have good and a profitable time.
Chattanooga to my certain knowledge
has entertained the Southern Baptist con-
vention three times during the past Is
years, and each time has learned better
and better how to do it. until now she
thinks she is equal to taking over the job
permanently
The Billy Sunday tabernacle was rev.
citation to many who had never seen the
type of building in which the famous
evangelist holds his meetings. I like every
thing else in this day of specialization,
the architects have evolved a certain
type of structure which is best fitted for
revival services
1t seems a perfectly simple thing to
dc, but was perfected only after many
attempts. 1t has to have great seating
capacity to take care OF the crowds, and
then the seats have to be so arranged
that it is easy for any one in the build
ing who wishes to hit the saw dust
trair' to do it with as great ease as
possible.
To talk about deliberatiye body, how
ever, which has more TIM 5000 delegates
to deliberate, is practically out of the
question. 1t is easier by far to care for
political convention than it is for re-
ligfous one, as the latter is almost wholly
given over to nominations and the rati-
fication of platforms.
But a religious convention has a world
of business to come before 1t, not merely
of an informative or inspiratlonal nature,
but to be discussed and threshed out. and
have found out that every time the
Southern Baptist convention convenes in
big tabernacle or auditorium that only
about half of those in attendance
and they are the ones up at the front,
who really know what is going on or
have any part In the programme.
I was greatly interested In a sketch
shown at the convention of Chattanooga
proposed auditorium 1t is handsome to
look upon, and the arrangements and de-
tails seem to me to have been very care
fully and successfully worked out to
meet both the needs of great conventions
and smaller gatherings. Once a year the
main auditorium may be used while the
smaller assembly room will be used
scores Of times.
I am sure, however, that those behind
our auditorium movement have done their
work well and need no suggestions from
me either in the way of advising the
committee to first inspect the leading
the many which are yet to be construct
ed. 1t is, though, very live question at
present and the speedy and proper solu-
ton of a matter which has hung fire SO
long will be welcomed by every one in
Birmingham.
1t may come as a surprise to those who
have not been to religious conventions of
late to learn that not only is the matter
church buildings are receiving a great
deal of attention, not only at the hands
of those who make a speciality Of erect
ing houses OF worship, but that even
some of the great denominations now
have department devoted to 1t with ex-
perts ready to furnish plans and ad-
vice from the building of a country
church to the construction of a great
metropolitan tabernacle.
I spent great deal of time most In
terestingly in the tent In which literally
scores OF various types of churches were
shown. Many of them had been already
built, while others had been selected. On
tho tables were innumerable blue prints
which were being handled by many pas
tors and deacons who were at the con-
vention to study the question of remodel
ing their old churches or building new
ones
The greatest impetus however, has
ben given to Sunday school architecture
to take care OF the tremendous growth
of the movement throughout the entire
country 1t is no unusual thing for
church at present to appropriate more
money for Sunday school annex than
the original church building cost. This,
believe is the case at the First Meth
odist church, Birmingham, which Will
soon be able to dedicate one of the hand
soonest and best equipped Sunday school
buildings in the south.
a. in, irr1 in O. In N
have such handsome and commodious
church buildings, and so many Well
arranged and attractive Sunday school
quarters, for Birmingham leads the world
in up-to-date Sunday school methods. IL
works out the old name, Bad Burning
ham" which found credence without be-
ing true.
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