The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-10
CHURCH METHODS
 MORE THOROUGH, SAYS $. H. ELAN
In All Branches Of Work, Progressive Action
 Is Claimed
fState Capital Bureau.l

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Aug. B. Methods of church work are more thorough and systematic, today than ever before, ir the opinion of s. Fl. B1an, secretary of state, and lay lead CT of the Alabama conference, Meth odist Episcopal church, south.
 ..In the Sunday schools, young peo- ple's societies, missionary societies, lay activities missions, and in the work of the ministers, up-to-tlate and carefully planned methods are being used," Mir. Blan stated They are productive of most excellent results. Despite the statements of some, the churches are moving forward with steadier stride than ever before. Through their cul- tural courses they are building for eteF- nity.
 Gaining In Property
 Not only along this line, but in property the churches are also gain ing. I have been to two or three large meetings lately of conference and board activities. Reports show unprecedented progress everywhere. Millions of dol lars are being spent in church build ings in the south. and other millions are being spent in hospital work. was talking to gentleman q few days ago and he conveyed the news that in one western city, or south western city, building valued at about a million dollars had just been acquired for a great hospital. Here in Mont gomery two magnificent buildings have been added to the Woman's college within the past year, and two hand- some buildings now adorn the Memorial hospital grounds, with prospects of be- ginning a third soon. These improve ments in church property in MOntgOm- cry arc but typical of like improve ments in many other of the south, and both in town and country new church buildings gre springing up. The peo- ple are paying tribute to the Lord in this way as never before, and gladly so.
 Assembly Grounds
 I have been much impressed with the assembly grounds now or heretofore es- tablished by the various churches, and the great good they are doing. The Methodist Episcopal church, south, has two great assemblies, or Summer Cap. itOls of Methodism,' where splendid programs run all summer and whe-e thousands of Blethodists spend wee IS each year. either for study or for pleasure, finding profit in either de- sire. Lake Junaluska, N. C., in the Land of the Sky is one of the most picturesque spots east of the Mis- Sissippi. With a beautiful mountain setting and a 252-acre lake, with it's many fine building and splendid hos telries, Junaluska is one of the most delightful spots to be found. It is worth possibly a million dollars, but it's intrinsic value is perhaps the least valuable feature, for Junaluska means so much otherwise. Mt. Sequoyah, Ark, in the Ozarks, near Fayetteville, Ark, is the assembly ground for Meth odism west of the Mississippi. Though this assembly is only about two years cid, it now has several permanent build ings and more to follow this winter. It has 400 acres of land, covering a beautiful mountain top and slOping gracefully down to the edge of the White river, with a quarter-mile front. This property is now valued at $200,- GOO, with m increasing property value each. month. Fine programs are run here throughout the summer, and hund- reds of western families visit this beau tiful spot.
 Many of the conferences tor states) are now acquiring assembly grounds of their own, where people may gather who do not care to make long trips to the general assembly grounds. Texas now has four or five of these, valued at large sums, and doing great serv- ice in a religious way.
 Tt is certainly Encouraging to church workers to note the progress in every phase of church work throughout the south. And it is apparent that the denominations are coming closer together in a spirit of cooperation for the general gocd of all, in the up-building of the kingdom of the Master