The Omaha guide., 1938-08-13

Gibbs, Jacksonville, Fla, DR.. j. J..
Heath, st. Petersburg, Fla, DIR.
Archie Gregg, president Shorter
collega, DR.. O. Sherman and D.
w. Miller, Little Rock, ahdRev.
h. G. Hatcher, Donthan, Ala, Sc
cretary to Bishop David H. Sims
Bishop Gregg preached ably at
tho opening general assembly, he
and Bishop Grant alternating with
Bishop Tookes in presiding at the
various general gatherings. Ma
yor j. X. Jordan of Fort Smith
and c. ?. Byrnes, editor of the
two loonl dailies delivered well
come addresses as did young wo-
men representatives of every COL
ored denomination represented in
the city. Particularly striking vas
tho interest manifested and the
warmth of welcome evid need by
tho representatives of white Fort
Smith.
Tho congress had a three-foldl
objective: first, to serve as an edu-
cation project in various phases of
church, Sunday school, Christian
E,ndeavor and missionary work;
second, as a clinic where pastors:
might study modern methods and
approaches toward making the
church more effective as a social.
economic and spiritual unit in the.
community; and third, in inte-
grating young people more defin-
itely into church activity.
1t was a highly spiritual occa-
SIGN ard served to direct atten--
tion upon the growth of appre-
citation for the work which Bishop,
Toskes is doing in the area. The
bishop now serving his second
year has demonstrated a vital in
terest in his men, in the school
and various auxiliaries as well as.
an unselfish interest in the well
iaro of the church, which is bind
ine the people firmly to him.
1T is probable, Editor J. Fl.
Clayborn said, that no bishop who
has presided owe this district has
done more In practical Christian
craftsmanship or striven harder
Tor the church than has Bishop
tookes.' That sentiment was cor
roborated by numerous pastors
and workers throughout the meet
ing. They described Bishop Tookes
as g finarcier, scholar, great pull
piteer, statesman and leader, but
most of ali as a dependable Chris
tian brother.
Built upon the most approved
methods in religious education, the
congress under Dean Blakely at
tackled such ~prpoblsms as "How
to Teach in the Church School,"
Planning a Young Peoples So
ciety Program" Improving the
Aduls Class" Guiding Y,ilth's
Approach to Religion" while for
tho ministers there were courses
in Bible, Pastoral Theology, Homi-
letics and Administration. Under
Mrs. L. M. Hughes, who paused
en- her way to study mission in
Africa, the missionary women stu
died more effective procedure.
This has been a great gather
ing" said Bishop r. A. Grant. 81
am happy to have come all the way
from Florida he continued, "just
to participate. Bishop Tooke's sue
cess is close to my heart, and I con-
graduate him." Bishop Tookes,
Grant and Gregg had been friends
fer twenty-five years, ever since
they all all served together down
in Florida, ard since that time
have striven side by side for the
church end each other.
81 am grateful for this great
gathering" said Bishop Tookes,
because the spirit has been with
us. 1t has been a blessed occasion
and gives me strength to go for
ward even great achievement for
African Methodism and particul-
arly in the 18th district. The peo-
pie of Arkansas and Oklahoma
are among the finest in all Amer
lea. We are engaged in Christ's
work and are determined to carry
on to a victory which will help
our people socially, economi ally
and as Christians The congress
closed Saturday night.