Baptist Courier

THE UNION COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

The tenth annual meeting of this body was held last week with Sulphur Springs Church, about fifteen miles from Spartanburg, and about three miles from the celebrated Glenn Springs. It was our first visit to the Union, and we were gratified to note many evidences of decided interest on the part of the members in the enterprises of our denomination and of growth and development of the churches in good works. It is one of the smallest in point of numbers in the State, having only 16 churches and less than a thousand members. There are only two churches, we believe, in the Association with as many as one hundred members. Their development and increase is not rapid, but it is sure and encouraging. Their contributions during the past year, per capita, were above the average, considerably, and we feel safe in predicting that they will be larger during the year to come than ever in the history of the churches. We are led to this opinion by the expression, on the part of a number of the leading and influential members, of the purpose to be more diligent and active and earnest in their efforts in all church work in the future. They are looking up and ahead.

The Greenville delegation, consisting of Dr. Manly, "R. H. G." and the writer, were joined at Spartanburg on Tuesday afternoon by Rev. W. T. Derieux, and thence the party were conveyed to the pleasant home of Bro. Wm. Little, thirteen miles distant, and within three miles of the church with which the Association was to meet the following day. Bro. W. P. Smith, the pious and popular bishop for the Baptist population of the Glenn Springs country, and our host, one of his comforters, directed us on our way, and about eight o'clock we reached our destination, somewhat jaded, but with sharpened appetites for a most refreshing repast that awaited us. A night of undisturbed repose prepared us for the duties and pleasures of the following day, and at an early hour we repaired to Sulphur Springs Church, where the delegates soon assembled.

At eleven o'clock the introductory sermon was preached by Rev. C. T. Scaife to a small congregation. His text was, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," Phil. 2:12. The remark was addressed to believers, and not to unbelievers, as it was sometimes assumed. Paul had a strong attachment for the church at Philippi, probably because of what he had suffered for them, and because of what they had themselves suffered for the cause. In working out our salvation we should strive for purity of heart and holiness of life; we should seek a loving and lovable spirit, and we should be unselfish and humble. We should do it with "fear and trembling" lest we fail of the attainment of the fullest development. It was a thoughtful and helpful discourse and elicited very general commendation.

After intermission, which followed the sermon, the body was organized by the enrollment of the delegates and the re-election of the former officers, to wit: B. B. Foster, Moderator; D. N. Wilburn, Clerk; J. A. Fant, Treasurer.

West Spring Church applied for membership in the Association, and was received.

During the reading of the church letters Bro. Scaife took notes on the contributions to the benevolent enterprises of the denomination, and reported what each church had given per member during the year. The highest average by any church was $3.20; the lowest 7 cents. The report elicited some discussion, in which several brethren declared their purpose to be more diligent in the future in awakening more general interest in the causes of education and missions.

During a lull in the proceedings Dr. Manly spoke briefly about our Foreign Mission work and distributed literature giving further information. He was followed by the representative of The Courier in still briefer remarks concerning the things that he was most specially interested in; and then, after the announcement of committees and the disposition of other minor affairs, the body adjourned for the day.

Thursday morning was consumed in the consideration of the cause of education. Dr. Manly made an effective speech on the subject in general, closing with an appeal for Furman University. He was followed by Rev. G. W. Gardner, Rev. C. T. Scaife and others, all urging the importance of endowing the Institution, and thus placing it on a firm foundation. The churches and individuals pledged $75 for current support, and the Association resolved to raise during the fall and winter at least $250 for the endowment fund. Brethren C. T. Scaife, G. W. Gardner and C. B. Bobo were appointed to solicit endowment funds. Seventy-five or a hundred dollars of the amount has already been received, and it will be an easy matter to raise the balance. One brother pledged himself for $25 a year for four years. That is the kind of interest we like to see indicated. Oh, that there were a thousand such brethren in South Carolina!

The report on Foreign Missions was presented in the afternoon by Bro. J. H. Randolph, and was discussed by Dr. Manly, and brethren Scaife, Griffith, H. K. Ezell, and others, in earnest speeches, urging the duty and privilege of aiding this important work. The discussion on this report consumed the major part of the afternoon; and after the transaction of other business the body adjourned.

Duty called us home on Friday, and we saw nothing more of the Association. The meeting was harmonious and pleasant throughout, and in all respects enjoyable. The next meeting will be held with the church at Jonesville.

Fragments.

—The Sulphur Springs house of worship has recently received a coat of paint. New steps have been built, and other improvements made. It is now a neat and attractive building.

—The members of Philadelphia Church, Spartanburg Association, two and a half miles from Glenn Springs, are taking steps to build a new house of worship. Liberal subscriptions are being made, and there is little doubt that a handsome new building will soon take the place of the old one now in use.

—Beulah Church, Union Association, gave last year $3.20 per member for missions and education. Beulah is a country church, and Bro. C. T. Scaife is the pastor. What church in South Carolina can show a better record?

—The Union Church, of which Bro. G. W. Gardner is pastor, and one of our mission stations, gave $2.20 per member

—We were placed under obligations to Bro. Wm. Little, with whom we stayed during the meeting, for many kindnesses. He has a pleasant home within one mile of Glenn Springs, and entertains in handsome style.

R. H. G.