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Show 24 The Missionary Herald January from the school treasury to a half-dozen most worthy and needy charities; but every dollar of which went outside the Apportionment pasture, so that no dollar of the sum is to be credited in the Year-Book except in the "Other" column. To be sure, some of the "Societies" have been remembered during the past months, yet it hardly seems loyal that all the December and Christmas votes from the Sunday schools should go to outside causes. This fact is true in no other denomination in the country. Let every friend and every pastor watch carefully for the Board's interests this year. Never were increases more necessary. THE LAYMEN'S CAMPAIGN Jottings from the Great Conventions The fall series of conventions is over, and before the mid-winter one begins we have a chance to describe the movement in more detail than has been possible hitherto. IN THE WEST Wichita. We might characterize this as a "cosy" convention, and yet it was one of distinct power. It gripped the entire city as much as any. Wichita considers itself a moral and religious community, and the attendance showed it. The four Congregational churches were in the center of the movement, and took the unusual step of merging their Sunday evening services that they might hear all about the Armenian atrocities. Mitchell, S. Dak. Thirty-seven Congregational churches were in attendance, according to Superintendent Thrall's report, and the opportunity was used for reviewing the state work. It was revealed that the state is backward in the adoption of modern methods for missionary education and funds, but far-reaching plans were projected. Governor Byrnie, a Con-gregationalist, came from the capitol to attend the convention and presided at the banquet. The local registration was remarkable. In our own church eighty-seven per cent of the male membership was in attendance, thus heading the list. Country delegates came in automobiles, and the machines were parked along the curb for two blocks near the place of meeting. Some came one hundred miles. Milwaukee was a joy and surprise. The convention was seized upon by the- Protestant churches as a rallying center. The delegates from near-by towns filled the day sessions and gave the speakers a fine hearing. The Con-gregationalists lunched together-a thoroughly representative body-and listened eagerly to a survey of the entire missionary task of the denomination. Dr. Beale, of the Grand Avenue Church, said, "This is the biggest thing religiously that has ever come to Milwaukee." That this opinion was shared by others is indicated by the fact that the convention organization is being continued, in the hope that a similar series of meetings can be held next year. Cincinnati. The largest auditorium in the city was well filled at the night meetings, and a good audience gathered in the mornings and afternoons from the registration of 3,100. The deep religious tone of the meetings marked this convention. The Congregational group used the occasion to consolidate their fellowship and start some new plans. St. Louis. The registration of 1,500 was not as large as expected, but turned out good as to quality and interest; for the attendance was as large as in cities enrolling a greater number, and a fair proportion of leading Christian business men were in evidence. Men like George W. Brown and William H. Danforth, prominent manufacturers, presided at the sessions. The closing sessions packed the auditorium. The Congregational Conference, in addition to inaugurating an Every-Member Canvass campaign, committed itself to raise $1,500 for work in behalf of the robber caste in India, under Mr. McBride, and $1,700 |
