Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1895 — PRAY ON A MOUNTAIN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PRAY ON A MOUNTAIN

B»Q EPWORTH LEAGUE SE RVICE ABOVE THE CLOUDS. International Convention at Chattanooga—Sacra men t la Administered to 10,000 People—Greet the Rising Bnn with Praise from Old Lookout. Life of Methodism Discussed. The second international convention of the Epworth League convened at Chattanooga in the big tent, capable of accom-

modating ten thousand. The huge tent was crowded at the opening service, and an inspiring song lead by a chorus o f 1,000 voices started the great convention. The openiug remarks were made by J. A. Patten, representing the Chattanooga -committee. E 1 o -

quent addresses of welcome were delivered by Mayor George Ochs, representing the city of Chattanooga, and Rev. J. P. McFerrin, representing the Methodism of that city. Fraternal responses were given by Bishop Hendricks of Kansas City, representing the M. E. Church South of that city; Bishop Merrill of Chicago, for the

M. E. Church, and Rev. Dr. John Potts of Canada, for the Canadian delegates. Following these speeches the conference was formally turned over to Dr. Steele, chairman of the general committee. Sacrament to 10,0 O People. At night Bishop I. W. Joyce presided and Bishop Galloway delivered the conference sermon. A feature never before

seen in a meeting of this size occurred in the administration of the sacrament of f&e Lord’s supper to fully 10,000 people. At 2 o’clock Friday morning 3.000 to 5.000 of the delegates 'made a pilgrimage to the top of Lookout Mountain for the purpose of holding a sunrise prayer

meeting above the clouds, on the east brow of the mountain directly in front of Lookout Inn. When the sun appeared above the neighboring ranges its rays fell upon the fares Of more than 2,500 delegates, who had congregated in front of Lookout Inn to begin the day with prayer. The services were led by Rev. George R. Stewart, who is associated with Sam Jones, the evangelist. Following the prayer service there was a wonderful experience meeting and several of the delegates were so enthused by the fervor of the occasion that they shouted vigorously. The topic of the day was “Methodism, Its Life and Mode of Expression.” The conference assembled at 9:30 o’clock, with

Judge Estes, o f Memphis, presiding. The great choir led a short service of song, after which the morning topics were taken up in tenminute speeches by the delegates. “Life in the Local Church —lntellectual Duties” was the first subject, by Rev. W.

E. Ray, of Macon, Ga. Rev. W. E. MeCleman, of Berwyn, 111., delivered an address along this lino, emphasizing the idea of what to read, under the head of “Educational Opportunities.” B'lrisest in the South. It is declared to have been the largest convention ever held in the South. It was certainly one of the most remarkable in its character as well as in the numbers in attendance. Nearly 12,000 delegates were present. And they came from every part of the country—North and South, East and West. It was an intersectional, international convention of the Methodist

young people's organizations known as the Epworth Leagues. Whatever be thought of its religions aspects, it was a convention which strikingly signalizes the wonder-J ful changg,which has come qtftsr our country since that “battle in the clouds" on 1

Lookout Mountain thirty-two years ago. As has been well said, sectional and sectarian lines are best obliterated by the feet of those who cross them.- ‘ The Epworth League is an organization, started only a few years ago, for the natural development of the religious, educational and social life of young people, and has already over a million members. The convention at Chattanooga was for Methodists North and South alike. From this warm-hearted and enthusiastic mingling •of- so many representatives from nil parts of the country. North and s}outh, as well as East and West; there is reason, to expect a very considerable development of the finest sentiment of patriotic fellowship.

PRESIDENT PATTEN.

CENTENARY M. E. CHURCH, CHATTANOOGA, TENN.

BISHOP MERRILL.

SEC'Y E. A. SCHELL.

BISHOP FITZGERALD