Jasper Republican, Volume 2, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 October 1875 — PROCEEDINGS OF THE NORTHERN INDIANA FREEWILL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. [ARTICLE]

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NORTHERN INDIANA FREEWILL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

The Annual Meeting of the Northern Indiana Association of Free Will Baptists wss held with the church in Rensselaer, White county Q. M., Indiana, September 24th to 27th inclusive. Organised by electing Rev. 8. E. Rogers Moderator. The usual routine of business was harmonious and full of interest. The reports of the Q. M’s and churches indicate harmony, stability and growth. The LaGrange Q. M. reports revivals in some three of theircborches; also responded liberally to benevolent interests. Noble Q. M. reports a revival. Salem Q. M. reports prosperity in their institution of learning at Ridgeville, that they have lately increased their endowment fund to about $30,000.00. that they sustain an efficient faculty, and it is well patronized with students. White county Q. M. reports some revival interest and indications of prosperity. The following resolutions on the state of the churches were adapted: Resolved, That the activity and usefulness of the churches are best secured by promoting their spirituality. That the ehnrebes must feel more deeply their responsibility, as representatives of the Christian Religion. That the churches make a more liberal provision for the support of their Pastors’ evangelical labor. Resolved, That there is no subject that effects the present condition and future success of the cause more than the state of the finances ; therefore we recommend, First, That our churches put in active operation some efficient method for the support of their Pastor, and to meet he the current expenses. Second, That we seek to have all of the time of our Ministers employed in tbeir calling rather than turn aside to secular pursuits for a support. Third, In raising funds, adopt the foUowing rules : That every member of the church give some amount statedly; give as God has proposed—according to his or her ability ; do it willingly. Fourth, Appoint committee to solicit and collect subscription monthly.

Fifth, That the Pastors unite in holding revival meetings with all of the churches. Resolved, That we set apart a portion of each session of our Yearly Association for Sunday school services, and we recomend Q. Hi’s to do the same. Believing intemperance to be the most prolific of all sources of evil, and beliving it to be the greatest detriment to the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, and its interests; therefore, Resolved, That we, as an Association, take a more decided stand against it, and recommend that our Ministers preach at least one sermon every three months, on the subject of intemperance, to their congregation. The religious exercises were interesting, and the discussions very harmonious and encouraging. The Sundny school exercise on Lord’s Day, at 3 P. M., was a fine success*; a crowded bouse, good five minutes speeches and appropriate and cheerful songs, led by Miss Rosa Coen, caused glndness’ to fill the hearts of the people. Preaching at this session by the Reverends Pierce and Baldwin, of Ohio, and Prickett, Vaughn and Holmes, of Chicago. The conference was well accommodated by the church and people of Rensselaer, and it is expected that the church will be much encouraged by the interest awakened at this session, and that the Pastor will soon enjoy what be so richly deserves, a full house of attentive hearers and an ample sup-

port from the people.

J. S. JONES

Clerk.