the churches; a Missionary Department,
composed of the different church missionary societies; and a Church
Department, composed of the different churches.

Each department had its own distinct programme and business; but the
combined programmes of all made up the "general programme" of the
Association. This plan works excellently, and serves as a wonderful
stimulus to each of these departments of church work. We have, in our
next meeting, to add the department of Christian Endeavor.

Our last session, held with our church in Paris on the 28th of December,
1889, was indeed a grand success. Previous to its meeting, I heard of
four other Congregational Churches in the Indian Territory, under the
auspices of the American Home Missionary Society. I sent them an
invitation to join the Association. These churches promptly sent
delegates who connected their churches with the Association.

One brother from the Territory heard of the Association, but was not
able to pay his way on the train to Paris. So, as he said to me, "I left
my wife and children in the care of God, and I put myself into his hands
and came; and I walked every step of the way." This brother walked forty
miles to meet the Association, and his fidelity had a great effect upon
the whole meeting. We tried to make it pleasant for him, and took up a
special collection to send him back home on the train.

Space will not allow me to speak touching the spiritual strength and
interest of the meeting. We had many valuable papers read and discussed,
and closed our session on the Sabbath with the following programme:
"Sabbath morning from 9-11 o'clock, Sabbath-school; 11-12:30, Sermon,
'Congregationalism in the South,' Rev. J.D. Pettigrew; at 3 o'clock P.M.
Sermon, by Rev. A. Gross, from the Indian Territory; 7:30 o'clock P.M.,
Quarterly Sermon, by Rev. M.R. Carlisle, followed by the administration
of the Lord's Supper." The brethren left for their fields of labor
filled with encouragement and enthusiasm.' Those from the Indian
Territory seemed to be especially strengthened.

Our next meeting is to be with the Bois D'Arc church. We have now eight
churches and mission stations represented, and it is only a question of
time before our Association will be a power for God and
Congregationalism in this part of the State. I think we have a bright
future before us here.

* * * * *

A MISSION CHURCH.

REV. GEO. C. HOWE, CHARLESTON, S.C.