ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1886. Second Baptist Sunday School, EALEIGH, C. To the Officers Teachers and Members of the Second Baptist Sunday School, Raleigh, N. C. : My Dear Friends : —I take great pleasure in offering this review of the progress of our School for the year 1886, for in many respects it has been the most successful of our history. Let it be remem- bered that a little over twelve years ago this School organized with thirty members in what was then known as the Mission House on Swain Street, under Bro. Jacob S. Allen as Superintendent. Three years under his aggressive efforts the school had rapid growth, which has steadily gone on with each succeeding year. • Coming into our new church building in October, 1881, and in about six months later into our present school room, where the facil- ities for the work were in every way so much better, our growth has more than met our most sanguine expectations. So that to-day it is believed, we have a Sunday School of the largest actual membership to be found in North Carolina. For these blessings let us thank God, take courage, and endeavor to meet with our best efforts the great trust committed to us. Faithful Officers and Teachers. The growth and success of every Sunday School depends upon punctual and efficient officers and teachers, and for the past nine years it has been my pride to point to this special feature in our work. I mean nothing in a boastful way when I challenge a better record of attendance than that presented by our officers and teach- ers. It is mentioned to their praise. We have special reason to thank God also because of the power of the Holy Spirit in recognizing and sealing the work of our teachers, since it is a fact that nine-tenths of our adult membership have pro- 2 fessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Could you desire greater honor? Can we not come boldly to the Throne of Grace in the year before us and plead that the one-tenth left may be given to us in the Lord. Our Statistics. Our excellent Secretaries, Brethren R. H. Bradley and J. H. Weathers, tell us that we began 1886 with a membership of 463, and closed the year with 519, an actual gain of 56. This too, not- withstanding the fact that our roll is cerrected every quarter and in so doing 143 have been dropped. These last figures should give us much concern. While a large number of those dropped from our roll can be accounted for in removals from the city, many of them are still among us and have passed from our care for the want of personal effort on the part of the teachers. Let it be the rule of 1887 that the continued absence of a scholar shall have the atten- tion of teacher and Superintendent, and every possible means used to secure his or her return, and we shall see the list of those "drop- ped from our roll " greatly reduced. Bro. A. E. Jordan our worthy and accurate Treasurer, shows us by his report that our receipts of money during the past year amounted to $450.75, including the balance of $19.78 from 1885. I regard this as a good exhibit, but personal observation convinces me that many of our members contribute nothing at all, and I call attention to this with the desire that it shall not continue to be so, for, although the amount may be only a penny, every member should give something each Sabbath, and I hope the teachers will press this matter upon their scholars. • Brethren J. W. Marcom and Basil C. Womble continue their vigi- lance and care for our Library, and their reporr, gives the result of their faithfulness. Our pressing need is new books. Tno^e on hand have been read by most of the scholars of our main school, and their interest in the Library is gone. Fifty new volumes, atleast should be purchased at once. Primary Department. As you will see by the report of Bro. J. W. Denmark and wife, the faithful, consecrated teachers of "our little ones," the Primary Department is a school of itself, and its crowded condition puts upon us the demand for more room ; how this shall be secured is a matter that must receive immediate attention. To neglect this de- partment in any way would be to our serious hurt, and it must not be. 3 Intermediate Department. In this room, which only has capacity for about thirty scholars, comfortably seated, every seat is taken, and the extra space often filled. We shall be compelled to form two branches for our Inter- mediates—by separating the boys and girls or forming two mixed classes. I take pleasure in commending Mrs. J. M. Barbee the teacher of our Intermediate Department for her excellent work and christian devotion to her scholars The Angel Reaper • came to us on the 30th day of April and took from the ranks of our youag men Emory J. Freeman, in the 17th year of his age. He was devoted to the school and never lost an opportunity to do his duty in its behalf. The summons came early and in the begin- ning of his young manhood, but we rejoice that it found him ready. We miss his cheerful face and ready spririt, and grieve the loss of one dear to us by many acts of devotion. Emmie W. Pittman was taken from us on the 31st day of Octo. ber, in the eleventh year of her age. Young as she was, her parents and teacher had every evidence of her knowledge and acceptance of Christ. So patient, so gentle, so sweet in all her ways, her death was a trial hard to bear, and no home was ever more darkened or class more saddened than that caused by this dear child's death. Lucy Scarborough, aged 12, died 17th of September. She had not been with us long, but had endeared herself to the teachers of the Primary room by faithful attention and good deportment. We shall meet our lost and own Some sweet day, some sweet day, Gathering 'round the great white throne, Some sweet day, some sweet day. Ladies' Mission and Aid Society. During the past year our school has been greatly helped by the work of the Ladies Mission and Aid Society connected with our church. They have diligently sought out new scholars and faith- fully aud amply provided for those who needed special attention; and we take pleasure in mentioning among its many workers, tfre unremitting zeal of Mrs. T. D. Wray. Our Excursion and Christmas Entertainment. Our trip to Louisburg on the 20th day of May, though greatly hindered by the rain was a source of enjoyment to the great crowd 4 that attended, and our special thanks tendered to the Baptist Sunday School and citizens generally of that place for their kind- ness and attention, was never more justly deserved. Christmas week, beginning on Monday night 20th December, with our Gift Sociable and ending with the entertainment at Tucker Hall on Saturday night 25th, is still fresh in our memory, and afforded us much pleasure. From the splendid gifts you brought us on Monday night, about one hundred children were served, and the blessing of the Lord who said "Inasmuch as ye have done it gnto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me, v is yours to claim. A New Department. I am glad to say that our brother, Prof. E. P. Moses, has con- sented to take charge of what in the future will be known, as our Teacher's Training class. We have felt the need of such a depart- ment for several years. In this class the regular lessons will be taught in such a manner as to aid the members in the methods of teaching, as well as Bible study. It will be composed of males and females. Personal Acknowledgement. I feel indebted to every member of the school for hearty co-opera- tion and sympathy, and your love so often expressed places me un- der renewed obligation to serve you in future better, if possible, than ever before. I will be pardoned for mentioning the assistance given me by bur pastor Dr. W. A. Nelson, and our Assistant Super- intendent, Bro. A. L. Ferrell. Their readiness and ability lighten the duties that otherwise would be more than we could discharge. 1887 for Christ. The year 1886 is behind us. Many things left undone we would recall if we" could, but its failures, and shortcomings, with its suc- cesses, are in the past. The year 1887 stands out before us. Let us look up for help and about as for work, and laying hold with fresh determination, make for our school a record during 1887, that shall be marked in all its history. Yours in Christian love. N. B. Broughton, Superintendent. s¥n.w to u! ew '■■''AlfKk eyiift feaq eiti n! as mi* • \ ,. teews $a<3 t iaemoiv. s . • ••• • ; • • 5 PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. To the Officers, Teachers and Members: Another year has past, and we, the keepers of the plant bed of the school, come to report. And we beg leave to review our work from the time we took charge of the Primary Dedartment. When the roll was turned over to us, (February 17, 1884) it then contained eighty-one names, but showed that on the first day of that year the number enrolled was seventy-four. To this number were added: In 1884 116 In 1885 o 114 In 188o 79 Total added in three years 3,09 Of these we have transferred : January 1, 1885 26 1, 1886 32 1, 1887 54—112 We have dropped: January 1, 1885 43 1, 1886 44 1, 1887 65- 152 Died in the three years 4 Total dropped, transferred and died 268 Leaving a net roll now of 115 Observations. Of those dropped from the roll we have traced some to the Third Bapt'st Sunday School, and some to the First, where we feel sure they are properly cared for. Some having moved are more con- venient to other schools which they have joined ; some have been dropped for other causes, and quite a large number have left the city. This is the sad part of our work. "Dropped" is a word we dislike to use, and it is with joy that we erase it or write " Restored " opposite a name. The Death Angel has visited us only four times in the past three years. The visits caused sadness for a moment, but the sweet assurance that "Their angels do always behold the face of our 6 Father in heaven," and that they shall dwell with Him there for- ever more, encourages us to more strenuous efforts to do well our part here, that we may dwell with Him and them hereafter. Heretofore we have transferred fifty eight (58). Have you kept them? We trust that "none of them is lost." We come again with a bouquet of fifty-four of our beautiful boys and girls. These are our New Year's gift to the school. We give them with our prayers. They are young and tender, and require gentle treat ment and careful watching and training, until Christ takes up His abode in their hearts by faith, and that being "rooted and grounded in love," they may be able to comprehend the mysteries of His loving kindness We trust we have started them aright ; we have implored the Holy Spirit's aid; we believe we have had it. Will you take them now, and bring them to Jesus ? Our prayers shall follow them. Notwithstanding we transfer 54, and have dropped 65, we still have a class of 115 very regular in attendance, a net increase of more than 56 per cent, in three years, conclusive proof that a room that will poorly accommodate 100 pupils needs enlarging at once. The work can never be efficiently done with so large a class without a larger room in which more workers can be em- ployed. We ask your special and prayerful attention to this point, knowing that there are many that are not now of this fold who could be reached with proper effort had we room to accommo- date them. We thank the school for its sympathy, and for the many deeds of kindness shown us, and the patience with which they have borne with our imperfections, and we close by saying the past year's work has been more satisfactory than heretofore, and we feel very greatly encouraged as we gain experience, and we ask in all sin cerity that the Primary Department and its teachers be remem- bered in your prayers. Yours in Christian love, J. W. Denmark, Mrs. J. W. Denmark, Teacliers. 7 INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT. To Superintendent of Second Baptist Sunday School : I beg leave to submit the following report for 1886 : 19 boys, 15 girls, 34 Transferred to main school, 14 13 27 — — 5 — 2 7 Received by transfer from Primary Department. . . . 10 21 31 Received new scholars dur- 3 10 13 18 33 51 6 5 11 1 1 12 27 39 October 30th Emma Pittman, transferred by death to the class of which our Saviour Himself is teacher. How painful to write on our roll dead ! Remembering Him who doeth all things well, we mourn not. Mrs. J. M. Barbee. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. To Superintendent, Officers, Teachers and Members : We beg leave to submit our annual report, for the year 1886 : We were delayed in perfecting the roll of the school, until January 31st, by reason of the changes made in some of the classes, which delayed the reception of reports from the teachers of those classes, until the time above mentioned. Our report of the number of school and admission of new scholars will commence from that date, but the general collections and average attendance, will begin wirh the first Sunday in January. Number of Officers and Teachers 29 Number of scholars 434 Whole number in school, January 31st 463 New scholars admitted since 201 Total 664 Died 3 Dropped from roll 142 Total 145 cS Number of school December 31st, 1886, present date.... 519 Average attendance of Officers and Teachers 25 Average attendance of scholars were as follows : First Quarter 278 Second Quarter 303 Third Quarter 250 Fourth Quarter 315 Average during the year 287 Collection for support of school $310.35 We make no mention of any moneys received by the school outside of our general collection, as they did not pass through the hands of the Secretary officially. Respectfully submitted, R H. Bradley, Secretary, J. H. Weathers, Assistant Secretary. REPORT OF TREASURER. 1886. Dr. Cr. Jan. I. To amount on hand $ 19 78 Feb 22 ) i\t ' o' r To collection for church debt.. 18 05 Mar. 28. ) « J Mar. 21. To collection for E. F. Baldwin . _. 13 00 May 20. To net proceeds pic-nic _. 79 21 Dec. 16. To cash, from J. M. Heck for S. S. Missions, 5 00 To cash general collection Sunday School 226 90 19. To cash collection for Christmas entertainment, 42 17 25. To cash for admission tickets 46 55 $450 76 Jan. 2. Am't pd. Cleaning Sunday School room $ 2 00 7. " " Lumber for Christmas 3 50 Feb. 27. " " Prof. Pauli, tuning and rep'ring organs, 4 00 Mar. 29. " " F. H. Briggs, Treas., for E. F. Baldwin, 13 00 31. " " Prof. Pauli, arranging music for cornet, I 50 Ap'l 5. " " W. W. Parish, painting black board.. 2 25 23. " " Charles Lumsden, for cornet 8 50 29. " " W. N. Carter, fixing Library 2 50 22. " " Returned to G. L. Tonnoffski, for tick- ets to pic-nic . _ 2 00 24. " " L. O. Lougee, for Asso'l Missions 14 00 29. " " M. D. & J. D. Edwards, balance oh Christmas bill - . . 2342 9 Amount carried forward $ 76 67 June 2. Am't pd. N orris & Carter, bal. on Christmas bill, - 2 41 4. " " Julius Lewis & Co., stove, &c 1. . ,29,20' 21. " " John E. Ray, Sunday School supplies, 45 54 24. " " Rev. W. R. Gwaltney, for Greensboro Church -V- 37 50 July 10. " " Jas. Warren, repairing library books : - 2 00 Nov. 9. " " Edwards, Broughton & Co 32 50 " " Am. Bap. Pub. Society, part bill 25 00 " " J. W. Denmark, part library bill -._ 15 00 Dec. 13. ' " Prof. Pauli, arranging Christmas music, 1 50 16. " " F. H. Briggs, Treas., S. S. Missions.. 5 00 25. " " Sexton, for year - + - 65 00 25. " " Expenses Christmas entertainment 9969 $438 01 1887. Jan. 1. By balance on hand 12 75 $450 76 Respectfully submitted, January 1, 1887. A. E. JORDAN, Treasurer. I have examined the accounts and vouchers of our Treasurer, and find them correct. John E. Ray. REPORT OF LIBRARIANS. As your Librarians, we beg to submit the following report: Since our last annual report, we are pleased to state that fifty very interesting and instructive volumes have been added to the Library, and several mutilated books rebound, and made as good as new, and a few worthless ones thrown aside. We beg to submit the following summary: Number of volumes in Library .400 u " Added 50 " Praise and Rejoicing Song books (about) BO Total number 540 The Library is in very fair condition, but calls for the addition of more new books to meet the wants of the scholars who are eagerly seeking religious literature. Thanking the school for kindnesses and courtesies shown us, we are, Very respectfully, J no. W. Marcom, Librarian, Basil C. Womble, Assistant Librarian.