For the benefit of those who have never attended

For the benefit of those who have never attended an Association, it might be described in modern parlance as a Religious Co-operative, since it is an organization of .churches in which the individual churches co-operate. The meetings are for the purpose of reviewing and comparing the past pear’s work: both the local work as exemplified by the individual churches, and the state and national w^rk as carried on in the Virginia Baptist General Association and in the Southern Baptist Convention. The Association has no authority over the churchel. Each church elects its delegates to represent it for any recommendation or committment Of co-operation.

This was James Atkins’ second year as Moderator of the Association. Due to the death of his sister, Miss Margaret Atkins, he was unable to fulfill his appoint-'' ment; and Rev. Ragland, associate moderator from Ruckersville, took his place. Tradition has it that for two years a layman is to be elected,' and then a minister must serve as moderator; therefore, Reverend Franklin Cale of Culpeper has been elected for next year.

Over 350 people heard this year’s missionary address given by Reverend Paul B. Watlington of the First Baptist church of Orange, and the temperance lecture by Dr. Holtzclaw, professor of religious philosophy of University of Richmond. The Association went on record to support, in part, the Spruce Grove Mission in Madison county.

ReV. Reeves Ferguson, pastor of the Madison field of Baptist churches, gave the annual sermon this year. The minister who delivers this sermon is chosen according to seniority, and next year’s annual sermon will be given by Rev. Paul Thompson of Sperryville.

The last year in which the Association had met at SperryVille was in 1931. It met here for the first time on September 2, 1814. Next year’s1 meeting will be held at Bethel church, Culpeper county, on the Wednesday and Thursday following the second Sunday in August.