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THE KING’S BUSINESS
Hughes, o f the Methodist Episcopal Church; Bishop Wm. M. Bell, United Brethren'; Herman F. Swartz, Congrega tional ; Henry H. Kelsey, Congregational; S. Hall Young, Presbyterian; Herbert S. Johnson, Baptist; Hugh L. Burleson, Epis copal; S. H. Kirkbride, American Bible Society; J. H. Garrison, Christian; W . S. Dysinger, Lutheran; Wm. C. Allen, Friends; and W . M. Gilbert, Methodist. There were others who spoke on special phases o f mission work, o f $9.17 per member for local church Much o f the success o f the convention was due to the preliminary organization work in charge o f the General Convention Committee. Forty-six committee meetings were held before the convention, and one hundred and thirty-three pre-convention rallies, in thirty-six: towns in Southern Cal ifornia. The enormous amount o f office work is indicated by the fact that 14,850 letters were sent out, and 240,300 pieces o f printed matter. Statistics gathered revealed the fact that the churches of Southern California are far in advance o f the churches o f the United States, as a whole, in increased church membership arid increased giving. The thirteen major denominations in the United States, for the ten year period ending 'last year, made an increase o f 23 per cent. Southern Cali fornia churches gained 83 per cent during the same period. The increase in giving to benevolences, in the United States was 121 per cent; in Southern California it was 17t per cent. Southern California also leads the United States in per capita giving, both as to local church expenses and to missions and benevolences.( The churches in the entire United States last year gave an average
expenses and $2,08 per member for mis sions and Jbenevolences. Southern Califor nia churches gave $13.30 for local church expenses and $4.95 per member for mis sions and benevolences. The results, o f the convention will be permanent. The Central Continuation Committee, representing all the constituent denominations, is carrying on a systematic, co-ordinated follow-up campaign. Already scores o f rallies have been held all over Southern California. The convention marks a new epoch in missionary interest. Several Southern California laymen are planning to attend the great National Lay men’s Missionary Convention in Washing ton, April 26-30. ----------O--------- BACK TO AFRICA Miss Christine Suderman was a student o f the Institute for a few months during 1911-12, just before going out to the Wèst Africa Mission (Kamerun) o f the Presby terian Church. She had to come home about a year ago on account o f her health and since last October she has been attending the Institute. On the reorganiz ing- o f the Student Volunteer Band o f the school she was elected president, and under her enthusiastic leadership, the Band has grown in numbers and in influence also. Miss Suderman received orders from the Board early in March that she was to sail for Africa again with a party leaving the first week in April. As only a day or two’s notice was given her, a public fare well service could not be arranged, but the Student •Volunteer Band gathered in the social parlors to say goodbye to her and incidentally presented her with a service able travelling bag to remind her in her journeys o f her friends in the home land.
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