The reports from the churches indicate a pure and steady growth. The process of cutting off dead branches has gone on, so that although nearly two hundred have been received during the year, the numerical gain over all losses has been very small. We are glad to believe that the sixteen hundred members in the churches of the Association represent more solid moral worth than in any previous year. In the business sessions, when questions requiring wisdom and prudence were presented, and in the discussions of vital religious topics, I was gratified to observe real progress in the ability, self-control and kindly Christian spirit of the brethren. These annual meetings serve as a profitable school, and are attended by willing and eager learners. It was a great joy and blessing to have Dr. Roy with us this year. The brethren have already learned to love him, and to confide in his counsels. The Association placed him under heavy tribute at this meeting. At their request he give an address on “Our Country,” and with his large illustrative map indicated the vast extent and marvelous resources of what is now _their_ country, and of which _they_ are citizens. But a few years ago the _plantation_ was all the country they knew anything about, and from the law of the plantation there was no appeal. But now they belong to Uncle Sam’s family of 50,000,000, and can look to him for protection. Dr. Roy gave an address on our Congregational polity, which greatly delighted the people. Hitherto, many of them have loved Congregationalism without being able to give a reason for it. The address was timely and profitable, because the brethren, while not waging a denominational warfare with other churches, desire to be intelligent in regard to their own faith, and to be able “to give a reason for the hope that is within them.” The annual sermon, by Rev. W. P. Ward, of Gretna, was earnest and practical, and prepared the large audience for the sermon of the Moderator which followed it. But few congregations in the North would bear two sermons on the same evening, but they not only did that at Terrebonne, but by song and prayer and exhortation continued the service another hour. The brethren seconded the appeals of the preachers from the pulpit, and went down among the people, entreating them to come to Christ by repentance and faith. Eight came forward and kneeled down for prayer, and many hands went up in the audience. God put honor upon His truth that night, and the hearts of the people were touched. The sermon of Dr. Roy on the last morning was tender and searching, and the tears of the people showed that he had not spoken in vain. The Church in New Iberia called Rev. W. R. Polk, and he has already entered upon his work. He has a good field. May God give him grace to cultivate it.