Of the 18 churches in the South-western Association, the first organization bears date June 14th, 1868; so that if we are not the infant association, we are certainly among the youngest members of the Congregational household. There have been seven annual meetings of our Association, two occurring in 1870 and 1871, and then regularly from 1876 to 1881 inclusive. There has been growth in several directions. 1st, _morally_. The standard in moral instruction and practice is higher, by a marked difference, than at the beginning of our church life. The church is not a harbor for unholy and impure persons, where the outward profession atones for the faults of the private life; but the scene of watchfulness and charitable judgment, where the weak are helped, the penitent encouraged, and the persistent wrong-doer is discountenanced and disfellowshiped. 2d. In intelligence. The ministers and church members have a clearer understanding of the proprieties of church order and discipline. The public services of the Lord’s day have grown quiet and devotional, a deeper tone of reverence pervades the preaching, and mere emotion has been succeeded by _intelligent conviction_ and a _reasonable faith_. 3d. There is a more direct aim for the best spiritual results. The conversion of the heart and the saving of the lost is more and more the end and the aim of preaching. Between this and the crude emotional spasmodic methods of the past, there is an almost inconceivable difference. _Central Church, New Orleans (Rev. W. S. Alexander, D.D., Pastor)._—This church was in 1870 the University church, and has always been intimately associated with Straight University. The president of the University has been the acting pastor since January 1st, 1876. Most of the teachers in the University are earnest workers in the Sabbath-school. From a membership of 35 in 1876, almost all of whom were old people, the membership has been increased to 210. Hardly a year has passed without witnessing in this church scenes of revival interest. Every winter has had its harvest months. During the past winter, a revival of great power occurred in the church, resulting in 50 conversions. Mr. James Wharton, of Barrow-in-Furness, England, was an honored agent of the Lord in this blessed work. The annual expenses of the church, averaging $650, are always paid promptly, and this year, in addition, the church has remitted $100 to the treasury of the American Missionary Association. _Spain St. Church, New Orleans (Rev. Henry A. Ruffin, Pastor)._—Mr. Ruffin was a student in the theological department of Straight University for four or five years, and was in charge of the church at the same time, as he is to-day.