Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-04-14
CIRCULA r.


STATE Of Vermont, and the Province of
Lower Canada:
Dear Brethren The subscriber
proposes, God willing, to visit every Bap-
tist church in the State, and in Lower
Canada, in the course of the coming sea-
son, in orcer, if possible to obtain COR
rect history of the Denomination for pub
iication. This business has already been
delayed TOO long. Some of our ancient
churches may find it difficult to ascertain
the early and most interesting part oftheir
history. Yet possibly even now most of
them may be saved from oblivion by a
Idiligent and persevering effort. The sub
scriber coutemp|ates devoting all the time
necessary to the accomplishment Of this
object, from the first of May to the meet,
ing of the Convention in October: at
which time, he hopes, if his life and health
are preserved, and the churches further
his design, to be able TO present materials
for full and complete history of the Bap-
list Denomination in this State, to that
body, TO be disposed Of as they shall judge
proper.
To facilitate the design, l herewith
subjon number of questions to aid you
in your researches, especially your re-
searches after your early history. Who
were the first Baptists in your town, and
when did they commence their residence2
What Baptist minister first preached and
when did he preach? Who were the
first baptized, and when were they baptiz-
ed? When was the church constituted,
and who were the original members o.
Who was your fist Minister, Deacon
and Clerk? Who have been your min
listers since, and for how long a time did
they stay? How many ministers have
been licensed, and how many have been
ordained by your church, ard who were
they? When was your meeting house
built, and wha: was the cost, and how is
it located2 Have you parsonage, and
in what way have you commonly support
ed your minister! Have you enjoyed
seasons of revival, and was there any
thing remarkable in their commencement
or progress? When did these revi,
walls occur, and how many were added
What is the number Of members now be-
longing to your church and who is your
present minister, deacons and clerk p
Have you a Sabbath School and Bible
Glass? Are you Missionary, Bible
Temperance, Education, Tract, or Anti
Slavery Society by yourselves, or are yor
connected with others2 What is the usu
al amount of donations! Can you no
furnish some biographical sketches o
members distinguished for piety and use
fuIness. Answers to the going queS
,ions,or any others that may suggest them
} selves to your minds are desired 1t is ear
nestly hoped that your whole history will
; be made out and ready when it shall b
called for. Should your records be def
cient, as it is possible they may be, espe
ciaIIy in early history call on the ancier
members, or on some of the first settler
ofthe town who may give you the desir
ed information. Some interesting reIi
gious anecdotes of persons and event:
together with remarkable cases in expert
ence &C. may be admissible.
g Clerks of associations are requested t
prepare history of their respective bod
ies-their origin, growth, alterations, an
present state, together with Biographical
2 sketches of eminent characters, especIall
t Of those who were early in the field. an
I have how gone to their reward.
Presidents and Secretaries o. the differ
ent Baptis: state and county societies, sue
q as missionary, education, bible, tract, sat
O buh school and anti.siavery are called o.
! to prepare history of their respective SC
q cieties. An account Of the rise. progress
and present condition Of our seminaries {
learning is also requested. Brethren, d
not hesitate or wait for others, but let eac
one go directly to his appropriate worl
and the materials will be ready for use-
Brethren, shall fail unless each ch1rc