Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1870-10-21

The 10th annual Vermont Baptist State Con
veution WAS held in HydeyiIe, commencing tn,
18th inst. and was organized by the election
Of Rev J Goaiby, D D., As Moderator and Rev
Il. T. Grose As Clerk The sdires. Of welcome
Was delivered by Rev H. L. Grosc, pastor of the
church at Hydeyille During the first day Z
session addresses were made by Revs D L.
BrsytoR and NJ. J. Knovlton, returned Mission
sries. The annual sermon WAS preached by
Rev. J. Freeman, ID, from Matt 5:4S
Wednesday afternoon, occurred the report Of
the Board, and the report Of the committees on
Foreign Missions. Home Missions, Bible and
Publication Society, aud Ministerial Education
The report of the Board. Of which we present
brief synopsis. vss Of very interesting char
acter.
In presenting their annual report the Board
rendered thanks to God for His good hand upon
them during the year None of their number
have been removed by death or withdrawn from
labor by protractei sickness. Two pastors only
/ Rros Leonard Tracy and Moses Field and three
{ eK-paftors, Bros Leland Howard, Isaiah Hunt
| ly and Amherst Lamb, good and true men, all
faithful ministers Of Jesus Christ, have fallen.
/ The Board regretted TO notice the frequent
changes occurring throughout the State in the
pastoral relation. The feebleness and conse-
quent inefhciency Of so large proportion of our
churches is due in great measure, we believe,
TO this cause 1t is demoralizng both to pastors
and churches; but specially to the churchas
Often more is lost in one change than can be re-
gained in three or five years pastorste. The
extent Of this evil is startling. No les. than 40
of these changes have occurred within the bounds
Of the convention during the yesr under review.
In view Of the importance Of this subject the
Board would recommend the appointment Of
committee to prepare sn exhaustive report upon
it to be read at the next anniversary.
At the June meeting held with the Church in
Vergennes, the rapid growth and bright promise
Of that young interest renewedly impressed the
Board with the importance Of having strong
churches at the centres Of business and influence
throughout the State. Such churches under
Christ. impart vitality and power to the whole
circle Of smaller churches around them. Spec
tally, therefore, do we approve the efforts of the
churches in yergenes, St Adams and Montpelier,
to secure suitable houses of worship, and we
would commend them to the cordial sympathy
and cooperation of all to whom they may apply
for aid.
Fifteen churches have been assisted by the |
Board during the year.
The report of the various churches we're alto
gether encouraging in character, indicating gen.
ersl and gratifying prosperity. In reviewing |
the years work, the Board felt that though they |
hsd come far short of accomplishing all that
could be desired, they had done a good deal
with the means at command
The report Of the committee on Home Mis-
sions showed that this branch Of the Christian
work was being vigorously sustained, and the
report closed with the following resolutions:
Resolred, That we, the Bsptists of Vermont,
in convention assembled, do hereby renewedly
express our undated interest in the work Of the
American Baptist Home Mission Society, and
pledge to tour earnest prayers and best endesv-
ors to increase the number and amount of sub
scriptions to its treasury.
Resolved, That we heartily approve the sp-
pointment of Rev N. Cyr as missionary among
the French Catholics of our own State, by the
Home Mission Society, and commend the mission
airy and his works to the sympathy and support
of all our churches.
The committee on Ministerial Education made
a report urging the necessity Of taking more
active measures to relieve the wants Of those
studying for the ministry. 1t was urged that
at least $4,000 should be raised this year for
that purpose.
The committee on nominations made the fol-
lowing report for officers Of the Board J.;
Prssidsnt-Rev T. H. Archibald, Bristol.
Vies Presidents-Rev. ]. Freeman, D. D.,
vergennes Rev. L. A. Dunn. Fairfax.
Secradry-Rev. Charles Hubbard, Chester.
Treasursr-Dea. E. A. Fuller, Burlington.
-fuditor-Dea. Mial Davis, Burlington.