Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-25
domestic Nems.
Congregational Conference.
SECOND DAY.

ln0masIOn. Ills text was JEREMIAH AL . J
and his subject the vitality and elasticity of
religion of principle as adapting it to this time
and all times. From the reports of the Sec
rotary, Rev. DIR. S. Thurston, and the Tres
that the total receipts of the Society during
the year have been 1876. Ofthe 240 Con-
gregational churches in the State l4O have re-
ceived aid. SO persons have been in its en-
ploy in SO distinct fields, performing an
amount of labor equal, in the aggregate to
fifty-fve years continuous service. Two
churches have been organized and two houses
Of worship built. Remarks were made in re-
gard to feeble churches and the manner in
which they have been helped.
The old officers were reelected with the
exception of the choice of Rev. Or. Harris OF
Brunswick. as President to succeed Rev. DIR.
Adams who is to remove from the State.
Rev. Mr.. Cole of Cornish was chosen Preach
er for next year.
In the afternoon Rev. H. F. Harding of
Machas, from the committee to visit the Ban
gor Theological Seminary, presented their re-
port setting forth the condition and needs of
that institution.
Rev. r. b. Howard of Pennington followed
in speech on the advantages we enjoy through
the foresight of our fathers and Gods kind
Providence and the ''pecnliar institutions of
Congregatonalism in this State, which are
seminary, a college, classical school soon
to be founded, missionary society, paper,
and 16, 900 church members.
Rev. Mr.. Baker of Orono offered resolu-
tons declaring the jubilee offerings of the
churches should be given in pursuance of the
scheme adopted at Chicago and to our insti-
tons of learning.
A debate took place on the subject of the
tendency of clergymen to engage as stated
supplies instead of settling as pastors; and
resolution was adopted that such practice is
harmful to the churches and injurious to the
ministry.
Rev. Mr.. Packard of Walloboro. the Treas
urer of the Maine Congregational Charitable
Society then presented his report showing
balance on hand at the beginning of the last
year of Scoops, and receipts during the year,
1892. 10. Fifteen widows and their families have
received $40 from the Society. Rev. DIR.
Balkan read plea in behalf of the cause of
the Society. An attempt is being made to
turn over its funds to new Ministerial Relief
Society The old officers were reelected with
the exception of Rev. J. Z. Adams, Treasur-
err, vice Packard.
In the evening, the following telegram was
received from the Vermont Conference now
in session:
''From the mountains to the sea we send our
Jubilee greetings. All the brethren greet you"
To this the following reply was sent
"The General Conference of Maine returns
your Jubilee greetings and reaches its arms
from the sea to the mountains to extend the
congratulations of memorial year"
Ten minutes speeches were then made by
Capt Andrew Bartlett of Boston, in behalf of
the Seamens Friend Society; Rev. DR.. Pease
for the American Missionary Society, now la
boring among the Freedmen and Rev. John
Wood for the American Tract Society.
Rev. Mr.. Harding of Machias then read a
report from the committee on Congregational
ism appointed last. Its chief points were that
the system of Congregationaism has a valid
reason for existence and that its work is not
yet accomplished. Rev. DIR. Balkan intro
duced a series of resolutions which were post
poned till Thursday.
THIRD AND LAST DAY.
Strong resolutions were adopted condemn
ing the use of tobacco, and affirming also the
duty of teetotalism in the matters of intoxi-
eating drinks. The Nominating Committee
reported appointments for 1871. The sugges-
ton in reference to a National Council was
adopted, and committee raised to report next
year.
Letters from the East Maine Methodist Con-
ference, from bodies in Ohio, Wisconsin, and
other bodies, were read. Salutations from
Massachusetts, churches were given by the
Rev. Horace James Rev. w. Child of Crown
Point, N. Y, Rev. Edward Halves of Pha-
delphia, Rev. A. Fuller of Minnesota, and
the Rev. Mr.. Written of F. w. Baptists of
Maine, respectively rendered the fratcrnal
greetings Of their churches.
The Rev. ID. Garland, Corresponding Sec
retary read his report. Seasons of religious
interest have been enjoyed at Augusta, Wells,
Fryeburg, Chatham, Freeport, and Athens
Admissions to churches, S73 and 236 increase
over removals. There are 10, 426 church
members; 20,937 in Sunday Schools; $685.
96S benevolent contributions; IL churches
settled s dismissed pastors; there are 50
installed pastors, and 1l2 State supplies; ~
vacantpulpits. Neurological notes were added
in reference to Messrs. Mordough, Sander
son, Torrey, Hall, Mitchell, Thurston, Lewis,
Weston and Forbes.
Rev. S. l.. Bowles of Hampden, reported in
favor of classical school; encouraging offers
from Gorham and elsewhere of transfer of
property for such purposes, and finally the APP
pointment of a committee of five to raise $50
600, on the receipt of which the school to be
founded. An amendment that the name of
the donor of the largest sum, not less than
$4,000, may be given to the institution,