The Portland daily press., 1871-06-30
Maine Congregational Conference
CLOSING SESSION.

Thursday Morning. session 8 a. m
Committee on Nominations reported delegates
to corresponding bodies. Rev. DR.. j. o. Fiske,
Rev. s. p Fay and Hor. Nelson Dngley, Jr,
to the National Conference; on Sabbath
Schools, Rev. j. w. H. Baker; Treasurer, Dea.
j. S. Wheelwright; Auditor, Dea W. s. Den
nett; Publication OF Minutes, E. F. Durep, DIR.
Herrick, j. L. Crosby. Next meeting at Show
hogan, Rev. W. H. Fem preacher. Reports
by letters were read by Rev. Messrs. Thwing,
Parker, Park, Bennett, conveying saluta-
tons from Missouri Vermont, Ohio and Mn
nesota.
Rev. j. II. Stearns of New Hampshire
brought salutations; Rev. T. L. Ellis of R. L
and Rev. j. Butler OF N. Y. spoke at length,
also DR.. Patten, editor of the Chicago Advance,
and Rev. Mr. Walker of Oregon. The latter
stated that Portland, Oregon, had about 10000
population and 100 drinking saloons kept by
foreigners with one exception. lie gave his
views on Sabbath School teaching, an account
of Pacific University and other miscellaneous
matters. His son, Rev. j. A. Walker, made a
very brief speech. He is about to sail as mis-
sionary to Turkey. s..., ..
Rev. E. M Bartlett of Bath brought Baptist
salutatons. The Moderator responded and the
hymn, "B.est be the tie,'' was sung.
A unanimous report of the Nominating Com
mittee was then given for Rev Messrs. Hard.
ing of Machias and Harris of Auburn, Dea j.
5. Wheelwright of Bangor, Hon. Joseph Tit
comb of Kenne bunk. DIR. N T. True of Bethel,
Dr. Fiske of Bath and Judge Davis of Portland
as Executive Committee of Classical School,
1t is understood that their action is to be final
and binding; decision to be made before Sept
1. Subscriptions for Midway church, Aroos-
took. were taken, amounting to $6s7.
Resolutions were adopted commencing the
Congregational Publishing Society and also
extending fraternal salutations to the Chris
tians of New Sweden.
Rev. w. Warren spoke on Foreign Missions
briefly; Rev. David Garland read the report of
the churches. Revivals are reported in several
of them. Admitted by profession, 5O2; by let.
ter, 2S9. or 791 in all. Removed by death, 1888;
dismissed, 465; communicated, 8; in all, S61 !:
decrease, 20. Membership, 1870; newly set.
tied pastors, Is; dismissed, IL; present number
OF pastors, SO; vacant pnlpits, 90 Sabbath
school members, 1892. Amount of charitable
contributions, 1874, 6O2.
The removal of DIR. George E. Adams from
Brunswick, and also that of President Harris
from Bowdoin College, was noted with express
sions of regret.
. After the report. Rev. Mr.. Byington made
remarks An earlier presentation of the re-
port was suggested as helpful to the business
OF the Conference. Revvals, he thought, were
our hope in view OF the reported loss. Only
two per cent. gain is reported for five years.
The amount of religious donations also de-
serves serious consideration. There is need of
"a new DEPARTURE" if progress is to be made
and the fruits of ministerial labor are to cores
ance of the field occupied.
The Secretary read partial neurological list
of members deceased. ..
Hon. j. Titcomb of the Committee in refer
ence to the Classical School, asked for further
instruction as to whether their decision was
really to be final A motion affirming the
finalty OF the same and pledging the churches
was offered by Rev. j. D. Emerson. He
thought that prayers should be offered for
those who cling to dying "superannuated acad-
emies,' and won't give to a classical school,
The motion was passed with but one negative.
The afternoon was given to the celebration of
the Lords Supper, administered by Rev.
Messrs. Tappan and Abbott. Remarks by
Rev. Messrs. Stearns and Emerson. After the
usual vote of thanks the Conference adjourned
to meet at Skowhegan next June.
The Inequalities of Bath exceeded the de-
nands made on them. These were catholic as
we'll as complete. Congregatonalists extend
I'd accommodations to Universalists and Uni.
1ersalist families to Congregational guests
rhe discussion of the proposed classical school
was the leading topic of interest, aud the feel
ng of satisfaction is general in prospect of
IN immediate prosecution of this important
md long neglected enter prise. The Con-
sregatonalists of Maine are not, at least, be-
and other denominations, either in intelli-
sence or ability, and they can ill afford to be
acking In those educational equipments,
which SO directly contribute to their relative
advancement as Christian body.