Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-11-01
SeYentY-nfih Anniversary

of THE FIRST UNIyERsALlsr SOCIETY ~ BARRE.
This Anniversary took place in Barre, last Fri
day. and was commemorated in very appropri-
ute manner The weather was unpropitous,
raining constantly all day nevertheless, quite a
large number assembled, and took an interest in
the proceedings Rev + Z. Bliss, the settled
pastor, who has successfully preached in that
town fifteen years-preached an earnest elo-
qucut sermon-giying detailed statement Of
the rise and progress Of his society, and related
many "reminiscences Of the past that were pleas
ing and instructive
ltnppcars that the society was organized in
1906 and included sixteen worthy men, among
whom we're familiar names, such as Gouldsbury,
Farwcll and others Elder VIM. Farwell was the
first settled minister, and although be labored
under many disadvantages in that early day, yet be
was like Barnabas Of old, a devout man, and
full Of the Holy Ghost" lie was mighty in ar
gument, full Of deep religious feeling, and many
now living can testify Of his sincerity and up
rigdtness Of character. 50 the society in Barre
had a good beginning and has run well in the
Christian race
Rev Paul Dean was the next settled pastor,
then Re' J E. Palmer, then Rev. X. S Sanborn,
then Rev J Sergeant, and last, though not least,
Rev F. 5. Bliss
Mr. Bliss was assisted in the services by Rey'ds.
l.. Hewitt, Woodstock, j II. Farnsworth, Spring
field, and G. S. Guernsey, Rochester. The sing
ing was excellent, an original song having been
written Tor the occasion The address will I'M
doubtedly be published, so that the Universalst
friends generally will have an opportunity Of
reading it.
From the church the audience adjourned to the
town hall, where a sumptuous collation. was pre-
pared by the ladies Of Barre, who know so well
how to cater 10 the appetites Of a hungry crowd
as experience has often shown. After replcnish-
/ ing the outward man, Hon. II. Tilden, the toast
master, read a number of sentiments, which were
earnestly responded to by Rey'ds. John Gregory
/ G.. $ Guernsey, l.. Warren, V. G.. Wheelock
| S. II, Matlack j. II. Shinn, +. 5. Bliss, j. +
/ Wright and J. b, Morse. The occasion will Ions
be remembered by the Uniyersalists Of Barre, who
1 have great cause for congratulaton at the pros
I perity Of this cause ia that goodly town. Theil
/ preachers have all been true mem true to the
conception Of religion and its requirements dis
oarding the froth of rationalstic and spiritual
is.ic philosophy, have preached Christ as a com
pieie Sdciour; for there is none other nam
hmdo heareR girea among men, iohere5y ice mus
BE- sored."
Letters Of great interest were also receiye
from Rev. 5. A. Parker Of Bethel, VI, anC
Profs. j. 5. lee and NJ. Mlarston of st. Iawrenc
University, Canton, New York. These with othe
letters Of rery dep interest from the VENERABLE
Fathers in the ministry, Rev. John f. Palmer
Rev. Kittredge Haven and Rev. Russell Streeter
were read in the Hall.
We were not present in the evening, bat lear
there was an interesting Sunday school service
Sermon by Rev. j. Il. Farnsworth, with addresse
from number of brethren whose hearts wer
alive in the good cause.