Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-09-28
STATE CONVENTION or r NJ G. A.
FIRST DAY.
BrDpEFoRD, Sept. &c, 1871.

Mems Christian Associations in Maine, is
now in session in this city. The beautiful
Pavilion church has been thrown open for the
uses of the convention. This church (ortho-
dox) has been without pastor since the res
ignation of Rev. Mr.. Tenney, and the men,
bers are looking for the right kind of man.
There's grand opening for any one in the
spirit and who is willing to work.
The advance guard Of the convention came
up to the city on Monday afternoon, with
warm hearts and earnest purpose, and the
result was prayer meeting of much power
holden in the vestry in the evening. All pres
ent were convinced before the meeting closed
that good beginning had been made.
The delegates assembled at the vestry at
ten o'clock this morning for the preliminary
devotional meeting that had been announced
by the executive committee. The meeting
was led by Charles NJ. Bailey of Winthrop,
whose earnest and persevering christian la
bors in his own field have been greatly blessed,
choosing for his subject that of charity. Some
Of the grand old hymns were sung, short
and fervent prayers were offered, and STIR
ring exhortations made.
At eleven o'clock the meeting adjourned to
| the audience room of the church, where the
convention proper was called to order by the
President, A. j. Chase of Portland.
The grand hymn Of welcome commencing
"Welcome, brothers, from the woodlands"
was sung by select quartette, consisting OF
Samuel Thurston of Portland, Col. c. A.
Wing of Winthrop, and the Misses. Stanley
of Winthrop.
Invocation was offered by Rev. A. l.. Lane
of Biddeford.
Another hymn was sung by the congrega.
Of Portland.
Rev. Prof. f. P. Thwing, of Portland, read
a selection from the 2lst chapter of John.
| "Tell me the old, old story"
was then sung, and the President, Mr. Chase,
referred to the blessing of God in permitting
the assembling of his people, and trusted that
all have come up actuated with the spirit of
| the Master, breathing forth the prayer, "More
love to thee He declined re- election,
and appointed the following committee to
nominate officers for the convention: Garce-
lon of Lewiston, Pond of Biddeford, F. A.
Smith of Portland, Baker of Gardiner, Chap
lin of Bridgton.
The committee subsequently reported the
following list Of officers;
President-Charles NJ. Bailey of Winthrop.
Vice Presidents-David Cargil of Augusta
F. A. Smith of Portland, f. f. Pillsbury of
Biddeford, G. w. Garcelon of Lewiston, A.
Baker of Gardiner.
Secretaries-J. r. Learned of Auburn, w.
| II. Hobbs of Portland, II. F. Wood of West
Waterville.
Treasurer-John Russell of Portland
Corresponding Sec'y-I. H. Burgess of
| Portland.
Business Committee-A. j. Chase of Port
land, D. Pond of Biddeford, p n Dexter of
| Lewiston, o. M. Cousens of Hallowell, A.
| Chaplin of South Bridgton.
| The report was accepted and the officers
declared elected
| Messrs. Burgess of Portland, Cargill of
Augusta, and Wood of West Waterville, were
appointed committee on credentials.
The President, C. NJ. Bailey was conducted
to the chair, and accepted the position in a
few feeling remarks.
On motion of Mr.. Burgess of Portland, il
was voted that corresponding member OIL
secretary of this body be appointed, to entel
upon his duties in the spring, agreeably tc
the suggestions of the national executive com.
mittee.
Mr.. Burgess from the executive committee
| of this association, made some statements in
regard to the provisions that had been made
in regard to the present convention, after
which the convention adjourned to afternoon.
| The exercises were interspersed through
out with singing.
4 rTERSooN.
DRILLING rain set in about noon, but at
half past two o'clock the Pavilion was about
| two-thirds full. One half hour was spent in
| songs of praise, prayers and brief remarks.
The meeting was led by Mr.. Rowland of the
Boston Y. M. c. Association.
AT the close of these services the Pres
| ident called the convention to order, and tn e
matter ofprinting reports of the proceedings
| of. this convention was fully discussed. 1t
was decided to dispense with the printing in
pamphlet form.
| The topic "What obstacles are in the way
of the complete success of your Associa-
tion," was opened by Mr.. Royals OF Lewiston,
who said that while his association had been
successful in many particulars, they had
failed in others. Recommended that men go
down upon their knees in humble prayer.
We place batteries in front and leave the in-
tantry behind, and forget that the power is
Gods. Call in your old stereotyped workers,
and send out the youthful infantry.
Mr.. Cargill said that the principal obstacles
| in the way of the Augusta Association were