The Portland daily press., 1873-10-02
Maine Unitarian Conference.

The opening meeting OF the tenth annual
Conference of the Unitarian Societies of Maine
held in the pleasant village of Kennebunk, was
well attended Tuesday evening.
The opening sermon was delivered by the
Rev. R. r. Shipper of Boston, from Isaiah
xxxii,S The discourse was of the nature of
doctrinal one, and set forth the principles of
Liberal Christianity. The leading points were,
1st. That the liberal Christian ought to be the
best type of Christian. I'd. That the liberal
bodies take Jesus Christ for their teacher, and
faith in Him is alone necessary to constitute
any one member of the church. Sd. Unitar-
ians do not adopt statement of belief be-
cause they believe too much for the narrow linn
its of a creed. The preacher dwelt at some
length on the evil wrought by rigid creeds. The
summing up was that the gospel of Jesus is
the only statement Unitarians require
WEDNESDAYS PROCEEDINGS.
| Yesterday was a perfect day. with a COOL
crisp invigorating air, tempered by the bright
sun, which gave an added luster to the brilliant
hues of the woodlands. The conference. was
called to order at 81 o'clock a. M, and immedi-
ately took recess to await the result of the
deliberations of the trustees, who had met to
choose officers, and the arrival of the morning
trains from Portland. These came at about
1880 heavily laden with members of the con-
ference, who were thoroughly delighted with
the beauties of this charming village of Ken
nebunk. The whole place wears an appearance
of delicious comfort; there are many beautiful
residences surrounded by spacious, well kept
grounds, and ornamented by lofty, wide spread
ing old elms. rivalling those of Portland before
the fire. Those who visited Kennebunk for the
first time were taken quite by surprise at the
peaceful elegance of the town and its surround
| ing scenery.
The church in which the conference is held
will be one hundred years old nexf January.
1t has been enlarged and somewhat remodeIed
since its erection, and is fine, venerable look
ing structure.
At about II o'clock the conference was again
called to order by the Secretary, Rev. C. c. vi
nal of Kennebunk, who nominated Mr.
Nichols as temporary President in the absence
of the President, Hon. S. Z Spring of Port.
land
Rev. Dr. Wheeler Secretary OF the confer
ence, made his annua al report of the changes of
pastors, the missionary work of the State, the
condition of the churches and other general
matters of interest in the denomination. Four
minst rs have left the State a I'D five have come
from abroad. The Augusta church has secured
a pastor, and new church has been established
at Presque Isle. The report alluded hopefully
to prospects in other places, and gave assurance
that the interests of the denomination are in a
prosperous condition throughout the State. DR..
Wheeler's report was admirable, as the Doctors
reports always are.
The subject of aid to the Augusta church was
taken up aud discussed. Rev. Mr.. Beckwitb of
Augusta, reported the condition of the church
in very encouraging vein. and thought the
prospect justified labor and pains in improving
! the field.
Rev. Mr.. Vinal thought that the ZEAL entbu
siasm and energy at Augusta made IN for nall
city OF numbers, and deserved aid and encourao-
ment and that we ought either to give tIen
something or give reason for not doiu,- g,
While there might be some difference between
the Christoogy of Mr.. Beckwith and himself
be thought their spiritual discernment was prac-
tically identical.
Rev. Mr.. Knapp of Bangor, said that while
Augusta was the most important place, there