Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-17
Baptist Anniversaries.
Semi-Ceptenntat- DIR. Ricker's Report -
Proceedings OF Yesterday.

| morning; at o'clock, to listen to the report
| Of the Secretary and transact other Apr opri
| ate business. At the same hour prayer
| meeting was held in the church, previous to
| the meeting of the convention at 10 o'clock,
| at which time the President of the conven-
| ton, j. G. White, Esq, of Bangor, called
| the assembly to order. After the singing of
| an appropriate hymn, and the reading of Sc
lections of scripture, prayer was offered by
| e. North Of Kennebunk. The President
then made remarks appropriate to the occa-
sion, followed by the pastor of the East Win
| throp church, Rev. w. T. WMtmarsh, who
in fitting words of welcome greeted the dele
cations from various portions Of the State
The usual invitation Tor visiting brethren to
participate in the deliberations of the corven-
| ton was extended. Brethren Whitmarsh
Kicker and Emery were appointed as COM
mittee Of arrangements. The convention
| then listened to the able report Of the Secre-
| tary, Rev. Jos. Kicker, ID. d., of Augusta,
! an abstract of which we give below
Fifty years of life have given a develop
| ment and growth that may well excite our
| wonder and gratitude. In the realm of dis
covery and reform there have been wonderful
| strides. Those sanity men of God who were
the originators and constituent members of the
convention built upon foundation that re-
mains to-day, amid the general upheavas.
We may build upon the same foundation.
And we need precisely the same Gospel that
was needed then. Some wants the world may
outgrow this never. Human nature. sin,
and salvation are the same through all gen.
erations. We are to take up the work Of the
fathers and carry it forward. We are to fill
up the measure of their service, and if need
be of their sufferings also. The sickle that
fell from their hands, we are to grasp and
WELD in Gods great harvest field. AS con-
vention, we look back to-day only that we
may find more impelling motives for looking
forward.
In the labors this missionary body have in
hand supply creates demand the more we do,
the more remains to be done. We cannot
fail, in looking over the field, to be inspired
with its importance and magnitude. Growth
and expansion are the characteristics of this
work. The recent experiences of this mis-
sionary Board attest to the truth of this. Two
years ago we had scarcely 80 beneficiary
churches, on the list; to-day we have up
wards of 90. Churches that were nearly dead
have come to feel that there is future for
them; they have aroused themselves from
their long SAUNDERS and have come forth from
what seemed to be their graves. Sanctuares
are opened, pulpits supplied, and, with the
kindly aid of the board, these churches look
creates demand for money. Ten thousand
dollars will be needed next year as nine thou
sand were needed and expended this year.
In recapitulating the various churches that
have received assistance, the Secretary men,
tions these Amity and No. IL, in which Rev.
l.. Mayo labors. Belfast again has a settled
pastor, Rev. Mr.. Ford, late of Paris; house
dedicated the past year free from debt. Bow
doinham has given encouraging signs Of re-
viving strength. Bradford is enjoying the la.
bors Of Rev. J. S. Dore. The beautiful new
house at Buckfeld, rising out of the ashes of
the former, has been dedicated, free of debt.
At Damarscotta Mills needed repairs
have been made upon the house; Rev w. Z.
Morse ministers to the people. The prospects
are Frightening in Ellsworth Rev. W. A.
Reese of Mass, has become pastor. Farm
ington and Industry give good signs of
promise. Guilford is fortunate in enjoying
the pastoral oversight of Rev. Sewall Brown.
The people of Houlton have worked patient
Iy. new house Of worship has been dedi
Gated at East Limington. The house of wor-
ship has been enlarged at Lisbon Falls. and
both pastor and people are cheered with pros
perity. Rev. John c. Andrews has been
called to the pastorate at Lyman. After months
of restitution, Lyndon and Fit. Fairfield are
again favored with pastors. Monmouth is
encouraged. Rev. w. S. Knowlton is still at
Monson, an important field, and Rev. Mr..
Tibbetts at North Berwick. Pembroke is sup
piled with pastor in the person of Rev. Sam
uel Woodbury.. Good tidings continue to
come from Rockport, where Rev. Mr.. Bixby
is pastor; and also from IIodgdon, where Rev.
J. L. Bleakney labors. Rev. S. Besse has of
late been laboring portion of the time on
Mt. Desert Island Rev. Mr.. Ridley is at Eas-
ton, and Rev. X. A. Patten at Washburn.
The North Vassalboro' church has in spec
ial sense been a mission interest, as chiefly
under the labors of Missionary Bowler, a beau
tiful house of worship has been built and dedi-
Gated Other churches than those given in this
abstract of the Secretarys report, have been
under the watch-care of the board, and from
nearly all of them come reports OF conversion
and baptism.
Rev. S. G.. Sargent, after sixteen years of
continuous service, has retired from the field
to which he has given the best portion of his
life. Rev. j. Il. Bowler, Missionary, is tenn
porarily away from his post on account OF i'll
health. new Missionary BIAS been appoint
ed in the person of Rev. M. Dunbar.
In closing his report, the Secretary is con-
fident that the outlook is cheering. The
signs of life and thrift are multiplying from
year to year. With much to try the faith,
there is more to awaken gratitude and stimu-
late high resolve and noble endeavor.
Rev. Mr.. Pollard of Mass, addressed the
convention in behalf of the Baptist Publica-
ton Society, presenting especially the impor-
lance of spreading intelligence among the
freedmen of the south. A resolution was
adopted THAT in the sessions of this conven-
ton. and in its minutes, no honorary titles
shall be given to any pastor or minister be-
longing to the convention" After the appoint
ment of various committees, the convention
adjourned to o'clock z. NJ
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Treasurer of the convention made
his annual report, showing favorable condi-
ton of the finances of the convention. This
report was accepted, after which discussion
on the general work of the convention was
participated in by brethren S. L. b. Chase,
j. Kicker, w. T. Sargent, ID. c. Bixby,
Merrill, Nugent, President Robins of Colby
University, Mayo, Mathews, Emery and
others. After recess of five minutes at the
close of the discussion, the convention SER
mon, by Rev. G. b. Illsley was listened to with
interest by the large congregation present
Rev. DR.. Smaller of Portland, delivered an
historical discourse in the evening.
The convention W i'll continue until Thurs