Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-06-29
The Reforners.

organization but it was not nh''' '"0
past week that we realized fully no"
RAPIDLY the cause had progressed. Some
time in the latter part of April, we had
the pleasure oi Witnessing the inltiatory
movement in this County. President
Tainter, OF the Auburn Reform Ciu0,
with several OF his associates. visited Nor
way, and held meeting in Concert Hall.
As a result of this meeting, The Norway
Reform Club was soon alter organized.
They have held Sunday afternoon meet
ings regularly. since organizing. These
meetings have been well attended and IN
increasing interest in the movement has
been continually manifested. Last Sab
bath afternoon Concert Hall was crowded
to its utmost capacity, and many were
obliged to go away. unable TO get within
hearing distance. These club meetings
are conducted in manner similar to that
Of conference or prayer meetings. First
the congregation joins in singing some
good old. familiar tune, then there is
reading of Scripture and prayer. more
singing. after which 1.-The boys" tell what
rum and liquor drinking has done for
them. These exercises are sometimes
continued Tor hours with unnagging
interest.
Another feature OF this movement is
the Ladies' Aid Society, which endeavors
to provide pure amusement and good
social advantages for the reformed men.
The Norway Aid Society was promptly
organized, alter the formation of club,
and now embraces among its members
many OF the most respected and influential
ladies OF the village.
Last Wednesday evening. accepting
their kind invitation, we visited the club.
/ AT I o'clock the Ladies Aid Society nun.
berng q hundred or more, dedicated and
passed into the hands OF the club new hall
which they had arranged for its use. The
hall is large. light airy room over the
hardware store OF j. O. Crooker " Co.
/ The Aid Society undertook the task OF
/ furnishing this room. and well have they
/ performed their work. II has been car
peled with good. durable mating. the
walls have been hung wiki pictures,
notices and frost baskets. and furniture
adapted 10 the wants of the club has been
provided. Periodicals and books are
! lying upon the tables, and the room has
cheerful, homo-like look that must
prove an irresitable attraction to those
men and boys who have spent their spare
moments in back shops aud bar-rooms.
/ Tie dedicatory exercises were very simple
aud pretty. They consisted OF Singing,
Reading OF Scripture. Sprinkling oil
water aud an Invocation of Divine Bless.
my upon The work. The meeting then
adjourned to Concert Hall.
President Knapp called the meeting to
order, and Mrs. Freeland Howe, Presi-
dent OF the Ladies' Aid Society, conducted
the opening exercises. Miss NJ. A Deni
son. on behalf OF the Society, presented
the club with an elegant Bible. and Rev.
Mr.. Tabor, as chaplain OF the club, re
sponded. after which the ladies' gave the
meeting into the hands oil the club. After
/ singing again, q s"ri"s OF resolutions,
thanking the citizens OF Norway and the
Ladies' Aid Society for their assistance.
and the editor of the Norway AdceriiSer
and reporters Tor the excellent reports
OF the meetings which they have given.
was passed. President Knapp and others
spoke with much feeling OF the interest
which Norway's citizens have taken in
the cluO. Ia the course OF hls remarks,
Mr.. Knapp said the club had been organ.
lied but about nine weeks, yet il now
has l0j members. 3lS names upon the
general pledge and more than 100 ladies
connec ted with the Aid Society. very
good nine weeks work we call that. The
meeting was continued until alter ten
clock. and adjourned amidst great
enthusiasm
As soon Us the Norway club was in
working uim it sent delegation to So.
PAis Tor The purpose Of organizing
club in that village. Quiie number Of
the young men of South Paris became
interested in The work aud perfected Al
organization. They have suif, red from
Il lack of sympathy and enthusiasm on
the part OF The village people. Hoping
to create an interest, they invited Me-.
Fainter to come up from Auburn and
hold public meeting. which lie did last
Friday evening. Large delegations from
Norway began 10 arrive early in the
evening, at eight o'clock the largest
congregation which we have ever seen
in the village. was assembled in the Con /.
gregalional Church.
Mr.. fainter was introduced by the |
President of South Paris club, and opened
the exercises with Scripture reading and
prayer. after which he gave a chapter
from his own history. and Appealed to the
people Of the village to support their club.
Mr.. Knapp also created much feeling by
his remarks, as he has been noted
character in this vicinity for many years,
Several members OF the South Paris club
made brief remarks which must have set
the parents who heard them thinking.
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