The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-11-03
State UnivcrsaIist Sunday school Conven-

uOus
SKowHEGAN, Nov. 1, 1876.
The 7tL annual session of the Maine Univer-
salist Sabbath School Convention is being held
at this place this week. The society have been
very fortunate in securing the labors of Rev. Ell.
G. Munson, and uniting with him, they are
working up an interest that will result in the
building of church another year, and in the
permanent establishment of a successful So
cety The exercises opened Tuesday evening
with tie Installation of Mr.. Munson, with the
following as the order of exercises: Reading of
Scripture by Rev. G. p Nash, Rockland; read
ing of hymn by Rev. G. Purington, Fairfield;
prayer by Rev. G. Purington, Fairfield; read
ing of hymn by Rev. W. r. French Turner !;
sermon by Rev. j. c. Snow,lAuburn, text Rev.
xxi, / installation prayer by Rev. DIR. Quinby,
Augusta; charge to pastor, Rev. DR.. Sheldon,
Waterville; charge to people, Rev. G. L. DEM
Arrest, Manchester, N. H. The sermon by Mr.
Snow was remarkably able production, and
listened to with the closest attention by the very
la rge audience gathered in Coburn Hall.
The President of the Sunday School Conven-
tion called the convention to order at a. m
Wednesday, and after half hour spent in de-
votional exercises. IA which a number took
part proceeded TO the business of the day.
The report of the Secretary, Rev. 81, G. Nun
son, was most able and thorough report. and
by it we learn that there are over 1000 scholars
in the Sabbath Schools of this denomination in
Maine; that there has been marked growth
in numbers, in the character of the schools, in
the libraries, and general march has been
made in the right direction.
The committee on credentials reported no
delegates present, which, with the large num-
Der of friends in attendance, has sweled the
numbers to a large audience.
The following officers were elected for the en-
suing year:
President-Alberr Moore of North Arson.
Vice Presdent-Z Pope Vose, Rockland.
Secretary-Rev. ii. G. MunsoD of Skowhe-
gan.
Treasurer-Mrs. j. S. Hobbs of Augusta.
The first essay of the day was by Rev. E. w
Preble, Bangor, subject: "The place of the
Sunday School in the Parish" and the discus
sion by Rev. DR.. Sheldon, Waterville, Hon.
Rufus Prince, Turner, and others. One hour
was spent on questions on the subject of the es-
say and Difficulties of Teachers"
The opening devotional exercises of the af-
ternoon were followed by an essay by Rev. E.
Case of Canaan. Subject: SLOW may the Sun
day School help the Home" Discussion by
Rev. J. G. Snow, Auburn, Rev. G. T. Nash,
Roekland. Essay, "How best to Mature the
Spiritual Life of our Sunday Schools" Rev.
DR.. Quinby, Augusta; discussion Rev G. L.
Demarest, Manchester, N. Fl. Essay, "What
apd how to teach in the Sabbath School," by
Rev. A. Bosseman, Winthrop, discussion by
Rev. w. r. French, Turner.
Time does not allow me to make extracts
from the essays, all of which were of high
order and made of real practical value to the
hearers.
Wednesday evening the hall was filled to hear
Rev. DR.. A. j. Patterson OF Boston Highlands
Subject: SUNDAY School Work" divided into
two sections, treating first the dangers, and
second the duties of the Sunday School. Mr..
Patterson is an eloquent speaker, thoroughly in
earnest and by his earnestness arousing consid-
cradle enthusiasm. A unanimous vote was
passed at its close, asking for copy for publ
cation
The services thus far have exceeded in mum.
hers and interest any ever hell by the denom-
ination. SETH.