The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-06-06
Correspondence.
BELLvILLE, OHIO. May 81. 1878,

bELLN Lille, OAlO, MAY ol, 1855,
Editor Press:
Tnis is q beautiful village of some 11OO inhab-
itants, situated on the Mohican River. about
fifteen miles south of Mansfield. Many of the
original settlers were from Pennsylvania. Mary
land. and Virginia, while some were from New
England. Near here many years ago. a large
number of Dunkards settled. and their descen-
dents occupy some of the best farms in this
cellent agricultural district, and the influence
OF this peculiar people is still manifes ted in the
customs of the Inhabitants of this cinity.
The village contains a good Town Hall, school
house, and four churches. Some thirty years
ago a Methodist Church was organized, that has
become strong in both members and influence.
For pastors it has had Rev.'s G. r. Brown. s.
Binns, w. B. Woodbury. aud other well known
ministers. The present pastor. is Rev. Frank
Evans, mar of ability and energy. though he
has suffered long and severely from wounds
ceived in his country's service.
MAY 20. 10 O'CLOCK A. M.--The Ohio Univer-
salist Ministerial Association con vened in the
Universali>t Church and organized by electing
Rev. j. 4. Rice. of Olmstead, President, and
Rev. ID. Z. TOminsOn. of Akron, Secretary: The
attendance was large. Part Of the day was oc-
cupiei in resolving reports from the ministers
of their work during the year. These reports
were generally encouraging. showing that
the influence of Christian truth. In the even
ing the annual sermon was delivered by the
President. Text: John XIV chap. Y verse. The
discourse was able and appropriate, clearly
showing that men love Christianity as they work
for its success.
After the transs ction of the usual business and
the appointment of committee consisting Of
ttev's. f. S. Kenfold, Andrew Wilson and j.
S. Gledhill to prepare programme OF business
for the next annual session the Association ad-
journed
THURSDAY. 10 O'CLOCK A. M-The OHIO UnY-
vcrsalist Convention of Churches was called to
order. The attendance was unusually large for
tn: first day Of the Convention. Nearly all the
churches in the State being represented. A
permanent organization was effected by elect
ing G. q. Craven, ESD, of Cincinnati, President.
and DIR. A. NJ Sherman. of Kent Vice. II csident.
Committees for the session were appointed and
the usual business transacted. The report of
the Executive Committee was a efully pre-
pared document, reviewing the work of the
year. and showing that substantial results have
been secured. The State has heen divided into
Pastoral Circuits, for the purpose of uniting
weak churches in the same county section.
for the support Of a pastor, thus concentrating
and encouraging the means ofchurch success.
BELLvILLE, OHIO, June J. 1S7S.-The Ohio
Convention of Universalists closed last evening.
TN Friday a carefully prepared address was
presented by Rev. T. Z. Druly. of Bcllville, ON
The Value and Importance Of the Church."
The helpfulness of the church to soul culture
and spiritual growth was clearly stated.
Rev. Andrew Wilson, Of Ravcnna, gave an
earnest and spirited address on, Loyalty to
Christ" as the Captain Of Salvation. He as
sures His disciples that He has overcome the
world, and thus encourages them to follow HIM
AMI be faithful amid all circums stances. Not
mere profession, but soul cOpsecretion is need
ell.
The assignment of pastoral circuits and mis-
siOnary work received much careful and
thoughtful attention. A plan was adopted for
securing permanent missionary fund. What
has been done Is prophecy of what may he
done. and this branch of the Christian Church
OF Ohio is determined: to do its share of Chris
tian work.
The occasional sermon was delivered by Rev.
NJ Bailey. OF Cincinnati. from II Corinthians,
9Th chap. XVII and XIX verses. 'Thc Influence
of the Universalist Church upon American
Thought and Civilization was plainly stated
and clearly illustrated. Though numerically
less than several sister denomination, the
hought and spirit of its faith are surely leven-