Morning journal and courier., 1880-06-11
Council Concluded.

Interesting Papers, Addresses, Discus s1ons-TheolOgica1 and spirituaI-Large Gathering of Guests-Abundant HOspi- ta1ity-AbIe Discourses. The annual meeting of the Southern Asso- citation of Universalists, held at the Church ot the Messiah, closed yesterday. The sessions were marked with interest, and some of the papers and addresses were specially able. The meeting as whole was highly pleasant and satisfactory one, both to pastors and lay attendants conference meeting yesterday morning opened the days exercises, led by the pastor of the Church of the Messiah, Rev Mr. Houghton.. The topic was: s'Is it every mans duty to spread his religion" Mir. Houghton gave an interesting talk forcibly presenting his views, and Rev. MT. Davis o1 Hartford and Rev. MT. Chandler of Thomp sonyille offered remarks A meeting of the Ladies' Centenary Association followed. The object of the association is to educate young men for the Universalist ministry. It takes it's name from the inauguration of Universal ist preaching one hundred years ago. A Sunday school meeting followed. The Rev MT. Gilbert of New York, Rev. MT. Nash ot Stamford, and Rev. MT. Norwood of Meriden participated. Spirited addresses were made The interest of the convention was much in creased by the presence of large number o1 guests other than clergymen. All parts od the State were represented Among them were the following:
 Rev. Prof. s. c. Chandler, Sufield; Rev. J. Smith Dodge, jr., Stamford.
 Bridgeport John Lyon, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs T Way Mrs FlIan Common Mrc F. Smith, M. F. Smith, Mrs. J. Peck, Mrs Williams, w. w. Selleck, c. H. Flint and wife.
 Meriden-Mrs. D. c. Easton, Mrs A. K R. Grant, Miss Ida l.. Miller, MT. W. R. Easton, D. c. Easton, Rev. J. H. Chapin, Wm. Mix, Mrs Vim. Mix, A. Norwood.
 Danbury-Rev. D. M. Hodge, Mrs Hodge, J. T. Bates, M. W. Foster, Miss L. Scott, Miss Oracle Hunt.
 Rev. Dr. A. A. Minor, Boston
 Hartford-Rev. s. A. Davis, Mrs. A. A. Ellis
 Also Miss Rose Hall, Stamford, and from Long Ridge near Stamford, Seth s. Cook, Irene L. Johnson, Nettie L. Cook, Emma Brinckerhoff.
 Miss Sarah Norton, Unionville
 Rev. c. Ellwood Nash, Stamford Edward Phelps
 Prof. Selden Gilbert, St. Lawrence Uni versity.
 Is |.
 Jerome Harrison, North Branford.
 Mrs. Ellis of Hartford, is gifted speaker Her remarks in the morning won admiration and earnest, undivided attention from her audience. At the noon recess the clergymen and visitors and others in attendance were most bountifully supplied with tempting re- treatments spread by the enterprising ladies of the church in the very pleasant and con- modious lecture room below. On the wall over the speakers desk the word 'EWelcome'' looked down upon the assembly from hand some framework of evergreens. The ample tables were set for the fourth time to accom- modate all The Church of the Messiah ladies were not behind any of their sisters in the association or State for spirited and hospit- able deeds. In the pleasant, inviting ante rooms after the repast were quite number of the wives, mothers and other lady visitors enjoying the occasion. Handsome photo graphs of the church lay upon the table. Quite 8 large number of these mementoes were struck of some time ago, but nearly all are gone. At 2:3O p. m. Rev. A. A. Minor, D. D., of Boston, having arrived, the after noon exercises were opened. The audience room was well filled. Dr. Minor is an able and successful pastor and thinker. The sub ject of his discourse was Ultimate obedience assured by the organic unity of the race, with notice of objections The speaker was list ened to with earnest attention. His discourse was scholarly production, evidenced earn est investigation, inquiry and thought, and was fine effort.
 The convention adjourned to meet next year in Meriden. At p. m the visitors were provided with supper. Much credit is given the ladies and special thanks to MT. F. l.. Converse for their valuable service. The papers, discussions and sermons brought out at the convention were said to have been of more than usual interest