Morning journal and courier., 1881-10-21
Congregational Conference.

prayer meeting in the chapel at 9:3O be- gan Wednesdays service. It was conducted by the Rev. MT. Hill, of Danbury. At 9:3O the conference assembled in the church and was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mir. Hill, of Utah. The roll was then called and an amendment to the constitution was offered, substituting the word stat'' ih article for the word 'by." The reading of the report of the directors of the missionary society," which was begun the night before was concluded and adopted, together with a vote of thanks to the board of officers. The report of the committee on fellowship was read and adopted, and committee elected for the ensuing year; also board of direct ors for the missionary society. The Rev. l.. w. Bacon, D. D., presented report in be- half of the committee to investigate the affairs of the American Congregational Union which was accepted, and the conference ad- journed until 1:30 in the afternoon.
 At 1:3O'a prayer meeting was held, and at ? o'clock the regular session was opened. Professor L. Pratt read paper on ''Spir- itual Efficiency, the Outcome of Spiritual Life" which was discussed by several mem bers. This WAS followed by paper on 'tWhat lines of thought are best fitted to promote religious awakening at the present time, '' by Professor W. M. Barbour, of New Haven, which was also discussed. Dr. w. w. Woodworth, of Berlin, then reported in behalf of the committee on temperance, recommending series of resolutions favoring prohibition, recognizing the churches as the best temperance ~so- cieties, endorsing the Connecticut Temper ance Union, humane societies. etc. sharp discussion followed on the first resolution, which was opposed by the Rev. l.. w. Bacon of Norwich, and favored by the Rev. Messrs. Hillard Fessenden, Sullivan, Halloek and others. A substitute resolution was finally unanimously pressed, favoring the suppress sion of dram shops and tipping rooms, by law. .-,..-..
 The evening session was addressed by the Rev. G. D. Pike in behalf of. the American Missionary association, the Rev. M. w. Bar rows for the American Home Missionary as sociation, and Dr. l.. T. Chamberlain, of Norwich for the A. B. c. F. M which clos ed the days session.
 THURSDAY
 A prayer meeting was held in the church at ] 8:3O, lasting an hour, led by Rev. MT. Wood worth, of Berlin.
 The business meeting came to order at 9:30, with prayer by Rev. Dr. Barbour, of New Haven. The report of committee on annual inquiry as to benevolent societies was pre- sented by Rev. Charles R. Palmer. It was, in substance, that they do not recommend 1 it as at present advised, because it adds l to machinery already unwieldy, will take 1 up time of officers of the societies if the lead | is followed by other States. The envelope 1 system was recommended to be further in- yestigated.
 Dr. L. w. Bacon opposed the report, urg- ing that there vas earnest, practical need of | such investigation now; that it must eventn- | ally come; that the present managements consisted of rings not rings for plunder- | but irresponsible to any but themselves. He E desired that there should be thorough work now, and save great trouble in future. l