Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-06-28
THE UNIVERSALISTS.
Proceedings ofthe Opening Day Of
Their Annual Convention.
The Report ofthe Executive Commit
tee Shows Year Of Growth.
Meeting Of the Woman's Centenary Asso-
Acknowledgment Sermon
by Dr.. Pullman.

Within &c hours half thousand Universal
lists have been added to the population of Au-
eusta, and the newcomers form a most de-
sirable and agreeable accession to the society
of the city. Their convention has opened
auspiciously. Tuesday was one Of the loyli
est of June days, with refreshing breeze to
temper the heat. The air was perfumed With
the fragrance and spice of summer blossoms.
At the business session at 10 o'clock the at
tendance was large. The convention was
called to order by the President, Hon. Ara
Cushman of Auburn.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Zenas Thomp-
son of Deering.
On calling the roll by the secretary quo
rum was found to be present.
The committees for the session was ap-
pointed as follows:
On ElectiOns.-W. w. Loveioy. Calais
Rev. f. S. Rice, So. Berwick; J. Howe. ESQ.
Deering.
On Religious Service.-Rev. 4. c. White.
Augusta; J. A. Homan, Esq, Augusta; Rev.
C. +. Nash, Union.
On Unfinished Business.-Rev. A. Bosser-
man, Bethel; A. B. Chase, Norway; Miss
Stella Keene. Rockland.
On Nominations.-Rev. H. A. Philbrook,
Rockland; Rev. G. w. Perry, Auburn; Mo-
ses Plummer, Esq, New Gloucester.
The executive committees report for 1882
was read by the secretary. It gives sketch
of the work of the denomination in the State
during the year, in the most concise form,
and recommendations for the future. 1t is as
follows.
Committee meetings were held on the fol.
lowing dates June 23d, Sept. Goth, Oct. 18th
and Nov. I'd, 1881, April 4th, and June 9Th,
1882. Rev. l. j. Mead was engaged
to serve State missionary for the
year ending June 3Oth, 1882. A special ad
visory committee and a committee on finance
were appointed. Rules for conducting the
mission work in accordance with the instruc-
tons of the convention were passed, with
such additional rules as the committee con-
sidered to be necessary. The parishes in
the State were assigned respectively their
quotas of money for the support of mission
work. Each parish was duly notified of the
sum required, and the urgency of the demand
for its payment was set forth.
A committee to report on the condition
and prospects of Westbrook Seminary
sisting of Rev. II. A. Philbrook, Mrs.
NJ. +. Frank and Mrs. L. G. Coolidge
was chosen.
The programme of meetings for the pres
ent session of the the convention was ar
ranged.
RESULTS OF THE MISSION WORK OF THE
YEAR.
At the time of his last report, the mission
airy had made a beginning at Skow hogan, and
prophesied good results from continuance
of the effort. He remained there till Nov.
lst, 1881. The interest gradually deepened.
A new parish organization was effected.
Twenty-Five hundred dollars were secured
for the purchasing of a lot and the erection
thereon of a church. This sum has since
been considerably increased, and now the
church-begnn before the missionary left the
parish-is ready for dedication. The members
are united and zealously engaged in the COM
pletion of their plans. Meetings are held
regularly in the new church. and pastor
will be settled early in the fall. This must
be regarded by all who are acquainted with
the facts, as one of the most important and
gratifying successes Of the kind, that has
been achieved under the auspices Of the con-
vention. Several days, including one Sun
day in October, were spent by the agent in
Rockland. The parish was strongly recon-
mended to call the pastor who settled there
soon after-Rev. II. A. Philbrook.
In November, Dixfield and Bowdoinham
were visited. Circumstances did not favor
further effort at ID. in the cold season.
Growing out of the consultation with friends
at Bowdoinham, in company with Br. Little
of Brunswick, who has been an efficient local
missionary, he has been engaged to preach at
Bowdoinham year, in connection with hls
home parish.
The first Sunday in December the mission
AIRY preached at Readfeld. Winthrop was
consulted with reference to joining Readfeld
in continuous services, but preferred to de.
fer action until spring. Arrangements were
then made to hold few meetings IN our
church at Watervlle, a continuance being
proposed in case the interest should warrant
it. The few loyal members had, from vari-
Gus causes, become discouraged. and felt that
aprolonged suspension of church work WAS
before them. Little by little the interest in
creased. The effort was continued to May,
at which time the needful sum had been sub
scribed and Rev. q. G. Hamilton engaged to
supply the pulpit for the year ensuing.
Une Sunday in January was given to
Bridgton. The agent assisted in can
vass for salary, which was secured with
in few days, and arranged for Rev. w.
A. Pratt to preach as candidate he
was Immediately settled. The affairs of the
parish are in a prosperous condition.
The month of May, with one Sunday OF
June. was divided between Winthrop, Read
field and North Monmouth, with view to
placing pastor over them as a circuit. En-
gagements elsewhere precluded further
work by the missionary, who arranged ioi
the meetings to 90 on for several Sundays,
when it is hoped that a good man will be
placed In charge permanent pastor. June
llth and 25th were spent at South Windhah
and June 18th at Camden and Hope, IN the
interest of the cause.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
We regret to be obliged TO report that the
assessment method adopted by the convention
and which the committee have endeasoree
to carry into effect, has not yielded the
returns desired and which are necessary e
the prosection Of mission work in this State
part ofthe parishes have responded to tn'
call for money. In these instances tht
pastors and parish officers have interested
themselves in the work. All our parishes
and ministers should heartily enlist In tns
maintenance of this home mission. All arr
able to do what is asked of them. BY ou'
experience and observations, we are leo q
offer these recommendations
!. That our pastors present the imPol.
ance and needs Of our mission work 70 tnel'
people more frequently and emphatlcaiiy
and that officers OF parishes with pastors y
without, exert themselves to greater oesres
in behalf of these mission interests.
2. II is our belief that the method