Morning journal and courier., 1884-11-21
nnnanrss OF CHURCHES.

 NveetIur Of the Committee at the New
 Haven House Yesterday-Strtvfngf for
 n Large Christian Unity-The First
 Congress to Meet fin May in This
 City.
 Yesterday afternoon committee of clergy men representing the proposed American congress of churches held meeting at room No. 1, New Haven House. The object of the meeting was to discuss ways a6d means look ing for the formation of the congress of churches, and the meeting developed the fact that there is lively interest taken in the movement. The plan embraces the bringing together the leading men in the various churches of the country into church con- gress for the purpose of obtaining a larger Christian unity than is now enjoyed. Since six months ago a meeting of proni- nent cIergymen of different denominations and of other gentlemen was held in the Berk- shire Hills where the matter was thoroughly canvassed and committee appointed to meet at the New Haven House to take the neces- sary preliminary steps for general congress. Circulars setting forth the claims for the scheme were also sent out to all the clergy and churchmen. Responses of warm en- \ couragement were received from all ! quarters.
 One of the members of yesterday s meeting
 said in regard to the matter: ftThe idea is es- | sentially one from western Massachusetts. 1 It is the outcome of years of thought Be hind it, among others, are Rt. Rev. Bishop Clark of Providence, who is an Episcopaian Of very broad views and fine man; Dr. An ~ c4 l in Waterbury; Hon. Justin Dewey, leading l attorney of western Massachusetts; Professor | Wayland, Rev. Dr. John H. Hopkins of Will Transport and Rev. Dr. Peck of this city. ! The EpiscopaEans have a congress in their | church conducted something as it is pro- I posed to conduct this, which is very beneh- | aialn
 The committee consists of the following: Congregational pastors, J. L. Jenkins and c. H. Hanlin, and the rector of St. Stephens 1 Episcopal church, Rev. William Wilber- force Newton, who may be regarded as the ! father of the enterprise. These are of Pitts ! field. The Hon. Justin Dewey, Bishop Clark and Dr. Anderson, who were present at the Pittsfeld conference, are also included; and the other members are as follows: Pro lessor Francis Wayland of New Haven and ] the Rev. Jesse B. Thomas of Brooklyn, N. Y., representing the Baptists; Professor Will | liam Wells of Union college, Schenectady, N. Y, and the Rev. J. O. Peck, D. D., of New ! Haven, Methodists; the Rev. Daniel Merri- man, D. D., of Worcester, Mass, and Rev. Joseph Anderson, D. D., of Waterbury, Congregationalists; and the Rev. John Henry Hopkins, D. D., of Williamsport, Penn, of the Episcopal church.
 Prosessor Wayland was unable to be pres ent, having been called to California, and Dr. Peck was also called to lecture in Philadel phia last night. Rev. Messrs. George E. Skene and J. M. Miner, of Pittsfeld, Metho- dist and Episcopal respectively, were also present. Rev. Dr. Anderson presided. It was decided to increase the committee to the number of twenty-five. The first con gross will be held in this city during ! May. The congress will meet yearly. An executive committee of seven was appointed and other matters discussed before adjourn I ment. Those interested in the movement were encouraged by the interest shown.