The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-10
Canada.
THE ONTARIO CONVENTION.

The Convention week in Ontario has
passed like a refreshing shower to a
thirsty land leaving, we trust, freshness
and renewed vigor in the hearts of the
| Universalists of Canada. The Conven-
ton met as per notice, in the Universalist
church at Port Dover, June Is, and con-
tinued three days.
The council was organized Saturday at
GA. M. Robert Wood, Esq, President of
the Convention, was in the chair. United
in prayer with Rev. W. s. Goodell, the
pastor of the church.
The business of the Convention was har-
moniously transacted. Delegates were
present from all the parishes except Blen-
helm and many more from different parts
of the Province where no organization of
our church exists.
The reports of the delegates and friends
gave proof that the cause of Universal
ism was developing in Canada on a
strong and healthy basis. If not SO rap
id it is surely growing and assuming
spiritual aspect never before enjoyed.
"The fields are white for the harvest;"
who, oh, who shall gather the harvest
in? If Universalists neglect their OPP
portunity, it is not difficult to tell where
the sheaves will go.
Financially, the Convention is improv-
ing. 1t has raised it's full quota of the
$4,000 voted at Brooklyn last fall.
Every parish except Blenheim has paid
it's full quota, and that is pledged. Quite
handsome amount has been received
from the scattered believers, and an addi-
ton made to the Ontario Convention
missionary fund, one Methodist brother
from Central Ontario contributing one
hundred dollars. Sympathy was ex-
pressed for Rev. @. K. Gibson and the
hope entertained that when he should
properly sever his connection with the
Unitarian church, that his success in his
present field of labor would warrant his
restoration to our fellowship. The action
of the Committee of F. o. & D. in his
case was approved.
Rev. d. l.. r. Libby and wife, of New
Britain, Conn.,, were present and preach
ed each three very excellent discourses
to large audiences, many of whom were
members of orthodox churches. A Bap-
fist brother, Rev. Mr.. Puggsley, was pres
emit during the entire meeting and on
Sunday sat in the des- and took part in
the exercises. He expressed himself as
we'll pleased throughout. This is new
experience in Canada. Faithful, perse-
vering work, with a becoming self re-
spect, will work wonders. People have
attempted to describe the Falls of Nigga
ra, but have universally failed. l will
not attempt to describe the preaching
lest l meet a similar result. Three per-
sons were added to the church.
On Monday, the 21st, Rev. Mr.. Libby
and wife went to Smithville and held a
service in Rev. Mr.. Goodell's church
there on Monday and Tuesday evenings
to good audiences, with even happier eff
feet than at Port Dover, if that be posi-
BILE. The weather was fine, the audiences
good, the preaching superb, and the hos
pitality of the people such as is found
only among Universalists. Our pleasure
was increased by the presence OF our ven
cradle brother, Rev. j. r. Layelle, whose
health and age forbid his continuance in
ministerial work. Take it all in all, this
was one of the best meetings the Conven,
ton ever held. Some work was done fol-
the w. @. A., and Vice President ap.
pointed, Mrs. Robert Wood, Nixon, Ont,
with solicitors in every parish.