Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-06-16
MAINE DISPATCHES.
FROM BATH.
Sixteenth Annual Conference OF the Con.
gregational Churches.

BATH, June l5.
three days session of the sixteenth an :
nuai conference of the Maine Congregational
churches opened in Bath this morning. Dea-
con E. G. Duren of Bangor, corresponding
secretary, called the meeting to order.
Rev. Mr.. Hallock of Williston church.
Portland, was chosen moderator, and J. F..
Adams, B. P. Wing and W. G. Hayes were
appointed committee on credentials.
Secretary Duren read the church neurology
since the last meeting. One clergyman in
active service had died, Rev. jeremiah Eyarts
Pond.
From the retired list the following deaths
were reported: Rev. S. Giles Leach, John
Robinson Chalmers, Josiah w. Turner, Fran
els 7. Ford, Theodore Charles Jerome and
Charles Duren. Three hundred and thirty
church members have died
Rev. Arthur Skeele Of Augusta, deliyere
the conference sermon.
The following committees were appointed
On nominations, Revs H. H. Wright G. w.
Christie. On State of Religion, Revs. z. A.
Harlow, d. Garland, G.. 2. Cushman, C. H
Marsh, Charles Davidson, Mr.. Blanchard and
Mr.. Jenkins.
The conference then adjourned till this
afternoon.
At the afternoon session of Congregational
conference a report of the state of the
churches was read by Rev. C. Fl. Pope, cor
responding secretary, which shows the total
membership of the church to be 2l, ,242, OF
whom 4039 are absent from their homes.
The total ministerial force reported, 203 OF
that number SO are pastors, sc acting pastors,
14O licentiates and students. Churches with
pastors, 54, with acting pastors los, with
licentiates and students 1856, vacant II, total
247. Disbanded during the year 2.
There has been admitted to the churches
during the year 1912. On confession 967, by
letter 375, by removals S33, by death $40,
dismissed 443, by discipline 81. Net gain
during the year 507; baptisms, adults, 696,
infants 1888.
Total amount donations by churches during
the year S44,l64 To foreign missions
SO, SOC, college 81, AL Congregational Union
81, ,345, Home Mission work 1904, Ameri-
can Mission Association $4,6l9, Congrega-
tional Publishing Society $674, various
objects Sl5,7S3.
Items of interest were read from several
county reports, showing encouragement in
many quarters While less churches have
contributed to some of the benevolent socie-
ties, more have given to others and larger
average of benevolent is needed. Remarks
were made on the church work by Revs. MIR.
Adams of Penobscot, Crane of Lincoln, Red
lon and Files of Hancock, Kellogg of Penob'
scot, Fske of Sagadahoc, Pope, Huntington,
HAYES and Marsh of Cumberland. The co.
oSration between our stronger and weaker
churches were discussed by Rev. VIM. H.
Fem, d. D., of Portland, Rev. G. W. Chris
tie of Presque Isle and others, after which
the session closed at 5 o'clock.
The evening session was opened by the
Maine Congregational Charitable Society,
Rev. J. X. Mason of Fryeburg presiding
The treasurer's report shows the total con-
tributions received during the year to be
disbursed to eighteen individuals and fam
lilies, S7l7.7l; funds in the hands OF the So
ciety, $4,000, beside bank account of $500.
The officers of last year were reelected, after
which an able address on "Religion in the
Family" was delivered by VIM. Dewitt
Hvde. President of Bowdoin College Re-
marks on the same subject were made by
Revs. Mr.. March, Pope and Rukfs, after
which the conference adjourned till tomor-
row.