The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-09-11
INDIANA CONVENTION.
FIRST DAY-THURsDAY, SEPT.

Sept. 2, at 2 P. M. The attendance
was unusually large for first session.
Promptly at the hour appointed, the
Convention gavel in the hand of Presi-
dent j. M. Bulla, of Wayne county,
fell, and the body was called to order.
On invitation, Rev. 1. B. Grandy, of
opened the proceedings
with prayer. The roll was called in
part, and a quorum announced. The
President appointed the usual commit
tee on credentials Rev. T. E. Ballard,
chairman. After the preliminaries of
the organization were over
The Presidents Address
was read as follows:
Delegates and Friends of the Convention;
1t is with feelings of gratitude to the
Dispenser of all our blessings that we
are permitted to meet here to-day to
counsel together in the interest of ouI
denomination. To meet in brotherly
love and Christian fellowship, and extend
to each other the right hand OF Christian
fellowship and social greeting, is one Of
most pleasant features of our annual
gatherings.
The Convention should direct the at
tentioD to the needs of our church and
adopt such measures as may best sub.
serve the interests of the churches, and
contribute to the advancement of Con-
vention work.
The growing public sentiment, as man.
ifested by our friends of other religious
denominations, is worthy of your prayer.
full consideration. Two years ago, when
the Convention met here, the churches
of this place extended to us true Chris
tian courtesy, by offering their pulpits to
our ministers, which we gladly accepted
and for which we extend to them in be.
half of this Convention, our heartfelt
thanks.
The report OF the Executive Committee
which will be made to you, will contain
suggestions and recommendations that
should receive your careful attention
One of the most important subjects for
your careful consideration is the mission.
airy work of our church.
The Convention farm should receive
the attention of the Convention. A com.
mittee of good, careful, judicious men
should be appointed to look after the
farm and to advise and consult with the
superintendent of churches, as to the best
means to make it yield the largest amount
of money and at the same time best pre-
serve the fertility of the soil.
The erection of tenant house on the
farm is worthy of your consideration. A
small piece of land adjacent to the farm
with small comfortable dwelling house
a small apple orchard, stable and other
out buildings can be purchased at rea-
sonable price. The superintendent re-
port will contain suggestions in relation
to the farm that should recsive your care
full consideration.
Church property that has ceased to be
used by our denomination should receive
careful attention. The interest we have
in such property should be secured witt
as little delay as possible.
Circuit work presents itself for earnest
consideration. Co operation by oul
churches in forming pastoral circuits
would greatly help church extension and
build up our weak churches.
In conclusion, we will call attention to
a growing manifestation Of indifference
on the part of a few churches to spiritual
growth. Members become careless, show
ing but little interest in church work
outside of their own church, feeling that
they could live without the help Of other
churches. The remedy for this lies with.
in the bosom OF each church, if carefully
exercised. A spirit of revenge should not
be entertained for an imaginary wrong
at any time. Great care should be exer.
cised towards our ministerial brethren in
forming or expressing opinions of their
ministerial staining, or moral habits in
society.
A minister of the gospel is called to a
work of very great Importance. There
must be- higher motive than the aims of
selfishness. In order to prove successful,
the life of a minister of Christ must be
full of sacrifice and self denial. 1t re-
quires not simply knowledge, but earnest
ness and patience, persistence and cour-
age, as well as fidelity and Christian
courage.
We feel as if the Convention was under
great obligations to the U. W. A. A. for
their aid in the valuable work they have
accomplished. Uniting in this noble en-
terprise, our women have given material
aid to the missionary work that merits the
confidence of all lovers of Universalism
everywhere.
The work of our faithful, energetic,
untiring Superintendent of churches,
commends itself to this Convention.
The hard, laborious work he has done,
the sacrifices of home enjoyments, are
deserving of our confidence in the future
Election of Officers.
Immediately after this address the
Convention proceeded to the election of
officers for the current year, and the
following were placed in nomination:
President: Charles Styer, Indianapolis.
VICE PRESIDENT: j. II. Hewitt.
SECRETARY: Miss Hattie B. johnson.
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