Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1888-12-14
THE CONGREGATIONAL CLUB OF WEST
ERN VERMONT,

THE CONGRE GATiONAL CLUB OF WEST
ERN VERMONT.
The congregational Manual for 1885,
gives the names of twenty-seven Congre-
gational clubs in the United States. OF
these, the first was organized in Boston
in 1863. One was organized in ~; one
in "A; three in 70; one in II; one in
7S; two in 70; two in 80; six in
'S3; two in 'S4; two in 'S5; four in
SO; one in 81. Their general object |
has been the promotion of the religious
and social culture of the members and
of the churches represented. They have
accomplished much, and can evidently |
be made more efficient in social, intellect
ual and religious work.
The want of such an organization has
been felt in Western Vermont for some
years. Some intiatory steps toward
forming one have been taken once or
twice, but failed of matured results. The
origin of the movement which has culmi-
mated in the organization whose name
heads this communication was vote of
the Addison County association of Con-
gregational ministers at its January meet
ing in 1888 to the effect that the registrar
be instructed to take preliminary steps
toward the organization of "Congrega-
tonal Club of Western Vermont" The
correspondence with clergymen and lay
men scattered over these western cOun-
ties developed general and hearty inter-
est in the movement. At a later meeting
committee was appointed to call a con-
ventlon for the organization of such a
club. The plan adopted was to send a
printed invitation to each Congregational
pastor in Western Vermont, and with it
like invitations to be given to such male
members of his church as he deemed
likely to take deep interest in forming
and maintaining the proposed club. The
basis of lay representation was one for
every 100 resident members in church,
and one additional for a fraction of 100
equal to, or larger than, one-half.
The convention met in Middlebury on
Monday, Dec. 10, at 10 a. m, in the vestry
of the Congregational church. Repre-
sentatives were present from Addison,
Chittenden, Grand Isle and Rutland cOun-
ties. Trains did not accommodate those
who would gladly have come from Ben
nington and Franklin counties.
The convention was called to order by
Rev. NJ. c. Stebbins of Cornwall Rev.
C. F.. Carter of Burlington was chosen
president of the convention and Rev. NJ.
c. Stebbins, secretary. The president
read scripture selections and Rev. G. c.
Mcintyre, d. d., of Pittsford offered
prayer. NJ. G. Stebbins, for the commit
tee, made brief statement of the action
that had led to the calling of the conven-
ton and of the method adopted. The
convention voted that it is expedent and
wise to proceed to the organization of the
proposed club. Rev. Ezra Brainerd for
the committee reported for the consider
alton of the convention draft of con-
stitution and bylaws. The convention
took up the report article by article, dis
cussed, amended and adopted the report
in detail and collectively. The presi-
dent, in accordance with vote of the
convention, appointed the following as a
committee to nominate list of officers
for the congregational Club of West
ern Verment': Ezra Brainerd, c. S.
> Colburn and II. r. Titus. This commit
tee reported as follows
For president, Rev. C. F. Carter of
II
Knapp of Middlebury, DR.. John Avery
of Wallingford, Rev. Geo. Z. Byington
of Shoreham; secretary, Rev. NJ. c..
Stebbins of Cornwall treasurer, Rev.
A. w. Wild of Charlotte; executive
committee Gin addition to the above
. named), Ezra Brainerd, LII. D., of Mid
dlebury, Rev. &. C. McIntire, d. d., of
Pittsford, Rev. A. +. Keith of Middle
bury; membership committee - Rev.
James A. Bates of Wllston, Rev. S. F..
French of Wallingford, Dea. Samuel
James of Weybridge.; outlook commit
, tee-Dr. o. Nj. Bump OF Salisbury, Rev.
ii. G. Plllsbury of Vergennes. Rev. w.
b. Hague of New Haven; auditor, Dea.
G. ID. Lane of Cornwall.
The report was accepted and the secre-
tary was instructed to cast single bal
, lot for the list of officers as reported.
This was done and they were declared
elected.
: The convention dined at the Addison
House. The spread was abundantly sat
isfactory to the guests and creditable to
the house.
Upon reassembling after dinner brief
] addresses were made by the president,
the secretary, Rev. A. F. Keith and DR..
: Brainerd. The club then adjourned to
r meet on the fourth Tuesday in January.
} 1t is probable that that meeting will be
l held In Burlington. The way is open for
large increase of membership in the
: meantime. NJ. c. S.