The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-06-06
BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL CON-
VENTION

The twentieth annual meeting of the
| Vermont Baptist Sunday school conyen
ton opened in the Baptist Church In this
village. on Tuesday evening. A Devo-
| tiOnal Song service led by Mr.. and Mrs.
g. @. Stebbins of Brooklyn, was first on
| the programme. The singing was ex-
cellent-the audience joining heartily in
those selections with which they were
familiar. Col. j.. EsIey of BraItleboro
offered prayer. Pastor Marten in a very
happy manner welcomed the delegates
and visiting friends. A response, equal
ly genial, was made Rev. F. j. Parry of
Brattleboro, conductor of the conven-
ton. Each speaker alluded to in ap-
propriate terms to the death, recently of
Guy G. Noble Of st. Adams, formerly
president Of the convention and prom
inent character among the Baptists of
Vermont. Rev. E. A. Herring, assist
ant secretary, then read the annual re-
port on the present condition of Sum
day school work. in the State. The sta.
tistlcal returns received by him in time
for the report were very Incomplete
being from only fifteen, out of some
ninety schools. These showed that from
seven schools alone eighty young people
and children had been baptisei. The
reports received were taken as a tolera-
bly, fair indication of the work as
whole.
The Sunday schools Of the State are
continually parting with young persons
whom more promising career attracts
to business centers of our country. Our
schools become nurseries, rather than
orchards. Hence the necessity for our
careful training of the children, a ma
jority of whom will go elsewhere and
carry with them il converted spirit for
Christian work in broader fields.
The second part emphasized in the re-
port was that we have not as many of
the young people under Sunday school
Influences as we should have. Many
children are doubtless included in the
| 49,, 900 persons in Vermont who habit
ually absent themselves from religious
services. The report urged nee ssity on
the part of the churches for missionary
work in Vermont, so as to gather in The
neglected children.
| Were there more sanctified homes
there would be less divorce cases, and a
better condition OF society in every re-
spect. These were the leading points OF
the report which was carefully prepared
and abOunded in useful suggestions.
Comments were made upon it by several
clergymen and laymen, in general con
ference.
After singing came an address by Rev.
Edward Ju1son, ID. D., OF New York
city, 80 widely known not merely as a
son of the famous missionary, Adoniram
Judson, but for his grand evangplistc
work among the poorer classes in a
thickly settled part of the commercial
metropolis. The Doctor selected as his
subject, Church Atmosphere" and
gave one of the most interesting ad-
dresses we have ever heard. An hour
passed in its delivery, but the interest OF
the audience never wavered. 1t is i'm
possible within the limits assigned US to
give even cursory outline of the force
full remarks sometimes drawing tears,
somt times eliciting laughter, but ami
mated throughout by a broad, deep
Christian spirit. A "church atmns-
phere" is Notwithstanding to the To-
quent speaker-when among other char
acterIstIcs it is congenial to the poor,
vitaizing to the children, and imparting
energy to church members to seek out
and endeavor to save the very worst
leases" of humanity.
In response to a general desire and
call from Conductor Parry, DR.. Judson
after the singing of selection by Mr..
and Mrs. Stebbins, again came upon the
platform and briefly alluded to his work
in New York. and his plans for building
a Memorial Church" in honor of his
father, and as nucleus Of Christian
work IN the locality. Singing, prayer,
benedicIOn, and the evening services
ended.
Many remained to be introduced to DIR.
Judson and other prominent ministers.
laymen and ladies in attendance from
abroad.
Wednesday the meeting opened with
a Praise and Promise Service, subj ct :
Gods Promise to Workers." led by
Rev. A. MacGeorge, State Missionary OF
the Convention of Baptist Churches.
Rev. MIR. Gumbart of Brooklyn and 9TH
ers gave personal experience conclusive
of the value Of the promises.
The chairman announced the follow
ing committees. On nominations Rev.
AS Gilbert, Dea Z. w. Horner, Rev. E.
A, Herring; on revolutions. Rev. E. L.
Scott. Geo, Crowell, Rev. H. Croker;
on roll, Rv, II. NJ. Dougla4s, Dea F.
W. Shepardson, Rev. I. n. Steelman.
Mr.. l. w. Hawley of BrGtteboro gave
practical consideration OF the follow
ing questions assigned to the "SuperIn-
tendent's Hour" What constitutes
good school Qualifications for a good
Sunday school superlntenden Equip
ment organization and management of
schools Sunday school music? Grad
ing and promotion of scholars Reviews
and previews of lessons Questions on
these topics were pleasantly and infor-
mally discussed.
"Primarary work." familiar converse
with Primary teAchers-was assigned
to Mrs. l. zzle G.. Roath of Worce.ter,
Mass. The topic opened up a fruitful
field for inquiry. Mrs. Rpath pointpdly
considered the topic under the sub livis
ions-General exercises; what and how
t. teach; outside work. The thoughts
she presented were well worth consider
alton, and the suhjct was admirably
handled. II teaching to primary pupils
she advised Bible truths be given; n sim
pie and earnest manner be led; net too
large quantity of topics at a time; not
above the comprehension Of the scholars
Rev. A S Gumbart of Brooklyn, who
has struck out n somewhat original plan
OF illustrating Bible truths by Natural
History, Science and Chemistry, closely
held the attention OF Convention until
noon.
In the afternoon session, after song
service, occurred the election OF officers
for the ensuing year, which re-ulted as
follows 4: President, Rev. f. j. Parry.
Brattleboro; vice president, Rev. F. q.
Mcfarland, Burlington: secretary, Rev.
Henry Crocker. Fairfax; assistant sec
rotary, Rev. II. NJ. Douglass, Putney
treasurer, Dea. d. NJ. White, u'land
directors, l. w. Hawley Of Brattleboro,
P. c. Abbey of Essex, j. E Tilson OF
Rutland, C. +. Aldrich Of Perkinsvile,
A. j. Crane OF Burl ngtor.
The subject, THE Sunday school
telcher" was presented by Rev. c. A. |
Reese of Rutland. under these divisions:
characteristics; Equipment; Week day
work; Work in the class; The influence
OF the life; The results OF good teaching.
Each division was treated and illustrat-
ed in a rtful, thorough manner. A
brief conference on the topic followed.
Rev. A. S. Gumbart gave in his char
acteristic way. an illustration of Bible
truths by "botany and chalk" The
goodness Of God and the bounty Of God
were shown by flowers, their uses and
ulrtTlOu'lOn' ~ I'BhtIy unutTelfnu DIT,
Gumbart's striking method of teaching,
one must see and hear him.
Mrs. Rosth took up an illustrated les
son with children in primary depart
ment the illustrations being conveyed
by a lighted candle. This exercise great
ly pleased the little folks, and was in
teresling TO those Of larger growth.
The musical portions of the service
through the morning and afternoon ses-
sions were quite pleasant and were en-