The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-24
CONGREGATIONAL CLUB.
Rev. E. p. Wilson the New President
"A Large Meeting.

The annual meeting Of the Congregational Club
is always an occasion of interest. for while club
politics have never caused serious excitement,
the incoming of a new administration cannot fail
TO be a matter Of considerable concern. The ses-
sion OF last evening was also a ladies' meeting
and this combined with the election crowded the
parlors of the Preble House with a lively and
truly social company. One sees plainly how the
social life of the club has developed year by year
rendering this element now peculiarly strong and
attractive.
AT the banquet, served in the grand dining hall,
nearly every seat was taken, the number in at
tendance having been equalled only once or twice
before in the history of the organization. Presi-
dent Hallock was in the chair, and the Rev. Mr..
Dunnels of Bath invoked the Divine blessing at
the table.
The excellent menu was worthy OF especial
note, and the table service was remarkably
prompt, attentive and courteous.
At the business hour the reports of officers were
made, indicating a very prosperous year; that Of
Treasurer shaylor showing sound inancla
condition of the body, there being
balance in favor OF the club
at the opening Of the new year. The club re
ceived fine irstalnsant- of new members this
anniversary. an addition of ten names beinp
made TO the roll OF membership. The committee
ou uOulludtlOuS presented as nominees Tor the sew
eral cffices the following list:
President-Rev. E. P. Wilson.
/. 7. Dana.
Secretary--H. II. Kicker. sr
Treasurer. f. Chute.
Executive Committee-A. L. Burbank, L. NJ.
Cousens, George F. French
1t was voted that the executive committee pre-.
pale for the use OF the club new edition OF the
manual Of the club and list Of members.
After business proceedings, President Halock
adyerted to his pleasant connection with the club
the estimate he placed upon its social. inteIec-
tual and eccesiastical value, and the satisfaction
with which he turned over the offfce to his es-
teemed brother and successor in ONCE.
Following these felIcltous personal remarks,
President Hallock called out one of the spec la,
guests of the club, made member at this meet
ing, DIR. James G. Merrill, the recently installed
pastor of the Payson Memorial church. Dr. Mer-
ril expressed his pleasure in coming within the
borders of New England. where he was sure
he should find a pleasant home, sound
and vigorous churches, and warm hearted
brethren In his profession. He brought the hearty
greetings of the Congregationalists Of st. Louis
and the Southwest. His well timed remarks
were received by the club with hearty applause
carrying warm welcome.
The club felt itself highly favored at this Fore
fathers Days meeting In the presence as an
henored guest of Rev. F. A. Warfeld of Brock
gregational Club. Mr.. Warfeld responded TO the
call OF the President in a capital five minutes
speech, with some admirable snatches Of Puritan
history and terse delineaiiOn OF that Puritan
character which challenges permanent admira-
ti0n ana mas indeed so gained the worlds favor
able verdict that the honor shall be theirs TO the
worlds end. bright, brief and weighty address.
The club greeted most cordially the orator OF
the evening, Rev. A. III. Plumb, ID. d., Of Boston.
%ao S most appropriate subject for the
fathers Religious Faith"
:. The pilgrims placed at the center of their be-
In redemption. The day we celebrate is memor.
aDle because OF the men who made Puritan
history, and the men are memorable because Of
tne falth that made them what they were, and
that faith showed as its constituent parts these
three great elements. The moral law with them
perience, no frIitage Of % in any form
but God-given code with Divine sanction, not
to be questioned but obeyed. Such view Of the
and lay firmly the foundations Of society.
God was present in the state as the overruler.
and the Puritans with this belief sought TO make
righteousness the aim OF the life OF the state.
Laws and law makers, and administrators Of law
and legislation, must be tested by this standard
dure then they were not to be endured by men,
and at all hazards the unrighteous men, measures
or policies must be opposed and put down. In
loyalty to this great controlling belief OF the fore
fathers their descendants have won their great
est victories and in continued loyalty to It is our
cOuntry's only safety.
Our forefathers saw God Divine element in
redemption. They did not regard it an imma-
terlal thing what man believes, but being sure
that religious belief controls religious life, the
character of men and churches, they insisted on
sound faith in Christ as the author OF redemption
GOD IN Christ reconcillng the world to himself.
The victories Of the truth they believed must be
won under the banners Of this divine redemption.
Inc 50 called liberal faiths that set aside this vital
belief do not show In the history Of the last fifty
years the progress that marks the remarkable
growIn OF me evangelical churches that hold by
ancestors.
Tho descendants of the Pilgrims do well to
honor their memory. They will indeed do them
honor by emuating their virtues and firmly put
ting 10 practice, in church and State, in character
and life, this vital, inspiring and surely edifying
faltn, under whose promptings the forefathers
did their xrand, inspiring and immortal work.
The sketch we here give can only hint at the
strength richness anc eloquence OF this mastery
address. 1t was received with evident favor, and
its strong utterances were endorsed with frequent
applause.
President Hallock expressed the grateful appre-
clation OF the club for the inspiring and helpful
words to which it had been the great privilege Of
the club to listen. The history of the first ten
years of the Portland Congregational Club has
been record of prosperity and usefulness to the
denomination. IL enters upon Its second decade
with promise OF still larger influence and power
or good.