Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-10-15
Han cock Conference of Congregational
Churches.

The semi-annual meeting OF the Han
cock Conference of CongregatioDa
churches, met with the church in Blue
hill, Sept. % and -. The conference was
called to order on Wednesday, at II 80 A
VI. Appropriate words were spoken by
BuckspOrt. after which scripture was read
and prayer was offered. The pastor, Rev.
Albert Donnell, very heartily welcomed
the conference 10 the hospitality of the
church, 10 the homes of the people who
were to furnish the entertainment (which
was generously abundant and Of high
order and to the entire town.
The afternoon session, after disposing
Of such business OF the conference as
could be attended to at that early period of
the meeting, was devoted to the discussion
OF the following topics:
lst. Fast Days it, annual observ-
ance desirable? If not, what can our con
ference do to secure its discontinuance:
"a. What can be done to secure larger
attendance at the preaching servicet (a)
BY the minister u BY the layman
Sd. How can we secure the attendance
of and hold our young men in the Sunday
school:
4th. What is the duty of our feeble
churche, toward the eight objects of be-
nevolence mentioned in the Year Book:
In the evening, the conference sermon
was preached by Rev. Mr.. Freeman of Bar
ilarbor, from John IA 2S-"I go away
and come again unto you" 1t showed the
advantage OF Christ's death being followed
by a continued permanent presence in the
hearts of His people. The Lords Supper
was observed after the sermon, proving a
most fitting close of the day, session.
Thursdays session was begun by half
past six O'Clock prayer meeting. led by
Rev. J. S. Richards of Deer Isle, 1t was
an intensely spiritual meeting, giving tone
and strength to what followed AT about
nine O'Clock a devotional service was con-
ducted by Mr.. Buck Of orland, after which
Verbal reports were given OF the churches,
showing many hopeful features, also dis
closing some that were less SO.
After the reports were given, upon vote
of conference to dispense with the discus
sion Of the remaining topics, Church Eel
lowship and Christian Fellowship, Rev.
S. l.. Bowler who has during the summer
been visiting our churches in the interest
OF Bangor Theological Seminary, gave an
earnest and telling address to the confer
eDce, showing that Institutions vital and
indispensable relation to the life and pros.
perity of our churches and to the evangel-
izaton of our state; also the need in which
1t stands of increased funds by which it
might enlarge It's facilities so as to offer to
young men preparing for the ministry all
the attractions which draw them to other
seminaries and ultimately to settlement
outside of needy Maine. 1t was strong
appeal to Congregationalists to support
their own institution.
Kind and thoughtful reference was made
to Rev Mr. Shelton who died short time
before in West Brooksville. lie was a for.
mer pastor of the church there, and min.
lister of large promise.
Rev. S. L. Bowler, Rev. L. S. Tripp and
Rev. Mr.. Eveleth, visiting clergymen, were
received as honorary members OF the con
ference.
After expressing by rising vote theiI
hearty appreciation and thanks to all who
had assisted in any way in making the
meeting so enjoyable and profitable, the
conference adjourned, to meet next june
with the church in West Brooksville.
SCRIBE.