Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-03-13
MINISTER'S ASSOCIATION
And Fellowship Meeting Of Congrega-
tional Churches.

The Wlndham Association Of Congregational
Minister held their regular mid winter meeting 40
the Brooks House Tuesday The attendance and
exercises werp excellent Rev Lewis circuit acted
moderator, aud called up0u Rev jams Herrick
for the hrst essay. upon Systematic Bible Study"
the eIcellencic- and methods OF which were freely
discussed. The coucio was given by Mr. Day. who
also opened conversation upon Municipal Re.
form, which wa freely and Interestingly handled
by various men live subject for country miEis.
ter. An eKegcsis Wa conducted by Mr. smith Of
Townshend; extemporancous sermon plan- were
constructed by all Books, tho state Of the churche-
and parishes, MISSIONARY topics. etc. were talked
over, and a good program, including frtr debate
upon the Largest possible usefulness o. the Yer.
mont STATE Congregational Convention" WIS
arranged for the next meeting at Newfane Public
services were held IN the Centre church In the
evening, which Rev. Mr. Hyde Of Wilmington
opened with praise service. A very pointed and
impressive sermon was delivered by Rev Mr. Lewis
of Pntney. upon the subject What makes churches
weak conference meeting Wa presided over
by secretary g. II Merrill. a guest Of the assoc
ation and who made special remarks To the minis
ters and discussed the sate work from minsierial
point Of view
On Wednesday a fellowship meeting Of the count,
Congregational churches was held from 10 A. n "a
I 30 ?. N The ladies Of the Centre church enter.
tanned sill guests at lunch About 100 came In from
various points and participated ia a meeting Of great
heartlness, effectiveness fervor and practical sug
gesti0n Sermons were given by Rev Hollis Jordan
anu htN = thompson. strong address were
made by Mes.rs. Habbitt, Lewis Smith C.
Thompson and Others. Rev. DR. Stevens Of West.
minister West, was able 10 be present, aud brought
the benedicton Of his counsel aud prayer 10 all
The subject Of the occasion was The develop
ment and expenditure OF Christian forces in and hy
our churches A special hour was given 10 the
young people, when Capt e =. Hall and Rev Mr.
smith, Of Townshend talked about THE Young
people Of INDIAN County their promise aud their
Performance. capt Halls address showed thai
he had not studied these young people Tor Two
years In vain. Most interesting 81 all We're the
several addresses. kindly shrewd informed and iu.
spring, by Secretary Merrill
Mr. Merrill probably knows a. much or more
about the possibilities Of soCsl and religious de.
veOpments OF the back country towns ia ih- state
than any man IN IL IL WAS Therefore cheering 10
decadent forces, but enterprise and faith Ia seeing
and developing the abundant resources and po--i.
bilities Of our moral districts A strong note Of the
most hopeful state patriotism wac In every word he
spoke. He declared that not only was Vermont h
hopeful but N the eyes Of recent seminary gradu.
ales. most attractive field. Some half dozen Of
lale's brightest men, from the graduating class
have chosen 90 come into the rtate in preference 20
going West New expedienis are developing in the
way OF house 10 house work by female Colpar.
tenrs and Christian workers. who ann To do FOR the
country what they have already been doing for the
city and Of whom MT MOody's recently opened
NOrthhed school il ready 10 furnish an inere.tsin
supply. By reason uf Mr. Merrill's talks and the
earnest words Of others, and the participation uf
thnsiaAm for Vermont. her old churches which are
to be renewed, her traditional clean strong civic
aud social life which Is 10 be maintained For all
OF which benefits no better means can be found than
an occasional hearty and informal fellowship
meeting"