Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-01-16
THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY
An Annual Meeting on a New Plan, and
with a very Cheerful Outcome.

An Annual Meeting on a New Plan, and
with a very Cheerful Outcome.
The Unitarian society held its annual
meeting on Tuesday evening upon new
plan which proved decided success-and
a success ~ one respect, at least, not taken
into account when the arrangement was
first suggested. Instead Of the formal as
semblage Of a few people at the church, all
the members Of the society came together
10y invitation for n genuine family party in
Red Mems hall An excellent supper was
served, all retaining their seats after the
dishes were removed The usual order of
business was laid on the table for the time
being, while the Rev. Mr. Phalen read a
pastoral letter, IN which he reviewed the
work Of the past, made various suggestions
a. to how minister and people can work
together more effectively for the principles
M which they believe, spoke approvingly
Of the work of the church In It's various
channels Of activity, aud gave all earnest,
hopeful look toward the future This was
followed 10y the report Of Henry A. Chaplin,
the SUNDAY school superntend snt. who
showed that a general and cordial interest
has been taken IN the work Of the school
that more money than ever before has been
contributed during the year, both for the
school itself and for the benevolent enter
prises to which it lends helping hand, aud
that all that Is necessary for future success
Is "A cordial and sustained home interest on
the part of the parents Mrs j. NJ Tyler's
report for the benevolent committee show
ed that large number of needy families
and individuals, especially old people and
widows who are struggling 10 raise families
OF children, have received substantial aid
at the hands of the society IN quiet, but
very effective way The work of this com
mittee Is not confined to those who are con
nected with the Unitarian church. hut is
freely given to any deserving cases of need
which are brought to notice Miss Stella
Dalton made an excellent and compreheu-
sive report on the objects and work Of the
Guild Of the Good Shepherd, Young PEG
pie, society Tor benevolent work and for
the promotion Of reverent feeling and living
among It's members which has been organ
lied during the year
Miss Sarah Wells made the report for the
Freme circle which has been for many
years the channel for the women work in
the society She traced the history OF the
circle from its early foundation. when 1t
was given the name of ITS original promo
ter, who met "a tragic death IN the fire
which destroyed her home where the asylum
summer retreat now stands Brief allusiOn
was made tu the great amount of work
which mas been done hy the circle and the
generous help which II has rendered b. the
society IN every time of need It, latest
work has been the payment for repairs
madr on the parsonage and the lifting Of a
small mortgage incumbrAnce on that build
lnE TINS year will see the end of that
work ana the society will then be entirely
free from ali Indebtedness Mr. Phalen
alluded IN MS pastoral letter 70 the need Of
church house for the successful carving
out Of tine various branches of a church,
work, and Miss Wells Indicated in her re
port that the ladies will be ready after TINS
year t. lend efficient aid m behalf of such
an enterprise
The last report was that of the prudential
committee. given los +. j Holman. VINO
showed ~ detail what have been the re
sources Of the society during the past year
" ha. its expenses are and what will con
stltute these two items ~ the future. and
making certain recommendations suggested
10y the experience OF past years The re
port Of the treasurer. o. D. Estaurook had
previously been given showing receipts
and expenditures of the past wear. aud that
a deficit of S444 existed which has been
slowly accommodating for several wears past
The suggestion was made by DR. Draper
the chairman OF the meeting. that thi,
would ue good time to wipe out tins def
cheney aud start tine new wear with the So
ciety squarely on it, feet TINS suggestion
met an instant and friendly response vol
uuteer subscription of various sums. from
one dollar upwards went quickly around
and the result was that IN a few minutes
time the whole amount was subscribed and
the clerk record showed a surplus of $50
with more ID come from members uuavoid-
ably kept at home This announcement
was received with All outburst Of applause
and good feeling. whose genuineness was
unmistakable These preliminary matters
having been attended to, the regular course
OF business was taken up and these officer,
were elected for the ensuing year
Clerk and coli-.tor- James baton
Trrasur-r-H K Lawrence
Prudential committee pr J draper e A BOY
den. Chas W bunham. Mr. j. n Tyler. Mr.
Mary G. Nardrr
soc.al committee Mr. and Mn, " n Minor.
Miss Minnie Pratt
Missionary committee l. Phal-n. "
Minor. & buuhAu. ,. ! Holman
thariah" committee. a q Hall. Mr., i. VI
Tyler. Mr. Howard Chapiu
L Shers a b Han john Bliss Walter Pratt
The outlook for the society with all finan-
cial Obligations of every kind wiped out and
asurplus IN hand with which to start the new
year, Is a very cheerful one. and 1t is need
less TO say that the congratulations which
we're exchanged between pastor and people
and among the people themselves when the
meeting broke up at nine O'Clock. were
heartfelt and spontaneous. and their warmth
will be source of help and inspiration all
through the year