The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-06-20
Maine Congregational Conference.
LFrom our Special Correspondent
WEDNESDAY MORNING.

the Maine Missionary Society at this
session. The preliminary devotional SER
vice was conducted by Rev. G. G. Nc
Gully. The usefulness and power of this
society is greatly valued by the Congre-
gationalists of the state and an entire
half day is always the least time allotted
to it's affairs. The President, Prof L.
L. Paine of Bangor set the ball rolling
with a bright, stirring and most sugges-
tive address on the great area and urgent
missionary needs Iof Maine. 1t struck
grandly the key note of the occasion.
The state missionary for Eastern Maine
Rev. Charles Whittier addressed the con-
ference on what the state worker is
called on to do and what he can do. A
thoughtful statement of the case. The
report of the treasurer, John L. Crosby
Esq, of Bangor, shows that the disburse-
ments of the past year foot up the most
creditable sum of $32, 1881 Counting
securities and permanent fund the society
has on hand about $1,000 dollars The
last year the society took forward step
in the employment of two additional
general missionaries.
The financial condition is so sound and
favorable that the society can if need be
enlarge its operations again the year to
come. The care of the treasurer, his
sound Judgment in investments, and
diligent attention which does not allow
dollar to be unfruitful are most favor
ably commented upon on all sides.
The secretary, Rev. j. E. Adams, d. D.
gave most interesting view of the oper-
ations of the year. He especially COM
mended the work of the general mission
aries numbering in all five. The achieve
ments of the year are fattering but the
field is yet largely untouched. He re-
ferred to the maine band'' five excell-
ent young workers, graduates of Andover
Seminary who have pledged themselves
to service in Maine if the opportunity be
given. The trustees have already taken
steps to place them in needy regions near
one another SO they may cooperate as oc-
casion may require. The entire report
will be printed and will be document of
great interest to all who would see the
moral and religious wants Of Maine met
so far as possible.
Earnest addresses followed by state
missionary, Salem D. Towne, and by
Rev. C. Wilson of the western part of the
state who spoke with force and eloquence
of hindrances and helps in this broad and
effective line of missionary activity. The
adoption of the secretarys report was
moved in neat and pointed speech by
Rev. R. W. Jenkyn of Rockland. The
motion was seconded by Rev. Mr.. Will
Hams of Augusta who pledged twenty
five dollars sfor Aroostook. Mr.. j. r.
Libby of Portland, spoke earnestly for
the same great county. He closed with
a pledge of fifty dollars. Rev. B. P.
Snow added brief appeal for Aroostook.
Rev. DR.. Creegan stirred the whole au-
dience by his thrilling words calling for
an enlarged enthusiasm in our home
work. Effective words were added by
Rev. L. H. Hallock, Rev. C. H. Pope and
Mr.. D. j. Sawyer of Jonesport who
pledged fifty dollars for Aroostook. Rev.
Mr.. Roder Of Biddeford made brief but
telling speech for he pledged twenty
five dollars for the Aroostook mission.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The Maine Charitable ETY., which
cares for the widows and children of
deceased ministers celebrated it's ami
versary at the opening of the afternoon,
the president Rev. L. HI. Hallock in the
chair. This society has disbursed the
past year about $1,000, most worthy
charity.
The College and Education society,
anniversary followed. Prof. Wood
ruff of Bowdoin was chosen
chairman pro tenn. This is branch of a
national society which aids, by grants of
money, students in college and theologi-
cal seminary. The j. G. Merrill D. D.
was elected president for the ensuing
year.
Rev. D. NJ. Pratt of Portland, present
ed the report of the Board of Visitors to
Bowdoin College. The adoption of the
report on motion of Rev. B. P. Snow,
was followed by valuable and suggestive
remarks by Prof. Woodruff of the
college. The report from Bangor Semi
nary was in the absence OF the chairman
of the committee of visitation, Rev. j. G.
Merrill D. d. of Portland, given by Rev.
L. Fl. Hallock.
THURSDAY MORNING.
The conference met in large numbers,
for the closing day. The first hour
was devoted to business and among
other matters the question of resembling
certain resolution offered on Tuesday
evening respecting the American Board.
After some lively discussion, the resolu-
ton was rescinded sby large majority
A substitute for the first resolution was
then offered and this by vote was laid on
the table. A resolution looking to g
society inside the church for the care Of
the needy in the church, failed of a
passage on the ground that the church
itself is charged with this function and
duty land THAT such an inside society
would be injudicious.
By resolution the conference expressed
it's profound interest in making the work
of foreign missions wider, deeper anC
rapidly progressive, and in order thai
the churches might be led to greater eff
forts for the promotion of this cause il
was recommended that an appeal be
made for such change from present
methods as should allow the churches te
nominate due proportion of the corpor
ate members of the board
A standing committee On interdenomi
national county work was subject of dis
cussion and it was decided to provide
for this important committee.
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