The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-05-19
THE CONGREGATIONALISTS In SESSION
THE FIFTY SECOND ANNUAL SES-
SION OF THE STATE ASSO-'
CATION.

SlA lSN.
A Large Attendance, Good Interest and
Profitable Sessions.
Again has Owosso demonstrated that II is
enc of the best points in Michigan for state
gatherings. The kind welcome and open
hospitality of the citizens have made last
ing impression ON the 800 or more ladies and
gentlemen present at the meeting of the
State Association of Congregational churches.
Every one will 90 away with glad remem-
brance of their stay among us. Then again,
those who have entertained the strangers
within our gates will recall with pleasure
the friendships formed and the delightful
social visits. 1t certainly is an honor to
have such meeting held in our midst.
The sessions of the Association have been
well attended throughout, and much interest
shown in the discussions and addresses. We
are only able to give brief review of the
leading papers and important business.
The address of welcome was given by
Rev. j. r. Reitzel, pastor of the church. 1t
was so cordial that all felt at home.
Rev. w. A. Colledge, Of Cadillac and Rev.
Geo. S. Bradley, of Hudson, conducted the
devotional exercises.
The opening session Tuesday evening was
devoted to the topic of ministerial Relief"
presented by Rev. II. N. Whittlesey, d. D.,
and the opening sermon by Rev. George r..
Wallace. ministerial Relief" was striking
ly presented and Illustrated by blackboard
| sketch, which was in the line of the tariff
pictures presented to long suffering public
| by the New York Press during the last cam
paign. This study in black showed that
the Methodist church made an annual pro-
vision for veteran and disabled ministers of
| $4,000 the Presbyterian church furnished
$160, 900; the Congregational, $40, 1000. This
report was the more remarkable from the
fact that Congregational churches are large
givers in nearly all philanthropic, education
! al and missionary lines.
The association sermon was given by Rev.
| Geo. r. Wallace, Of Saginaw. 1t was a
tentively listened to by large audience.
Enrolment cards were then distributed, Gre
dentials collected after which the Association
adjourned until Wednesday morning.
WEDNESDAY.
The Association convened at 900 a. m
and was opened with prayer by Rev. F. w,
Bush. Permanent organization was then
perfected by the election of Hon. Edward
l.. Wright, Of Hancock, moderator, e. f
Grabill, assistant moderator; Rev. o. G,
Bailey, secretary; Rev. e. s. Shaw, assis'
tant secretary.
Rev. II. Beale reported the order oi
business. w. Fl. Strong, of Detroit, wa
elected on nominating committee for three
years in place of K. F. Grabill whose tern
of Office expired.
Rev. j. P. Sanderson presented the sec
retary's annual report.
| Rev. F. 4. York, of Reed City, led tht
devotional services which were helpful ant
inspiring.
NORTHERN PENINSULA.
A fervent appeal and memorial from the
Upper Peninsula was presented by Rev. j.
r. KDodell. He called the attention of the
Association to the great growth in that ter
ritory. The memorial advocated the settina
apart of the upper peninsula into sep
arate missionary field to be under the con
troll of the National society with Rev. G. F,
VanAuken, superintendent Adjournment
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The afternoon session was opened witt
prayer by Rev. G. r. Wallace. Rev. Leroy
Warren, Supt. of Home Missions, presented
his annual report. Rev. G. +. VanAuker
read his report for the Upper Peninsula
showing good growth and the need of ag
gressive and advanced work.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES.
The report of the Board of Trustees wa:
received and the recommendations in TIL
memorial from the Upper Peninsula were
incorporated into the Trustees report. A
warm discussion was preciptated. Th'
question was in regard to whether Rev. G
+. VanAuken should be recommended fo
Superintendent of the Northern Peninsula
or only as general worker. DR.. Bradley
Rev. Hiatt and others made stirring speech
es, The drift of opinion seemed to be tha
the churches of the Upper Peninsula wer
being unfairly treated in regard to ecclesi
astical interference and misrepresentation
from the powers that be in Lansing,-no
legislative but popish-represente by
devoted but domineering State Superintend
ent. After a discussion lasting an hour tn
Rev. G. f. VanAuken was recommends
for Superintendent of the Upper Peninsu
la to give his entire time to the work." DR.
p. ii. Hurd made strong and rather scath
ing address in regard to the constitution
of the Association. His remarks we're rath
er severe ON the Board of Trustees, char
acterizing their sessions as "Star Chambe