The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-03-08
CHRISTIAN ENDEIKOR.


CHRISTIAN ENDEATOR.
Profitable and Successful County Conveu-
1000 ,Attehda nee, From All Parts of the
The twelfth semi. annual convention Of
the Washington County Christian Endeavor
Union, held last Friday in the Baptist
church, was one of the most successful in
its history. Nearly every society in the
county was represented by large delega-
tons, and the excellent programme rem
dered proved to be continuous source of
pleasure and profit.
The opening devotional meeting was con-
Quoted by George Mitchell OF Barre, in
which song of welcome was sung, with
words and music by Rev 6. o. Webster,
pastor of the church in which the conven-
ton was held. Rev. G. w. Gallagher, pas
tor OF Bethany church, extended cordial
address OF welcome, which was responded
to by George w. Wallis of Watsfield the
president. The report of the treasurer
showed the Union to be in a fourishing
condition financially. Rev. J. Newton Per-
rim of Williamstown, Mrs. Merton Cheney
OF Barre, and Rev. Arthur Covell of Water
bury were appointed committee on resolu-
tons. Miss Lenora r. Stevens, the county
secretary, called the roll of the societies, tho
delegates responding, almost without ex-
ception, with earnest words of encourage
ment and cheer.
Previous to adjournment for the noon
hour, the delegates and visitors were in
vited to the vestry, where dinner had been
provided for all by the Baptist and Bethany
societies, which was served by the young
ladies OF those organizations.
The prayer and praise service with which
the afternoon session was opened was led
by Miss Mary l.. Haines of Cabot. Mrs. G.
ID. Edgerton of Northfield read a carefully
prepared paper on "The Badge We Wear
and Why We Wear It." Greetings from
other Unions in the state were extended by
DIR. Stickney of st. Adams for Franklin
county, and Rev. Austin Hazen of Rich
nond for Chittenden, to which Rev. G.. o.
Webster cordially and briefly responded
The Juniors hour which followed was
conducted by Miss Mertie Huntley OF
Waterbury, the county superintendent.
Miss Huntley real an admirable paper de-
scriptive OF the work that has been done in
the past and is being done at present in
Juvenile work, closing with an earnest ap-
peal that a Junior society be organized in
every town where a Christian En- deavor
Society exists. In pithy five minut es talk
which bristled with bright thoughts pleas
ingly expressed. Rev. E s. Fiske of Waits
field then spoke on How the Juniors May
Aid their Pastors" Miss Sarah Mcbride Of
Williston was announced to read paper
on Junior Work-Its Needs and Meth
DDS" but was unavoidably absent, and her
place was taken by Mrs. Arthur j. Covell
OF Waterbury. Mrs. Lee Wiley OF Roxbury
read an interesting practical paper on
"Why so Few Ideal Societies." which
contained pertinent suggestions as to a
remedy, and Rev. G: W. Gallagher spoke
forcibly on Power for Service" in place
OF Rev. E. e. Reynolds of Willismstown,
who was detained by illness.
Miss Mabel Gale, OF the Methodist Sem
mary, read an essay on Christian En-
deavor as an Evangelzing Force" which
was crowded with suggestive thoughts
p1n cd In oh Tori Tha al
ports of committees were read, and an ad-
iournment was made. The fact that the
programmes announced a collection " at
this point instead of a I" collation." did not
affect the appetites of the visitors, and was
taken as a matter OF course by the good
Methodists of the party.
The evening session was held in Bethany
church, which was none too large to accom-
modate the large congregation that gathered.
The song service was led by Rev. H. d.
w. Williams of Plainfield, a large choir Of
Endeavorers under the leadership OF FL. ID.
Hopkins, rendering efficient aid.
Rev. DIR. L. q. Thompson Of Burlington,
pastor Of the First Methodist church Of Bur-
lington preached the convention sermon
from Mark xii: 10, "The stone which the
builders rejected is become the head of the
corner" 1t was an eloquent unfolding of tho
thought that the right will finally win; that
in all lines of human activity there are
those who are rejected who are finally ac-
cepted for the highest positions Of deserved
fame. This was elaborated by striking ex-
amples from sacred and profane history,
and from it three lessons were drawn-the
limited extent of human vision; Gods plans
touch the whole round of life; we should be
alert for the service OF our God.
The choir and congregation sang " On
ward, Christian Soldiers" and William
Shaw of Boston, treasurer of the National
Christian Eudeavor Society, was introduced.
Mr. Shaw took for his theme the caDali2tiC
letters "'Y. p. S. c. E., What do they
mean? What is this organization? What
has it dons2" taking as text, by their
fruits We shall know them" The speaker
referred to the conception OF the movement
twelve years ago In the Willistou church at
Portland, Me-, and graphically depicted the
growth OF the organization TO the present,
when there are % 900 societies in this coun.
try with membership OF over million and
half. This movement has already crossed
the water and goes singing around tho
the world, until 1t can be said OF IL, as of the
union ack,,t sun never sets on its domain.
The meaning and scope of the notices
which have governed the organization from
its beginning were forcibly alluded to by
the speaker, namely, " For Christ and His
Church, Not to be Ministered Unto. But
10 Minister" We are Laborers Together
with God, and One is your Master, even
Christ, and All Ye Are Brethren" In
closing he spoke tender words OF encourage
ment to the aged ones who had once borne
the burdens but who are now only wait
ing for the welcome summons TO enter
into the Inheritance prepared for the faith
full.
The closing conservation service was led
by Mr.. Shaw, and was service OF deep
solemnity. Invitations to meet with the
societies at Mortified and Cabot were re-
ceived. The latter place was decided ON,
the exact date In August or September to
be left with the executive committee.