Connecticut western news., 1894-04-12
ENTERTAINMENTS CONFERENCE
-:AT:-
EaIls Yfllsrs. AprtI aA, 1904.


 The conference of Sunday School Su. perintendents of the Housstonic Val Icy and vicinity, was held in the Con- gregational church at Falls Village. April Sd. The day was mild and sun ny. and about fourteen superintendents responded to the call.
 The devotional exercises began promptly at 10 o'clock. led by H. NJ. Adams of Canaan. Tho topic of the morning was, "For what is the Sunday School Superintendent Responsible?" First, lin the sch pol" and second, ''out of the school" G. Willis Parsons, of Canaan, showed careful preparation on the first sub-topic and thought the per sonal appearance of the superintendent with a cheerful counteuance and unself. ish interest in the work was of primary importance. He should be familiar with the names of members of school; should be self-possessed and have the exercises we'll prepared before the ses- sion. He was responsible for good or. der and proper classification. A spirit ed discussion followed that evinced great interest on the part of those pres ent.
 MT O. B. Marsh, of New Milford, treated the second sub-topic, tout of the schooP in pleasant manner He thouoht th- -aunar,pkanJant .ra. .us~4x.I ly pastor of the Sunday school and held not less responsible position to. the acting pastor. In his outside work 1t should be remembered he was at the head of Chr istian Sunday School. He d,sapproved of the practice of inviting teachers on Sunday to the ice cream parlors, as a case cited. The superin- tendent has many eyes upon him out side the school, criticizlng for and against his efficiency in the school. There should be an interest shown among pupils in their homes and on the street. Many questions were asked which MT Marsh replied to readily.
 The "open Parliament" coud ucted by W. H. Hall on the subject of "Obsts- cles in Superintendent Work" drew out, Difficulty in procuring teachers" 'Lack of substitute teachers" .Incom- potent teachers" Teachers too scattcr- ed to sustain teachers meetlng," with profit, Indifference of parents to the chsl1ranto otta.1anno 1f &h. 2,ul.- school" and "Too many church mem- bers disinterested in the work"
 In the afternoon session Rev H. B. Roberts, who had driven from Torring- ton over the hills distance of 20 miles, spoke most acceptably on "Singing in the Sunday school" MT Roberts had this topic we'll in hand. and he thorough ly believes in much needed reform in this branch of Sunday school service. The hymns should be carefully selected with a view to the desired sentiment and fitness; and the singing should be & means to an end, to elevate, inspire and improve. The effeminate jingling mu- sic should be given wide berth. Many of the SO called Sunday school singing books are not worthy the name. and the most that can be said of tn, m is they are made to sell The advice offered is Do not buy them" Much depends upon the leader and the. organ ist for the right influence of singing up. on teachers and pupils. Aim to have all the school sing if possible. and with animation.
 The Rev J. 0. Goddard, of Salisbury, was obliged to be absent on account of the death of an intimate friend, and the address under the caption of "The re- wards of a Faithful Superintendent" was omitted.
 After the adjournment the executive committee of the Litchfeld Northwest Sunday School Association held a ses- sion and laid out work for the. annual meeting which promises to be of great interest and will be held at Falls Village June goth.