The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1894-04-23

sequently be elected bishop. He
was one of the most dignified and
devOut men the church has ever
had. Under such administration
the work grew, though for third
of century it's only sanctuary
was a barn, dwelling, or school
house.
The quarterly conference voted,
Sept. 10, 1911, that Gin case any
member of the quarterly confer
ence be absent, he shall be called
upon at the next conference to
show the reason why he was abb
sent" Subsequently it is record
ed that members of the quarter
ly conference were examined as to
their character. Stand fair"
June p, 1917, Steven Eaton, Abel
Heath and Stephen Merritt were
elected a committee to estimate
the table expenses of the circuit
preacher for the year 1917. At
the same time it was voted to con-
cur with the New England Con-
ference in disapprobation of the
practice of preachers in stipu1at-
ing with the people for Sabbath
preaching. Also it was resolved
that it be considered improper to
license any man to preach who
does not believe in infant baptism.
In 1912 the table expenses of the
circuit preacher were fixed at S12O.
Oct. u of the same year Joseph
Clark, Jr., was licensed to preach.
He became a jealous local preach
er, pillar in the church, and was
for forty years secretary of the
quarterly conference.
The doctrine of Scriptual holt
nesss was prominent in the pull
pit ministrations of the time, and
accordingly, in 1922 the quarter
ly conference voted that its MEM
bers use their influence to estab-
l1sh select prayer meetings for the
purpose of encouraging and pray
ing for holiness of heart.
A sheep fund was established
Sept. 81, 1928, and the circuit
preacher appointed agent. It's
purpose was to secure wool on the
preachers clothing in lieu of
money.
In 1926 Bradford and Newbury
became a separate charge, with
Paul G. Richmond as stationed
preacher. July Is, 1922 the
quarterly conference voted to use
its influence to promote Sabbath
schools. At this time Bradford
Academy, built nine years pre-
viously, became the place of hold
ing the quarterly meetings. The
preaching. services were held in
the school house on the South
Plain.
A meeting was called Oct. %,
1880, to take measures for build
ing meeting house. A consti-
tuition was adopted and bylaws
drafted, and Ill 1881 the first
chapel was built near the top of
Bliss Hill on the South Plain. 1t
was 50x40 feet in size, and was
covered with rough boards and
shingles. The subscriptions were
paid in work and neat stock. The
same year a house was procured
for the preacher. The Mission
airy, Tract, Bible and Sabbath
school Societies were recognized
by vote, and the preacher appoint
treasurer. In 1886 the church
commenced raising the preachers
claim by subscription. In 1889,
services were for the first time
held in the chapel every Sunday.
Previously they had alternated
with Newbury or Fairlee. In
1910 the subject of a church in
the village was discussed. A
committee was appointed to pur-
chase a lot, though the church
was not erected till nine years
alter. In 1S41 separate charge
was formed at West Bradford,
md a chapel erected there. FL
1ancial matters running lax in y
1916, it was voted to urge the !
members to pay according to their $
lbility for the full support of the {
preacher. The church began t
supporting monthly missionary '
prayer meeting in 1916. In 1S47 t
he first books were procured for /
he Sunday school library. The [
anne year, latter desultOry con- e
'ersation on the financial and I
piritual condition of the church," V
he quarterly conference voted I
hat they would have no more '
reaching than they could pay n
or. II
In 1S49 the church was built in )
he village, where, after success s.
i've additions and repairs, it s
lands as represented in the cut II
ccot11Dar vit1o This Sletrb In :;