The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-12-26
entyfve years old. He was man OF
sterling character.
Ube West.

years ago would be surprised at the pres
ent working ability of the church. Every
branch is we'll organized. and well at
work. The congregations are about the
largest in the city. and the Christmas
service brought out specially good au-
dience. The Ladies' society has no debts
but has good bank account. The Yes
try Club began the winters work with
an attendance of nearly hundred. And
the Sunday school is constantly increas-
ing. The pastor, Charles E. Varney, has
recently originated and organized a
Boys Secret Circle. with all the features
of other secret societies. The boys have
their pass words, grips, signs, and initia-
ton work. The aim OF the society is to
interest boys and to teach them the
harmful influence of the use of liquor
and tobacco. Much interest has already
been excited and it is hoped that much
good will result.
Wa Charles City. Universal
ism in this city is spreading. Our work
is moving along smoothly. The Ladies'
Aid gave an Art and Loan exhibit last
month and cleared something over S10O.
The congregations at our services are
increasing.
Below is an article from the Charles
City Intelligencer, which will give an
idea Of our eervioae.
What Charles City Needs
Last Sunday evening, at All Souls
Church, Rev. Mr. Linton preached on the
subject; ''What Charles City Needs,''
text Matt. WHO. This was very fine
and practical sermon.
Among the many other good things he
said, 1--WE need men and women TO battle
against the evils which creep into our
city and society, to be firm and true for
the right. We need men to see that the
law is enforced against plans that sell
whisky and plans that are enticing our
young men from the path leading to
noble manhood. The text says, Where
fore by their fruits we shall know Them
We need all the safeguards possible for
the young He made an earnest appeal
for a public library and reading room to
be open every day and evening as plan
which would go far toward turning the
attention of young people, especially, in
the right direction and act as an educator
in various ways. The public cannot place
too high an estimate upon such an insti-
tuition and surely it is evident that
Charles City needs just this aid now.
Space will not permit us to give more
extended notice of this interesting dis
course. He closed with the leading
thought that we need more of the religion
of Jesus Christ, more of the Christ spirit
in every day life working for the good of the
souls of those around us. Rev. Mr.. Lin
ton has already made many friends here
by his candid Christian views
The Ministerial Conference.
The first meeting of '97 will begin at
Boone, Monday, Jan. 10, 3 PM. and close
Friday IA, p. M. There will be special
services every evening during the week.
In addition to usual classes for profess
sional instruction and study there are
important interests to be considered and
several carefully prepared essays will be
given.
Let US make 1897 New Year for our
faith in Iowa.
The pastor, Rev. Sophie Glib, desires
that you write her of your intention to
come and report at the church upon
your arrival.
II. L. F. GILLESPIE, Secretary.
MANCHESTER, Iowa.
EGON.-POrtIand The fair given
under the auspices of the First Univer-
salist church was an unqualified success.
1t has been the subject of conversation
and the object of especial attention.
Being the first ever given by the church
of course considerable misapprehension
was felt but certainly results have most
conclusively proved them all groundless
The fair was given in Burkhard's hall,
Dec. 2 and 3. On the first evening sup
per was served and $50 or more sat down
to the repast. Ga the last evening in
addition to sales was given program of
readings and music by such local talent
as we could command. All pronounced
this feature complete success.
The management of the fair is to be
especially congratulated on the smooth
and easy way in which all things moved.
There was no friction anywhere. The
attendance. though the weather was in
clement. was good. and considering the
almost complete paralysis of business
and trade in our western cities, the sales
were exceptionally fine. 1.-THE Fair
Courier of which 1000 were issued,
served to announce our fair as we'll as
to favorably place our church before the
people of the city. The net receipts Of
the effort are about Sl10. which when
all things are raturned may net nearer
Sl25.
Tia