The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-02-08

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ing influence. They give her no recog-
milton whatever, but our sister is album
dainty able to take care of the Masters
work without their help, or even sympa-
thy if they choose to withhold it. Two
worthy people joined the church on
recent Sunday. Mrs. E. M. Curtis is
minister who believes in the duty and
privilege of church organization and
membership.
BLOOMFIELD.
First services of the year on Sunday
January 10Th. Good sermons and good
audiences, and bright outlook for the
coming year." says hard worker in the
parish. May all their ideals OF success
be realized. Consecrated spiritual effort
will give us a strong church anywhere.
Lack OF it, and we are dormant, then
dead.
WATERLOO.
A pastors reception and social was
recently held in the church parlors
which was greatly enjoyed, and served
to introduce some strangers to the pas
tor and people, and make all feel nearer
to each other. Light refreshments we're
served. The event of the month Of jan
uary was the ministers Institute"
which called many of our clergymen OF
the State together. Unfortunately sew
eral were prevented by sickness or other
cause from being present. Much interest
conferred in the last evenings session.
After creditable and satisfactory ex-
animation. Bro. Gillespie. Of Manchester,
was ordained.
MINISTER'S INSTITUTE.
The following notice of the interesting
service appeared in the DAILY Courier"
the next day:
The Ministers Institute, which has
been in session at the Universalist
Church for three days past. adjourned
last night, the closing session being an
ordination service. H. L. F. Gillespie,
of Manchester. was ordained. The
Scripture reading was by Rev. John
Mulholland. of Charles City, followed
by the opening prayer by Rev. John H.
Palmer, of Cedar Rapids. A beautiful
solo was rendered by Miss Jessie Scott,
after which the address was delivered
by Rev. Mr.. Palmer. The ordination
sermon was by Rev. Matthew Wing, Of
Buffalo Center, following which was a
very pleasing solo by Miss Louise AL
ford, and the ordination prayer by Rev.
M. L. Estey, of Clarinda. The deliver
log of the Scripture, the charge and the
extending of the right hand of fellow
ship we're performed by Rev. J. M.
Getchell, of Waterloo. The sermon
should have been preached by DR..
Crum, of Webster City, but on account
of funeral, he was unable to be pres
emit.
Preceding this service the Kings
Daughters of the church served six
o'clock dinner in the dining room Of the
church, having for their guests the
clergymen, the delegates and those who
have entertained the visitors during the
Institute. The spread was bounteous
one and reflected credit on the young
people who had the affair in charge.
The Institute has been interesting
and profitable throughout. and none of
the ministers in attendance failed to get
same good results from the conference.
They became better acquainted with
each other and with their duties.
The ministers in attendance we're:
John Arnoup, Kansas City; M. L. Es-
tey, Secretary Clarinda; John H. Pal
mer, Cedar Rapids; Matthew Wing.
Buffalo Center; John L. Mulholland,
Charles City; Jasper L. Evertop, Usage;
H. L. F. Gillespie, Manchester.
1t is recorded of Jesus, that after his
first year of preaching in Judea he re-
turned to his old home at Nazareth,
land, as his custom was, he went into
the synagogue on the Sabbath day."
In the recent Sunday school study of
this Scripture, l could but feel how
sadly the present attitude of most pro-
fessed or nominal Christians, as regards
regular attendance upon church service.
is at variance with the custom" of our
great Examplar. And not only do par
ents absent themselves, but many of
them make no effort to urge their chill
dren to form the habit of attending
church. consequently hundreds are
growing up with no respect or care for
the Sabbath or spiritual exercises, and
are content to join the loafing gang on
the street corners. Attending church
is largely a matter of habit, and who
will say that it is not much better to try
to form good habit than a bad one.
The laziness which is called sickness,
and the fiimsy excuses which men and
women trump up to explain absence
from church, are enough to shame that
historic parsonage who was said to "go
about seeking whom he might devour."
What more lovely sight on Sunday
morning land evening also) than to see.
as their regular custom, father and
mother with all their boys and girls,
come into the church with happy faces
and take their accustomed seats. The
minister is helped to pray and preach,
| everybody feels better for seeing duty