The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-01-02

WIN Cduuiuhtos Il6 IL tuOTOuSu
scholar and finely prepared for the min
lstry. He seems to possess very genial
disposition, is very gentlemanly in bis
manner. and appears to be thoroughly
consecrated to the work of the ministry.
His views of church work meet my
hearty approval" Before receiving the
Fellowship of the Church, Mr.. Davis
delivered a sermon which Bro. Wilson
says, not only pleased but instructed
the congregation. Mr.. Davis was born
10 Scotland, thirty eight years ago, was
educated at Edinburg, and on coming
to this country took a postgraduate
course at Cornell University. At present
he is working for the Chicago Exten-
sion Course. but this engagement will
close next February. when he will be
ready for a pastorate. His present adj
dress is Salem, Ohio.
SUCCESSFUL FAIR AT MILFORD.
The fair held by the ladies of our
Milford church, on the afternoon and
evening of December II, was in every
respect grand success. The gross re-
ceipts we're 5000. When bills are all
ssttled, the net receipts were $40.
Our correspondent writes "The ladies
all unite in saying they never had such
generous donations before; but we saw
the effect of hard times in the sale of
fancy articles. We have about twenty
dollars worth of such articles left, for
which we hope to find sale during the
holidays. The ladies all worked valiant
ly."
Were the same zeal and we'll directed
energy exhibited in all of our churches,
as is shown by our Milford friends, the
Universalist Church would indeed be
prosperous.
The Sunday school and church had
their usual Christmas entertainment, on
Thursday evening, December a. On
Sunday evening. Dec. 81, the Masonic
fraternity observed st. Johns Day by
attending in a body the Universalist
church. The same order observed St.
Johns Day by attending the same
church in June. 1895.
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION.
The Ohio Ministerial Association,
which usually holds it's mid-year meet
ing in October or November. was post.
poned for various reasons until after the
holidays. We are informed by Rev. u.
s. Milburn, of the Executive Committee,
that the time will be, January II, Ii and
IA. and the meeting will be held in our
church in Springfield. We understand
that the program will embrace some of
the best talent in the State, and the
subjects that will be treated upon will
be of interest to all. AS the half-fare
permits Of clergymen for 1896 have been
extended by most of the roads until
January 81, we trust that there will be a
general attendance of our ministers.
The meeting will afford good oppor
tunity for cultivating large acquaint-
ance, and greater degree of fraternal
relations. The meetings heretofore held
have always had good results, and we
anticipate the same from that soon to be
held.
ANNUAL REPORTS.
In few days we will send to clerks Of
our churches throughout the State
blank forms for annual reports, and we
bespeak in advance prompt attention to
them by pastors and clerks. Statistical
information is very valuable in many
respects, and if there we're greater care
taken in keeping church records, and
making reports therefrom, our denomin-
alton would present better showing in
the religious world.
In connection with the blanks, state
ments will be presented of the sums re-
quested from the various churches for
the general work of the Convention.
No other church makes so few calls, out
side of parish expenses, as does the Uni
versalist. We know these are "hard
times,"-that the prices Of agricultural
products are very low, without much
prospect of immediate improvement.
Still we do not believe that there is a
church in Ohio that cannot contribute
the sum solicited, If the subject is prop
erly placed before the people by our
pastors. Last year the response was
more general than ever before. May
we not be permitted to report a still
greater improvement for this year?
CINCINNATI.
Rev. U. S. Milburn's subject for his
sermon, December 81, was IAN En-
larged Vision" The text was Genesis
xxi19. The discourse was we'll reported
in the Commercial Tribune. of the fol.
lowing day. The ladies cleared S41.OO by
their recent oyster supper. The Sunday
school had pleasant entertainment on
Christmas eve, and on Christmas Sun
day, after special musical program. Bro.
Milburn delivered sermon especially
adapted to the good will of the Christ.
mas holidays. December Is. Bro. Mil
burn again delivered an address to the
children of the House of Refuge" He
seems to be special fsvorite with the
boys and girls of the Refuge.
PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE.
Rev, j. A. Stoner reports exception