The Press., 1897-02-25
Continued from last weekly HISTORY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF sTAF- FORD SPRINGS.
BY REV. J. l., BARTHOLOMEW
THE RpwoRTH IEAeur

THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. For more than a score of years young peoples meetings have been held in con nection with many of the Methodist Epis copal churches throughout the land. Grad ually young peoples organizations were formed, and affiliations were made with similar organizations in other churches oi the denomination. In New England these young peoples societies were consolidated under the name of the Young Peoples Christian League of the Methodist Epis- copal church. In other portions of the country similar consultations were effect. ed under various names, and for substan. tissty the same general purpose. In May, 1859, representatives of these various young peoples leagues, alliances, etc., met in Cleveland, Ohio, and on the 10th oi that month a plan was adopted for the consolidation of all these organizations in. to one to be known as the Epworth League The movement met with hearty approval throughout the church, and the growth oi the league has been phenomenal.
 In October, 1888, the young people oi this church organized Young Peoples Christian League, auxiliary to the league in New England. This organization was maintained until December, 1889, when by vote it became identified with the ED. worth League. The charter bears date Dec. F, 1889, and the chapter number is 1543.
 
 The Epworth League conducts work under six depaFtments- spiritual work mercy and help, literary work, social work, correspondence, and finance The nature of the work is sufficiently indicated bygthese department names. In all lines something has been done Social and lit erary entertainments have not been very numerous, but it is believed that all that have been given have been of an elevatine character. The spiritual and mercy and help departments have been the most act i've, the latter being especially useful The chapter numbers over 50 members Its meetings are well attended, and its active workers are thoroughly loyal to all branches of church work.
 In January, 1895, a junior league was formed, with Mrs. F. F. Patten superin- te:tdent Kate I. Lord was the first presi. dent, and Frank Clifford the first secre. tary. A membership of over 20 was soor enrolled, and weekly devotional meetings of interest and profit have been held ever since, The juniors have also given some attention to social and literary matters and have done work of their own in ths lirSs of ntsrcy and help, besides cooper atfhg with the senior league in this work.
 This completes the list of auxiliary or ganizations now in existence. A praying band'' and a mission band" of former years were once active, but have ceased to exist. Doubtless this is true of other or ganizations not mentioned in the records The different Chautauqua circles have been made up largely of members of thi' church and congregation, and the same ii true of the Woman's Christian Temper ance Union of Stafford Springs.
 The music of the church has alway been an important factor in it's work Much of the interest and attractiveness o the services has been due to the faithfu and in many instances self-sacrif1cing ef forts of those who have maintained thi part of the public worship. At present however, the choir is apart of the regula church machinery, and not an organiza tion distinct in itself. For several year the music has been under the leadership of John T. Wood who also presides a the pipe organ.
 1 (COntfnued1