Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-09-23
GENERAL CONFERENCE
OF the Congregational Churches in Maine al
Belfast.

The 21st annual meeting of the general
conference of the Congregational
churches in Maine, began in Belfast.
Tuesday. At the opening hour of the
meeting large company was found in
the charming auditorium of Belfast
North church. Evidences were found on
all sides of the cordial welcome given by
the good people of Belfast The pulpit
colored flowers of autumn. and the fine
stained glass gave mellowed tints
throughout the room.
Rev j. A. Williamson of Augusta, is
moderator for 1897. and Rev. c. D. Crane
of Machias is stated clerk. After singing
the hymn beginning THE Church's one
foundation" the moderator read an ap-
propriate passage of scripture.
Prayer was offered by Rev. J. ]. Mer-
rill. d. D., of Scarboro.
The committee upon credentials was
appointed by the chairman, Woodbury. of
Bethel. and Rev. Messrs. Newcomb of
Richmond and Curtis of Brownville.
The neurology was then read by Re-
cording Secretary Cousins. Only three
Maine clergymen have died. and of these
only one was in the active service, viz:
Rev. c. f. HARDWOOD of Cranberry Isles.
The others were Rev. J. d. Emerson
once of Biddeford. and DIR. Tappan of
Norridgewock. Fourteen have died out
side of the State of Maine who have been
more or less connected with the confer
ence. DR.. c. H. Wheeler. the noted for
min Dodge. the intrepid A. NJ. A. mis-
sionary; DR.. II. l.. Cheever of Worches-
ter. the pioneer anti-slavery and temper
ance agitator: Rev. Merrill Blanchard.
once at Biddeford, who died at Stone
ham, VT. Rev. Mark Gould. formerly of
Andover and other places; Rev. A. H.
Tyler, once of Falmouth, South Freeport
and other churches: Rev. Lincoln Har-
low, all of whose work was outside of the
State; Rev. w. Fl. Beard, Rev. Jesse
Bailey, Rev. d. A. Campbell, Rev. G. d.
Folsom. Fl. Z. Parker. D. D., Rev. N.
Richardson. Rev. G. Spaulding. Rev. w.
X. Pierce Ten ministers wives have died.
Mrs Thayer Mrs. Spofford, Mrs. Bliss of
Constantinople. an honored member of
the Second Parish church. Portland, and
the wives of Rev. N. Lincoln and Rev.
II. l.. Beach.
After the reading of the neurology the
hymn, "Hark. bark my soul, angelic
songs are smiling" was sung.
The conference sermon was delivered
by Prof. H. J.. Chapman, d. D., of Bow
dom college.
The afternoon session began with de-
Notional meeting led by Rev. H. G. Mills
of Vinalhaven. who. after reading Paurs
prayer for the Ephesian church, called
for prayer for the leaders of the church.
Rev. G. ID. Crane read letter from Dea-
con Duren and special prayer was offered
in behalf of this brother, who has well
nigh lost his sight.
Secretary Cousins read the statistical
report.
w. A. Robinson's report for the Sunday
school work of the denomination. was
read. He advocated a closer relation be-
tween the church and the Sunday school.
| The superintendent of the school ought
TO he an officer in the church and should
he aided financially by the churches. He
also gave an account of the effort which
has been made to supply the needs of
missionary societies, especially in the
matter of library books. About 600 VOL
umes have thus far been distributed.
lie called for a special contribution in
behalf of the Congregational Sabbath
school work. He urged strong support of
the Maine Sunday School Association and
the CONGREGATIONAL Publishing and Sun
day school society.