Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-28
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Annual Meeting and Roll Call; An Interesting
and inspiring Session.

numbers, las. night. They We're ir
good spirits, and they had reason to b.
| The years has been one of unusual
anxiety. but of more than usual sue
cess. large debt confronted the So
ciety at the beginning of the year. and
| several outside demands have been
activity and conservation.
The roll call was the first thing or
the progra .nme receiving attention. AS
the names of members We're called. APP
propriate responses were given indicat-
ing a determination to continue faith
full to Christ's cause Past mercies
were net forgotten and present bless
ngS seemed tn be theme for COM
mon rejoicing. as the large Thank
offering would Indicate
During this roll call and the remain
ing exercises of the evening. several
musical selections were given by mem
bers of the society.
The pastors address was devoted ia
comparison of the present with past
periods. The church has had some
what remarkable history. 1t has neve,
been what would be termed a strong
or wealthy church. But in its greatest
struggles it haSl never lacked true and
valued friends
There have always been those who
have believed in the principles and
teachings of the Baptists, and they
have taken a becoming pride lin main
tanning them here at the capital of the
State. -
Baptists havea definite mission, and
duty here in the future They insist
upon an adequate and reasonable in
depreciation of the word of God, and
upon the development of spiritual life.
activity and conservation. The ques-
ton of proper support is the time hon
ored one. 1t must continue to receive
honest attention from worshippers. II
debts are to be forestalled in the future,
there must be a REIMBURSEMENT and in
crease of our contributions.
With the expenses reduced to a min.
imum. this is the only alternative.
This year there has been a most cor
dial response to the request for addi
tional subscriptions to wipe out old
debts How easy it would be to add a
few cents each week to regular sub
scriptions, and thus make additional
debts impossible. Reference was made
to a plan which would relieve all of
anxiety, and would make the work of
the church a delight.
After the pastors address, Rev Dr.
Dunn, the secretary of the State con-
vention, was introduced and spoke in
his happiest view of the possibilities
before the church. One could not help
feeling, as he spoke, that it was a
great honor as well as privilege to be
He brought the greetings of the 30
900 Baptist of Maine, and assured the
Augusta church that it held a very
high regard in the hearts of the grow
ing sisterhood in the State. Its pastor
and membership are well known in all
departments of Christian work, and it
is matter of no slight Importance. to
be so converted Very naturally the
eyes of many of the membership in
smaller towns and churches are turned
toward these churches in the leading
towns, and these larger churches must
continued exert a great influence for
good. or i'll. throughout the State.
Membership in such a church as this
involves opportunity, obligation, con-
nicts and victory.
After the address, social hour was
much enjoyed in, the renewal of old
acquaintance, and in introducing the
new corners. Fruits and sweetmeats
greatly aided sociability. .t
Then order was again restored, and
the annual reports were given. Mrs.
u. w. Bangs gave the report of the
poor fund, and Mrs. F. r. Wellman
spoke of the work of the Ladies' Circle.
Mrs. C. C. Hunt reported the e. E.
work and Miss Alice Racklff. the Sun
day school. All gave cheering reports,
and left the impression that in many
indirect ways, the members were work
ing. 80
The collectors report by Miss "A. NJ.
Fowler. gave evidence that she had.not
been idle.
The Treasurer reported the old stand
ing debts provided for by cash and
subscriptions. It was hoped that all
subscribers might have broGsht in the
amounts subscribed, before the annual
meeting. The flew who failedto othis
expect to do ID NOON,
The amounts due from regular sub