The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-01-16
Wisconsin Y. p. G. u.
The Convention Held at Fort Atkinson,
Dec 81, 1S96-Jan 2,1S97

The Convention Held at Fort Atkinson,
Dec 81, 1S96-Jan. 2, 1897.
THURSDAY, Dec. 31.-At 2 o'clock p.
M. a praise meeting was led by Miss
Mary Rogers, Fort Atkinson.
At3, the convention was called to order
by the President, Mr.. o. A. Stillman, of
Lodi. Committees were appointed and
reports of officers we're read. Thirty-two
delegates we're reported from the eight
Unions as fJllows: Stoughton, Neenab,
Lodi. Columbus, r icine, Oshkosh, Fort
Atkinson and La Crosse. Also visitors
from the Unions and parishes in the
State.
AT 1870 P. M. a platform meeting was
held. Addresses Of welcome we're given
by Hon. L. b. Caswell, Hon. w. III.
Rogers and Rev. o. @. Evans, of Fort
Atkinson. A response was given by
President Stillman
A paper was read by Rev. r. B. Evatt,
Augusta, on THE Purpose of the Con.
vention." THE purpose of the Conven-
ton is to foster the spirit of devotion,
loyalty and fellowship among it's mem
bers and to discuss and form plans for
best carrying on the work for Christ and
his Church, both in and without our
Union and Church"
The Convention then adjourned to the
church parlors, where pleasant recep-
ton was gwen by the Fort Atkinson
Union.
FRIDAY, JAN. 1.
At 8 o'clock short devotional meet.
ing was held, led by Mr.. Carlton Grier,
of Racine. The topic was "For Christ
and his Church, At $50 the Conyen
ton went in body to the home of Rev.
b. F. Rogers, Wisconsin's pioneer mis-
sionary of Universalism. who, after Civ
ing his LIES work for the cause, now lies
helpless paralytic. At the request of
the Convention he composed the Wis.
consin Y. P. G. U. song last year, which
was set to music by Rev. G. III. Wells.
After the young people had passed in
and one by one reverently pressed Bro.
kogers's hand, they gathered about his
couch and sang his song. He could not
speak, but the tears rolled down his
cheeks as they sang. An eloquent and
touching prayer was offered by Rev. A.
G. Grier. Words of "reminiscences we're
spoken and prayer offered by Rev. W. S.
Ralph. who was often the companion of
Bro. Rogers in the early days.
The influence of the service was felt
throughout the Convention, and will
ever be remembered by those present
with feelings of love ard reverence.
At lO:l5 business was resumed. Eec-
ton Of officers resulted as follows: Pres,
Mr.. o. A. Stillman. Lodi; Vice Pres,
Miss Mary Rogers, Fort Atkinson; Sec
rotary. Miss Ida Utley, Neenah; Treas
urer, Miss Lettice Annis, Columbus;
Member of Executive Board. Mr.. Carl
ton Grier, Racine.
The committee on new constitution
presented. with few slight changes. the
Model State Constitution, recommended
by the National Union. After some
discussion this was adopted. after chang
ing the dues from auxiliary Unions to 40,
per member. 1t was found necessary to
ask this of local Unions in order that
there might be a small sum left for mis-
sionary work in the State, after paying
the national dues and running expenses.
At 2 o'clock the following afternoon,
papers were read and discussed. "The
Y. p. @. u, It's Literary and Social
Sides by Miss AIDA Kinnerney, La
Crosse. The social side must not be
mistaken for the financial side. We
should provide pleasant. innocent
amusement which will keep the young
from seeking dangerous associates"
"1ts Financial Side,' by Miss Lettice
Annis, Columbus. 1--WE should be sys-
tematic in keeping accounts. We don't
know where half our money goes to, is
often heard. Never pay money without
a written order and receipt. Always see
that accounts balance"
Its Relation to the Church." by Mr..
Frank Pattee. Neenah. why have some
churches failed? One great reason is the
lack of the young peoples influence.
Christ is the corner stone of our founda
ton. Let us unite our society to our
church with cement made of equal
parts of love and good works."
Its Devotional Side," by Mr.. Carlton
Grier, Racine. THE Fundamental pur-
pose for which the Y. P. G. q. is organ
lied is to foster and develop the devo.
tional side OF our religion. Never
substitute literary programmes or phil
discussions for the devotional
meeting. Christ is the one whose name
we have taken. Let US ever be ready to
work for his cause and to help cultivate
his spirit by being ready always to take
our part in the devotional meeting by
word or prayer"
After short song service the follow |
ing papers on Junior Unions" we're
read:
"The Junior Union," by Miss Ida
Utley, Neenah. The Junior Union does
much to develop the spiritual and prac.
tical sides of child's nature. 1t also
gives valuable training for the Senior