The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-09-30
Waldo Co. Sunday School Convention.

NAotuoulSb cnurCn In SoarSmOnG, Sept. 4th.
Although the attendance was not large, on
account of stormy weather, unusual inter-
est was shown by those present. In the
absence of the President and Vice President
the convention was called to order by the
secretary. Rev. w. C. Baker of Searsmont
was chosen president pro TEN. After a
short prayer and praise service a most
hearty and cordial welcome was extended by
Mr. IL. e. Miller of Searsmont, which was
responded to by the State Field Worker,
Rev. 7. F. Miilett
The reports from the Sunday schools,
with but one or two exceptions. showed in-
creased interest in the work throughout the
county. Additions Of library books in many
schools and larger attendance than usual
We're reported.
The following committees were appointed
On credentials, Mr.. 81. E. Miller; on nomi.
nations, DR.. A. o. Stoddard, Rev r. G Har-
butt, 0. G, Hussey and Rev. W. G. Baker
The convention then adjourned to the Meth
odlst parsonage, where the next half hour
was agreeably spent in social intercourse,
The ladies Of Searsmont were in attendance
with plenty of delicious hot coffee.
The afternoon session was opened with a
brief praise service and prayer by Friend
Omar G. Hussey. The committee on nomi-
nations reported on election of officers as
follows; President, W r. Howard; secre-
tary and treasurer, DR.. A. O. Stoddard exc.
cutive committee, o. G.. Hussey, Mrs. J. F.
Tilton, Chas. F. CHM, Mrs. Jas. G. Pendle-
ton and Clarence 81. Smith.
Place of meeting next year, North Belfast.
The committee on credentials reported 90
delegates present. The different denomina-
tions represented were Congregational,
Methodist, Baptist, Free Baptist and Friend.
The towns represented in the convention
were Belfast, Brooks, BurnhaIn, Montville,
Monroe, Searsport and Waldo.
A committee to represent the Waldo
County Sunday School Association in the
State S. S. convention to be held in Bangor
next October was chosen as follows: Rev R.
G. Harhutt, Mrs. l.. J. Palmer, Friend 0. G.
Hussey, Mrs r. N, Colson, Mr.. Il. E. Mil
Ter.
The topics were then opened for discussion.
o. 6. Hussey of Waldo presented the fol-
lowing ideas on General Exercises !" In the
work of the Sunday school much depends
on inpressing each member with personal
duty. He would not advise too formal a
way OF opening or closing school Prayer
may be offered by different ones. He we'll
remembered the aged lady who made all
Offering and the little ones said: Don't you
like to hear her pray?" Eyes, she tells God
about US Write original thoughts on all
review lessons. Board work may be out
lined on paper before coming to school and
pinned to the wall for he class to question
and talk about. He would have lively
music often and not too many aches and
pains in the religion Q. the Sunday school.
Recitations and select readings are found
profitable.
Rev. r. G.. Harbutt of Searsport spoke on
"PIan OF Grading" He said that, ideally
the Sunday school of to-day should be
graded on some plan following that of our
public schools. That it, larger classes in
regular grades-primary, intermediate, and
so on, with efficient teachers. But as this is
cable. it would be a good thing to dissolve
all present class divisions and re-grade, put
ting together scholars Of about the same
mental attainment, with teachers, as far as
available, best suited to the requirements of
each class. Generally he would have the
i 70
ing new classes from time to time
rather than disturb existing relations in the
classes already formed. OF course emergen-
cies, such as the brea king up of a class,
would have to be met by the Superintendent
and his grading committee, if he has one,
school To nave one. Il need scarcely be said
that in a very small school it is next to i'm
possible to have "plan Of grading
On COLLECTIONS" Rev. W. c. Baker OF
Searsmont said:
l. Are collections a legitimate part Of
Sunday school exercises?
Yes because
/. All religious services should have an
OHertory. The Jew was required to take
an offering when he went to the temple tc
worship, and the gospel has not abrogated
the spirit of that requirement.
2. The Sunday school requires money tC
carry on its work, and it should be self-sup
porting. The equipment of lesson helps
maps, record and library books cost money
3. We should train the young in habits Of
giving. If this he a school for religious
training, we must teach this important
branch by precept and practice.
IL. When, how, and by whom should the
collection be taken?
Prevailing methods do not make it promi
nent enough. Would suggest that the
teachers collect in the class NOW the treas
urer gather it all up and place it on the
table at the altar while the school sings an
offering song, repeats appropriate scripture
or the superintendent talks on our obliga
tion to give a portion of our increase. Thus
we may teach giving. A regular repor,
should be given by the treasurer.
Ill. Who should give, and how much?
Each member of the school, as they are
able. Penny collection idea is all wrong
The old standard of giving was tenth Of
all thine increase" The new is, ''as the Lord
hath prospered thee,' and must be adhered
to if we would teach the true principles OF
Christian giving to the children.
On account Of the bad weather it was
thought best to depart from the printed
program and have Rev. L. f. Milletts adj
dress in the afternoon and dispense with the
evening session; consequently discussions
on the topics named were limited.
The public school closed at inte,missior
that the children might come into the con
vention. Deacon A. T. Adams of Castine