The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-06-19

There was simplicity and appropri-
ateness about the communion sermon
and service, with which the Convention
opened, that lifted all into an atmosphere
of devotion. 1t is seldom an occasion is
SO truly met as Rev. Myra Kingsbury
met the duty assigned to her. The ser
mon from 1.-THE Cup of Blessing and the
Bread of Life" in matter and manner
was part of the holy communion. Rev.
DIR. Rogers, the pastor. and Rev. DR..
Sweetser presided at the table and were
assisted in the distribution by Rev. r.
E. Horn and Mr.. j. o. Gakeler.
The Communion Service.
While the communion service seems
most appropriate at the opening of the
Convention, it is to be regretted that the
choice of that time involves such a
small attendance. the delegates either
have not arrived, or wearied with their
journey, can not enter heartily into the
service of the hour which should be the
keynote to church conference.
The report Of the treasurer at the af-
ternoon session, together with that of
the secretary placed before the council
the condition of the convention, showing
that while the expenditures exceeded
the receipts for the year, S874.32, there
had been gain in the finances. for the
Indebtedness had been reduced $252.8s,
while the work to which the convention
was committed had been kept up.
The total receipts for the year were
S1,39504, and the expenditures 81. 26936.
The funds of the convention aggregate
S46,673.07, all OF which have been gath
cred during the past twelve yeare, the
work of thirty-three churches. some of
them little more than missions. Twenty
Of the Pennsylvania churches are Sc
cured forever to the cause of Universal
ism. by being desded to the Convention.
Reports were secured from nearly all
parishes showing that the church was
more than holding its own, and was get
ting upon a solid business basis.
These reports were referred to COM
mite on official reports, consisting OF
Rev. r. 7. Polk, Rev. r. E. Horn and S.
L. Tiffany.
One feature of the Pennsylvania Con-
vention is hearing reports from the local
parishes through the delegates. and two
hours we're most proftably spent in thus
bringing the churches into close and
practical relations. by showing how they
met common difficulties and problems.
Nothing was more conspicuous in
these reports than the prevalence of
hard times, excepting the persistent and
loyal spirit with which the hard times
were met. Hardly church but reported
deficit at the end of year, and hardly
a church that did not announce that the
deficit had been promptly made up. and
the ways and means resorted to showed
a versatility OF talent.
"a good deal of Universalism does not
stand transpl anting" said one delegate,
referring to the fact of SO many who
move from one place to another. and
under the new conditions do not stand
by their colors. and pointing out the
necessity of thoroughly grounding our
people in the faith.
A live practical discussion followed
these reports, ministers and laymen par
ticipating, a discussion unreportable
but, to those who listened with intense
interest. full of instruction and inspira-
ton.
A communication from the Anti-Sa-
loon League asking that delegates be
elected to the next convention in Co
lumbus, Ohio, and on motion the matter
was referred to the Executive Board
with instructions to appoint delegates.
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