Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-06-20
OXFORD COUNTY CONFERENCE.


Tuesday and Wednesday, June Is and
Ia, the annual meeting Of Oxford Co.
Congregational churches WAS held AT
Rumford Point. Notwithstanding Old
Sol had been breaking his June record
Of all previous years, goodly number
were minded to assemble In the little
church 1T Rumford Point, and il Is safe
70 say not one is sorry for the effort
made 70 be patient with the heat and
dust, and dnd refreshing for body and
mind In this most charming village on
the banks Of the Androscoggin. A most
helpful program had been prepared by
the committee, and the faithful moder-
ator, Capt. II. n. Bolster Of South Paris,
who has served 80 Scceptably for series
Of years, WAS unanimously elected to
preside this year. After the social
service Of prayer and song, which al
WAYS gives the keynote TO religious
meetings, Rev. Arthur Marley delivered
. very able and forceful sermon.
At noon . very cordial invitation Was
extended 20 all 10 dine az the Elliott Man
sion." This WAS the home OF the former
much loved pastor, Rev. John Elliott,
who labored faithfully among this peo-
pie and WAS promoted 10 the Higher
Service while still among them.
The afternoon meeting opened with =
missionary half hour, the meeting being
conducted by Mrs. Martha b. Chapman
of Bethel, who represented also the
interests Of the A. NJ. A. Mrs. Chandler
of Bethel presented the interests Of the
Maine Auxiliary, also auxiliary 70 the
woman's Board Of Foreign Missions.
The topic for the afternoon discussion
Was (a) The church Of the past, (o) The
church Of the present, (c) The church OF
the future, which Was ably discussed by
the pastors Of the several churches.
The report from the churches showed
signs Of increased interest, and the re
port Of Rev. S. 5. York, County Mission
airy, Was very encouraging.
The evening service WAS recognition
Of the 18th milestone Of this conference.
Special music had been prepared by the
choir.
The historical sketch by Mr.. w. II.
Eastman Of East Sumner Was OF exceed
ing interest, and most tender tribute WAS
paid 10 those who have lsoored so faith
fully In the pas; and who have received
an abundant entrance" and the Mas
ter's well done" To give al outline Of
the paper would be unjust rs II needs TO
be read In Its entirety 20 be appreciated;
but all who listened were sure no mis-
take had been made in choosing Mr..
Eastman "a the historian.
Rev. Mr.. Hsnnsford Of the NJ. Z.
church gave = pleasing paper upon
.'Early Ministers Of the Conference IS
Remember Them"
The second day WAS taken mp with
business and the discussion Of the topic,
Our Country's Call, (s) To the citizen In
general, Capt. II. n. Bolster; (b) To the
church member in particular, Rev.
Arthur Marley. This Was full OF
thought and suggestion showing the re
sponsibility Of every citizen TO live up
TO the privilege Of his highest duties.
The sermon by Rev. ;. :. York and
communion closed the conference Of
June, and IL will ever be remembered as
one of deep interest and impressiveness.
The loss Of the Older ones from the
ranks which grow thinner every year
Was sadly felt, vet a spirit OF encourage
ment WAS also felt that the ranks are be-
ing recruited with young men who are
faithfully bearing on the standard 70
victory.
The verdict Of one and sll was that
the people Of Rumford Point know how
TO extend hospitality in It's truest sense,
for every want WAS more than supplied.
and everything even anticipated that
could make for the rest and comfort Of
all the guests, and In bidding goodbye
ali could express most hearty 'God
bless you"