Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-10-20
THURSDAY EVENING.

THURSDAY EVENING.
Following the praise service, conducted
by Mr.. Evarts, Rev. r. j. Barton of Sails
bury, chairman of the committee on nor
NAL work, outlined the four years course
which has been arranged by this commit
tee, presenting to the convention the books
which were to be used during this course.
He then introduced DR.. Edward Ellery,
principal of Vermont Academy, Saxtons
River, who delivered an address on Normal
Work, emphasizing the great need of spe-
cial Quitting for Sunday school teachers.
The address was exceedingly well received,
and it is safe to say that the normal work
is before the convention far more clearly
and definitely than heretofore, and it is to
be presumed that il will be taken up by
the teachers or workers Of the state more
generally than in years past.
$500 Raised For Work in the State.
The address which was to have been de-
livered by Mr.. Archibald on "How to Hold
Our Young Men in the Sunday School,"
while treating on very important subject
indeed, was perforce omitted In order to
make way for the presentation Of the state
Sunday school work by Prof. Hamill.
In well-chosen words Mr.. Hsmill out
lined the value of state Sunday school
association, as follows: First, it unifes the
churches. 1t does not break down the
fences, but removes the barbed wire.
Second, it makes more Sunday schools,
is continually creating them or caus-
ing them TO be created. Third, makes
better Sunday schools. Fourth, develops
the laity. Fifth, helps the churches
Sixth, reaches after the masses. Seventh,
it is a missionary agency, At the close of
this address the president called upon Mr.
Hamill to present the financial needs Of
the state work to the convention, with a
view of attempting the raising of needed
funds.
Prof. Hamill stated in brief that $500
was required to meet the past Indebtedness
of the association and provide for the i'm
mediate needs of the future, pending the
regular employment of field secretary.
A blackboard with 100 squares outlined
upon it was brought to the attention of
the audience, and pledges asked for the
cancellation Of these squares. The first
pledge was made by Rev. l.. o. Sherburne
of Enosburg Falls, for several years presi-
dent of the convention, and for more years
a very active friend and worker, at pres
ent the chairman of the executive com
mittee OF the convention. The next
pledge was made by the North Congrega
tional church of St. Johnsbury, through
its superintendent, for $50. Following
these we're pledges from various schools in
the state, including the College street Con-
gregational at Burlington, S25; Enosburg
Falls Methodist church, $50 (Rev. Sher-
burne, PASTOR; $S5 from the Brattleboro
Baptist Sunday school; $35 from the Brat
tleboro Congregational Sunday school; $50
from the Woodstock Congregational Sun
day school, through Frederick Billings;
and many other notable pledges from Sun
day schools, individual classes, and indi-
vduals throughout the state, the whole
aggregating about $3.50. 1t is not to be
wondered at that the convention rose en-
masse and sang praise God from whom
all blessings flow," thus closing very no
table session in the history Of the associa-
ton. The work of the evening ensures
the employment Of a field secretary during
the ensuing year, and marks, without
doubt, a notable advance in the work in
our state.
Officers Elected and Reports Presented.
The first hours of Friday mornings
session were devoted to the Reorganization
The early hour of going to press prevents
giving any report of the addresses of this
morning.
Officers for the ensuing year are as fol-
lows: President, l.. w. Hawley of Brat
tleboro; secretary, G.. l.. Story of Milton;
treasurer, f. S. Pease of Burlington;
chairman of executive committee, Rev.
L. o. Sherburne of Enosburg Falls; chair
man of normal work, Rev. r. j. Barton
of Salisbury.
The following figures were given in the
report OF Rev. j. H. Babbitt of West Brat
tleboro, the statistical secretary:
Baptist total Sunday school membership, s5ee
Methodist 20.l35
All others reporting, l2,4ls
Total, g., 100
p This shows that the Sunday school
membership is less than 10 per cent of the
population of the state.
In Conclusion.
This report should not be concluded
without reference to Mr.. Evarts, the mu-
steal conductor, who has shown marked
ability in that direction, and who is, we
understand, successful evangelist. Much
credit is due the management for securing
Mr.. Evarts for such a convention, and it
affords good suggestion for future con-
ventions. Neither should we fail to men
tion especially, and with the highest praise,
the singing of Miss Marion Munroe Rice
of Boston. Miss Rice has contralto
voice of wondrous sweetness and cultiva-
tion. Back of it is the spirit which is
needed for the rendering of gospel songs,
and no service rendered by Miss Rice
failed of appreciation and of an uplifting
effect upon the congregation.
AS matter of local pride all praise is
due the women who so efficiently provided
and served a bountiful repast at Grange
dining rooms on Elliot street. Rarely, if
ever, has so large company been served
at these conventions with as much prompt
ness, and to the satisfaction of all present.
The convention has made marked i'm
preston on the community and has brought
into touch with it a large number who
knew previously very little about its work.
ings. 1t is to be hoped that Brattleboro
may have the pleasure again in a few years
of entertaining the Vermont Sunday school
association.