Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-21

and accented by q unanimous vote. Fra
! ternal Delegate Rev. l.. d. Evans. reprt-
senting the congregational general con
! ference. and Rev. r. ". Van Kirk. repre-
! Association, We're received.
| The reports of Presiding Elder Day of
| the Buckspurt district. ana Presiding FL
| der Ogier of the Rockand district. We're
! presented:
! Following Il the presiding elders report
| of Rockland district:
| The year has been characterized by har-
mony and peace. Goodwill has prevailed
! IN August Rev. r. A. Colpitts. greatly D
| the regret M his people. was obliged ~
give up his charge on account Of throat
trouble. He has since recovered. His
place has been well filled. Last Deem
! her, Rev. n r. Pearson and family We're
greatly afflicted BY the loss If their beau
JfNI BOY carl Rees.
On account OF continued numerical and
financial decline, rural work is increaS-
ingly difficult. a circuit system is thu
only method hy which il would be pos
Sible to supply many places with GOSpei
preaching. Such Il system. however.
seems 10 be ont Of harmony with the
wishes ~ The people and the ideas of tho
ministry. i does not fiji the spirit of the
age.
For lack Of missionary aid. ANA W. r,-
ccivc all thaJ We can rightfullN expect, Il;
i becoming choice between "hllE
Loaf ana none. our form Of church gov
eminent has enabled us to hold the rural
sections longer than most other dcnorli-
nations. but the indications are that like
Ihrm We must soon fold Our tents ann
silently move away.
Windsor ana Wcsport We're supplied
during the summer only. All other
charges have been well cared for.
During the past u years. nearly every
church IN me district mas pean pur in fine
condition. Repairs are needed ut Pitts
ton and Round Pond, while Union needs
u new church. Debts have icSScncd some
what This year.
fl grows more apparent every year that
spasmodic. sensational revival efforts a"c
losing their power Pastors and pcopl,
prefer steady, solid growth; that is,
''h1nd-ptckrd fruit" in its season. Child
mood offers an ever increasing opportunity
for fruitful service. Too much stress
cannot bc laid upon the Importance Of the
sunday school ANA Junior League work
Tie wave Of modern sentiment in thtoi-
ngv has reached Eastern Maine. While
We are in no immediate danger Of hrin;
pugllf-d. there is a noticeable change in
current thought. This is seen in the in
creaSing emphasis placed upon the practi-
cal. ana the omission of dogma tics. but
not of the ethical sound doctrine rather
than the emotional stands in the fore
front. Few preachers not even presiding
elders care To use many OF their oli ser
mons Doubtless there vii! be SOM bon
fires. the coming year
There Is a growing recognition q me
value OF true goodness. and the >a?leiy
Of experience in attaining thereunto
We are first. last and always IL idTo"
Of consolidation of Maine Methpdisr.
Gladly will we hail the day when Meth
odism stands as a unit in the Old .ins
Tree State.
The afternoon session opened with an
anniversary meeting of the Woman :
Foreign Missionary Society, Miss Tai
mage Of New York. ex-presldent Of the
soc ETY.. giving very encouraging report
of the work The exercises were coEclu1-
ed bv an address to the ltnerants ln5li-
fmin ny Rev d. b. Dow of Guilford
In the evening. Rev. Homer Ea -on, ID.
D.. of New York. addressed the CONFER
ance on the publishing interests of the
Methodist church.