Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-12-07
NEWFANE.
some Thoughts on che Conference.

Some Thoughts on the Conferences.
The INSTRUMENTATION conference here
for three days this week has proved a graf
flying success as an experiment and In the
practical workings Of the convention which
was rather informal In its discussions and
free In the spirit Of partAking in discus
sions. While there was q full program of
topics with subdivisions-like the state of
Christian life In the churches, line Of sepa-
ration between church and world, the out
district problem, Sunday school work,
temperance education, "means Of grace"
special service in the ehurch-reyival.
musical, stereopticon sermon, etc., and the
question OF making practical application
Of INSTRUMENTATION comfy in Wind
ham county-there were few prepared ad-
dresses in the day meetings. Pastors
opened the discussions and there was unhes-
itating and general response throughout the
session.
One of the best features was the unde-
nominational spirit and the fact that all
had hearing that was actually desired,
though spiced with bright little pleasant.
ries against types of sectarianism, seemed
to draw the brethren land the 'sisters'')
irresisiibly to their feet. The time has
been when so-called evangelistic gather
ings have not included Universalists, but
here no one was "brothered' more fer
vently or returned the salutation with
more grace than the Universalist pastor
from Williamsv.lle, and he was placed up
on the committee for seeking TO establish
in the county q practical application OF the
spirit Of the convention on purely Chris
tian lines unhampered by denominationAl-
ism. All hail to the evidence of Christian
progression rs certainly was manifested at
this conference There were delightful in
terchanges of thought In earnest express
sions, and desire to be instructed and
convinced as to best methods TO advance
Christian interests was plainly felt.
1t was gathering of forces from which
we are likely to reap results in Windham
county aud which will necessarily be follow
ed by like organic atoms in other counties
of Vermont.
Rev. Luclan Kimball of Dummerston
was moderator and showed that he had
made careful study of questions discussed
and worked diligently TO help bring about
the experimental conference. Doubtless
there was much encouragement In mutual
planning among the ministers.
State Secretary Merrill of st. Johnsbury
was present day and two evenings TO give
the benefit of long continued and close
study Of the problem presented. In fact,
the dominant expression indicated a feel.
ing that has set its head toward growth.
AS one minister said at the station on de-
parting, "a broader spirit of Christianity
is in the air and more union in work on
fundamental Christian principles is bound
TO follow"
Brattleboro pastors, besides their inter
est In general, must have felt the inspira-
ton Of unity in the dedication Of the
Union church In Vernon in which they
shared on Tuesday. Some young woman
who had the courage to take the long ride
from Wilmington in the storm appeared 10
feel we'll paid for the effort. Mrs. Dale of
Townshend rendered a solo which was
much enjoyed.
w. G, T. U. members from Brattleboro
presented the need of more preaching for
temperance, and more work for It among
church members. Pastors were present
rom WindhAm, Londonderry, Townshend,
Futhey, Dummerston, Guilford, Whining
ton Denominations were Baptist, Meth
odlst, Congregational and Universaiist.