St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-12-18

for these unembraced opportunities, and
the possibilities in this work. who can
estimate? Whatever may have been, let
it not be said Of us in the future, "Inas.
much as We did it not-1epartl"
In the earl err DAYS evangelistic work
was most interesting feature of our
activities. We wish that the history OF
one society might be that of all.
From Sept 1, 1892, to Oct. /, 1898, 1902
district meetings were held; eight child
ren's meetings; organizing one new So
ciety, two Others beng the out growth of
the faithful labOrS Ot one of its members
OF one of these societies | wish to copy
from the state report OF 1894. Organ
lzed July, 1894 80 active, six associate;
accessions, II active, nine associate
two transferred to active list; Is receiv-
ed into church iello wship, II by COMES
| sion; aud several more to unite with an
other church. They hold weekly meet
| ings in district three miles distant, FIVE
| to fifteen driving out over rough, hilly
roads, where ew weeks since, 40 were
present, three from this district uniting
with the church." In 1898, 325 district
meetings are reported, which we believe
were mutual blessing.
A church has been the outgrOwth of
one of the societies, the Christian En-
deavor Congregational church Of Hard
wick, an unique feature of its covenant be.
ing the Incorporation of the entire Christ
ian Endeavor pledge. At the laying OF
the corner stone and dedication, the
Union was officially represented.
Citizenship has not developed to any
great extent an aggressive movement.
There has been an action on the part OF
the executive board to push this work
more effectively, but as yet it has not
materlalized and results are wanting.
Until 1898, we held sem. annual con-
ventions, which have been spiritual up
lifts and seasons OF refreshing; however,
considering the increasing activities in
in other religious work, and demand on
energy and strength, with limitation OF
time, it was deemed advisable to hold an
annual gathering the preparation OF
which has been, with two exceptions, in
the hands Of a special COMMITTEE who
have spared no pains to present an at
tractive, entertaining and instructive
program. The purpose and possibilities
of the individual societies as well as the
concerted work of the Union, have been
most ably presented.
| only wish that time would permit of
extracts from some OF those souI-stirring
addresses which have been given by those
who stand among the first in the relig-
ious activities OF the world.
Rather a sweeping statement" some
may say? But consider; Japan, Turkey
and China have been represented by the
late DR.. Hamlin, personi6cation OF en-
thusiasm and untiring zeal; Miss Emily
Wheeler's thrilling experiences in the Ar
menan massacre; Rev. Hilton Pedley of
Japan Mrs. Stinson of China, now in
the Pacific Islands; Miss KYLE of the
Woman's Board Mrs. Dake Norton and
Miss Ober, representing the Homeland,
besides the long list of New England
workers. You see it is the truth.
How much has depended on the faith
full leaders, who have given so much of
time and talent to the interests Of the
Union, only one who has been permitted
to observe and enter into fellowship with
them in their plans and Efforts for the
highest attainments and spiritual growth
of the individual societies, can under
stand. Our presidents, Rev. A. |. Davis, |
Miss Russell, F. H. Brooks, Rev. F. F. |
Lewis, Mrs. Patterson, Miss Gale, Rev.
6. c. Waterman and Rev. M. A. Farren;
these have given with royal bounty of
their best thoughts and efforts, laying
deep the foundation on which we have |
bu ded. Not always have they received |
the loyal support the work demanded, |
especially that of the executive, which |
has been at times greatly handicapped, |
and the burden has rested ht avily on the |
few, that should have been shared by the !
many, but they have known The "bIessed-
Mt SIS of giving" and the cheerful sacrifice |
has be n crowned with success, and as
they greet us today, either in person or
by message, | am sure our hearts are
glad that we have been permitted this tel
Iowshjp in His service, and our prayer is
that they may "be blessing" wherever
the Father calls them to labor
In 1896, we were officially represented |
at the International Convention at
D. c., by our president, who
was sent as delegate by the Union. A |
tine report was given on his return at |
various meetings arranged so as to reach |
all societies. The London Convention |
was enjoyed by one of our members and |
a delightful report given at our last cor
venion. Since 1898, the Union has |
never failed to report at the state con-
Ventions, besides many delegates repre-
sentlng individual societies. o ce at the |
Orleans and four times at the Sixth Union |
it has been our privilege to
present greetings, and enjoy the Christian |
fellowship OF our sister Unions. Ours has |
been the honor of furnishing to the State
Union three Vice presidents, State Ste |
rotary, and Junior superintendent. The |
past two years, seven rallies have been
held, which were enthusiastic and inspir- |
ing gatherings. The last two were re.
ports Of the Twentieth Century Conven-
ton at Burlington.
would like to CLEAN here and there a
few suggestive thoughts from convention
addresses of the past, that you NAV
Judge how far they may have entered in
to the later development of he individu
al life OF our Union, and not less suggest
i've are they for the present and future.
OUR WORK,
"Our work is in and for the church; the
ideal of which should be fellowship. One
touch OF grace makes all the world one
bound together by one common interest,
7 le cross should unite more than the
fla &"
PRACTICAL ENDEAvOR.
Power lies in conservation. We may
not be Paul. but our aims
can and should be the same" |