The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1903-06-16
Some Things That the
Editor of The Gospel
Messenger"
The Organ of the Brethren
Church, Has to Say
About the Conference. BellefOn
taine. And Their Reception.


6 and Is, we clip the following para
graphs from full and interesting ac-
counts of the Brethren Conference
recently held in our city:
Thursday morning came with a
clear sky and clean city. Bellefon-
taine is a well-laid-out city, with
nicely paved streets, smooth, con-
crete walks and handsomely kept
lawns. The trees that line the streets
are in their full summer dress and
the rain the day before had washed
everything so thoroughly that the
whole town could be seen at its best.
Many we're the compliments passed
on the handsome appearance of
Bellefontaine, as the people moved
down the streets.
After writing the above we took a
tramp over the grounds. This is
known as the fair grounds, and is
used for various purposes, including
racing. This is, of course, an unfor-
tunate feature about some of the
places where our Conferences are
held. Our people are decidedly op-
posed to the racing business. as well
as the way most of the fairs are con-
Quoted. And while we cannot put a
stop to such things we can now and
then make a good and creditable use
of the fair grounds and buildings.
For this privilege we praise the Lord.
Any one visiting the grounds at this
time would hardly think of a fair or
anything of that sort. The whole
thing is SO completely turned over to
a religious use as to favorably i'm
press every person present. In fact
it is the fair grounds changed from a
sinful use to religious purpose. Un-
fortunately, the premises will not re-
main converted. In this respect they
remind us of some church members,
occasionally converted but not al
ways.
A portion of the enclosure is cover
ed by fine natural forest, composed
principally of large trees. These
trees are now in full leaf and afford
an abundance of shade. In this re-
spect one could hardly wish for a
better and more attractive place for
the Conference. Everywhere we
tread the soft, green carpet that ma
ture has spead over the park. Here
and there are seats around the trees
where friends can sit and talk.
To one side of the grove stands the
large and well arranged tabernacle
The building is 200 feet long, nearly
100 feet deep and will seat about 5000
people. A raised platform l3xl0C
feet will be occupied by the Stand.
ing Committee and a few others. In
front of this platform a large space
is reserved for the delegates. In the
rear of the delegates are 13 seats,
200 feet long, elevated one above and
back of the other, to the heighth OF
ten feet. Anyone. speaking in an or
dinary tone, may be easily heard in
the plan of the tabernacle very much
The large dining hall, with accom-.
modations for about 500 persons al
one time, is very conveniently loca
ted and well arranged. The tables
have a tasty appearance and tn,
meals seem to be well served. TIL,
: cooking is in charge of Mr.. d. A. Leh
man and wife, who have been EN-
I, L I,.1A ~ II
for this purpose. They understan,
their business, and so far as we kno,
. give good satisfaction.
ii Generally speaking, there was ez
lcellent order on the ground, saw
that few. who are not in the habi
of attending meetings of this sort
!. did considerable smoking.
We have attended a number @
Conferences since 1873, and regar
this as the best one we ever attend
ed. Many others, wko have been at
dozen or more Annual Meetings, wer
away with the same feeling.
}, The Committee of Arrangement
S did its work well. Their plans wei
e well laid, and carried out in a mo.
: systematic manner. Every membt
of the committee was accommoda
e ing, and at all times willing to
W anything and everything necessai
to make it pleasant for those in a
n tendance.
h. Our people were not only well car,
% for while on the grounds, but tn,
were well lodged in the city. II
% citizens on every hand threw the
nm houses open and gave thousands
g people, they had never seen befor
% the best sleeping places they had
- their houses. We felt that they ga
us the best they had, and then tri
to make us feel welcome.
- The manner of distributing t
visitors was new to our membe
They were taken direct from the 4
on pots in the city, to the Court Hou
ne square, and there assigned th'
Id' lodging. Over thirty boys were e
ployed to conduct the people to tn,
Ist lodging places, and in this way sav
he a great deal of annoyance.
al Upon the part of our people
, a heard not a word of complaint abC