Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-09-30
THE FREE BAPT|STS
Of Maine Begin 18th Annual
Session at Gardiner.
A Most Hopeful State Of Affairs Re-
ported for the Church.
Annual Sermon by Rev. o. r. Tracy
of Pittsfie!d.

Gardner, Me-, sept. -S.-topecla).-
The 18th annual session of the Maine
Free Baptist Association began, Tues
day, in this city, under the most aus
picicus conditions both as to weather
and attendance Several delegates to
the meeting had arrived, Monday, and
others came on the early trains, Tues
day, and continued on nearly every
train during that day until more than
100 were present ut the afternoon and
evening meetings. The first meeting of
She session was on Tuesday, when the
Missionary Society held a meeting in
the Free Baptist church. this meeting
being led by Mrs. NJ. +. White. In the
afternoon, ut the congregational
church. conference Was held and re-
ports from the officers Of the associa-
ton We're read. Below is given the
report of State Agent and Correspond
ing Secretary Rev. S. G. \Nhitcomb.
!, Our report this year will show a more
hopeful state of things i'll our work.
Some of our assisted interests have
come from financial stress to ssoivency
and will not need such help the coming
year Our Houlton church lost its
house of worship by fire the year be
fore the one just closed. and after ex-
tensive repairs. Now they have built
beautiful and commodious house and
Dedicated it free of debt. BiGdeford
church has cleared off a heavy debt.
MariaVilio church has dedicated its new
church building free OF debt. Merrill
church has finished its house. Other
aided interests that need help a little
longer have arrived at 4 point where
good success is assured. DiX!ield, in d
village of considers bic size, one of our
new interests. has this year organized
4 church, and installed an excellent
pastor. Our church in Rockland city,
after troublous times, for two years, is
slowly moving to better days. Caribou
a large thriving village. has gained
much the past year and is putting on
new strength. The Waterville Mission
had had most encoura Sing year. Good
interests and membership in the church
and sunday school They are negotia-
ting for Il lot On which to build
our churches mostly have held on
their way With commendable zeal and
faithfulncss so that the general line of
prosperity is in advance Of conditions
IL year ago. Even in our sparsely set
tied countryside in the quarterly meet
ings composed of small churches there
have been tokens of cheer, spirited re-
ligioue feeling ut sessions, new persons
beginning Christian life. These signs OF
DiViu" favor are of most encouraging
siguiticancc. Three new churches have
been organized the past year.
1t has been Il year Of special activity
III building churches, securing parson-
ages, making repairs on church prop
nrty and paying debts. Six churches
nave brought houses OF worship to com
plction. Houiton. Merrill, Mariavillc,
Dxtield, Cast WATERFORD, HaynesVilie,
CRYSTAL church has made extensive re-
pairs upon its house and r9dedlcated'
Smyrna people are building church at
IMdlan station. The church building at
Robinson is slowly going on to compile
ton.
Three churches have received parson-
ages. ono other is negotiating ana VIII
purchase soon. Our net gain i'll the state
is aDparently not as large as last year
showing but So though several have been
received to membership since returns
were sent in but are not included in TINS
summary. There has been some REVISION
of membership lists in some OF the
churches which has made a difference IN
our manifest gain. But we have gained
decidedly. the past year, in what cannot
bc EXPRESSED in figures of membership
in zeal. courage, loyalty and working
morale.
The year has witnessed great inn
proycment in the condition of school at
PittSticld. Maine Central Institute. Thir-
tN-thrcc thousand dollars has been added
TO its endowment. II is growing III favor
with the people. the opening term of the
new year showing q large increase in at
tendance.
The State agent, s. c. Whitcomb, and
State Missionary Edwards have given all
their time to the demands of the field, the
past year. and others. men and women,
nave been employed temporarily and To-
cally to further the work.
a supper to the delegates was served in