Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-08-29
UniyersaIist Grove Meeting.

A postpOnement made necessary by
rain storm did not work seriously to the
disadvantage of the Universalist grove
meeting at Bryant's Pond. This meet
ing, which is an annual event under the
auspices of the Oxford Association of
Universalists, was originally appointed
for Aug. 10th, but because of the severe
storm was postponed, aud as soon as the
necessary arrangements could be made
the date was set at Tuesday, the ed.
On that day the weather proved almost
ideal, bright and very warm in the sun,
but deliciously cool and comfortable in
the shade of the trees. An audience of
400 or 500 assembled, the largest number
recorded from one place being thirty-two
who drove from Paris Hill.
A notable feature of the occasion was
the number of elderly people who were
able to get out and enjoy an outdoor
meeting. One of the most prominent of
these was Ex-Governor Sidney Perham,
now in his eighty-seventh year. Several
others who have passed their eightieth
milestone were included in the audience.
A place which seems to have been de-
signed for just such purpose is Dear
bOrn's grove, where the meeting was
held. But a few rods from Lake Chris
TOPPER, in an open growth of medium
sized trees, is q round basin or little am
phitheatre, with grassy banks, which
will accommodate several hundred peo-
pie, all within easy hearing distance of
the speaker. A stand for speakers and
singers was provided, and chairs and
benches for part of the audience, most
of whom, however, sat at ease on the
banks.
j. II. Barrows of Bethel, president of
the Oxford Association, presided over
the meetings and introduced the speak
ers. The singing was in charge of Pro-
lessor w. Scott Wight.
In the forenoon there was preaching
service, with sermon by Rev. c. A.
Knickerbocker of Arlington, Mass. Mr..
Kuickerbocker spoke from the text,
"Seek thy servant" and his sermon was
a striking presentation of the conception
of an immanent God, who is in and
through all things, working through all
material, mental and spiritual agencies
to draw his children to himself.
A picnic dinner was eaten in the grove,
hot coffee being brought on the grounds
for all who wished it, and after the lunch
there was an hour of social enjoyment.
The afternoon session took the form of
a platform meeting, the topic being,
"The Universalism of the Twentieth
Century," The speakers were Rev. F.
Z. Barton of Bethel, state superintendent
of Universalist churches; Rev. j. NJ.
Atwood of Portland; Rev. w. <. Gibbs,
d. D., of Lawrence, Mass; and Rev. E.
c. Bolles, D. D., of Tufts College. All
the speakers took a broad view, and
without any spirit of pugnacity or con-
troversialism, treated the Universalist
church as a branch of the great Chris
tian church, working in harmony and
cooperation with other churches in the
work of saving the world. Compare
lively little was said as to the material
prosperity which the church might ex-
pect, but much as to the zeal and spirit
and devotion which must characterize
Universalists. 1t was throughout an
interesting and inspiring meeting.
The Oxford Association was especially
favored in having such number of the
ablest speakers of the denomination at
this meeting. 1t was made possible only
by the fact that they are spending the
summer or portion of it in the near
vicinity.
The meeting closed before the de-
~, rturo Of tho affernnOn trains