Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-02-14
CHURCH FEDERATION.
Two Societies at Randolph Center
Unite Under Unlaue Plan.

Unite Under Unique Plan.
The plan for the federation OF the Con-
gregational ana Meth odist Episcopal
churches Of Randolph Center, recently
submitted by joint committee from both
churches, was iayorably considered ana
finally adopted al meetings OF each society
last Saturday afternoon.
The idea Of uniting these two churches
has been under confederation for a num-
Der OF years, but no definite action had
ever been taken by either society until the
annual meeting ot the Cong'i membership
ON Dee, %, 1906. At that time the matter
was brought before the members ana a
committee OF three WAS chosen TO repre-
sent their interests In behalf OF a fedora
tion Of the churth hes, should the Metho-
dists see nj TO choose similar committee.
for like purpose.
Some time before this, when Il had been
decided TO close the Cong'l church for the
winter, the board OF stewards OF "the
church across the wayh had extended
most cordial invitation TO worship with
them in their services during this period.
In this way the people OF these congregs-
tions were brought into more intimate
relationship and there resulted naturally
better understanding concerning their
mutual interests. II was then felt by
many that the time had come for the Oft
contemplated union. The committee
chosen from the Cong'l church consisted
of Charles l.. Hodges, Principal G. III.
Morrill, and Miss Nellie Nutting.
On January 9TH, the official board of the,
Methodist church met and chose from it's
number j. b. Adams, Y. 7. Ball and G. A.
Chadwick to meet the committee from the
sister church and consider the advisa hility-
of uniting the two and submit a plan for
the same. The joint committee entered
upon its work with the understanding that
il was the desire OF each society to keep it's
denominational organization separate
From the first, complete harmony pre-
vailed in the discussions, and the ideas
developed were soon moulded into series
of articles constituting plan for the fed
Grafton OF the two churches. At length,
on Jan. 26th, these resolutions were put
into final shape for reference to both So
cieties for action.
The fourth quarterly conference OF the
Methodist church was held ON Tuesday
evening, Jan. %. Presiding Elder W. w.
Newton was present and conducted the.
regular business of the conference. The
report OF the committee on church union
was then presented and carefully consid-
cred. BY unanimous vote the report WAS
accepted and adopted on condition that
the adult resident members, when called
together on Saturday, Feb. 9, at d. M,
should vote to adopt them. Only one
change was made in the resolutions as thus
voted upon. 1t provided for a representa-
ton OF at least four members from each
church in any business meeting of the fed
Grated society.
Copies OF the resolutions were then
freely circulated among the members of
the churches concerned, and meetings
were called for Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9,
at o'clock. Ample opportunity was
given for free discussion and expression
OF opinion with regard to the articles. The
- - 0 49,
suited in favor OF adopting the resolutions.
by large majority. In the meeting OF
the members Of the Methodist church, the
voting also resulted strongly in favor Of
the resolutions.
Much satisfaction is felt and expressed
over the finA outcome OF the movement,
and it is confidently expected that the
united forces will be able to accomplish
much more for the cause OF Christ than
has been possible in the past. Great credit
is due the committee that had the matter
in charge for their untiring efforts in be-
half of the federation.
By the articles OF federation adopted,
the two churches that are parties to the
contra ct are to maintain their individual
organization. The adult resident members,
however, are members of q federated soci
ETY., which is to hold an annual business.
meeting on the "Wednesday following the
first Sunday in January, in connection
with a roll call and social gathering OF alk
its members. Officers OF this society are n
moderator, executive committee, secretary.
treasurer, auditor, music committee OF
three members and a head usher. This
federated society is also to organize a
union Sunday school. and the federation
of the young peoples societies, the mis-
sionary societies and the ladies' social eEr-~
cles is also earnestly requested, If it be
practica BILE.
The church services are TO be held six
months yearly in each church. the eSeeu-
tive committee to decide the order of rota4
tion. The form OF communion service
is left 20 the discretion of the pastor, IA 4
charge, and hymn books belonging to the
church oceupi d are to be used for coll
gregational singing. Persons may tokn
either church represented in the fedora
tion and the admission service of that de-
nomination will be used.
Contributions for missionary and benev--
olent purposes are to be given to the or
ganization designated by the donors. In
case no choice is designated, they are To
be divided equally between the two
churches. The minister is to be employed,
alternately as to denomination, to preach
the 'Gospel OF Christi and the principles
of Christian living. The ministerial year
begins in April, the first under this agree
ment to begin in April, 1907.
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