Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-06-30
The Oxford Universalist Association

1.-THE Power and Purpose of our Faith"
was the keynote of the session of the
Oxford Association of Universalists
which was held at Paris Hill Wednesday
and Thursday, and this general theme
was borne in mind through all the parts
of the programme for the two days. 1t
was very successful series OF meetings,
interesting and undoubtedly profitable
to all who attended.
There was a good attendance, not-Only
of the ministers within the limits of the
association, but of lay delegates and
visitors. The weather, while not par
ticularly promising on the opening
morning, was comfortable all the time,
aud the second day was perfect, giving
the visitors an excellent opportunity to
appreciate the beauties of this historic
hilltop town.
Only short session was held Wednes-
day morning after the arrival of the
visitors about IL o'clock. Prayer was
offered by Rev. j. H. Little Of South
Paris, the association was welcomed by
Arthur E. Forbes for the Paris Hill peo-
pie, and the response was by the presi-
dent of the association, j. 81. Barrows
of Bethel, who was one of the members
of the Paris Hill church when it was
organized nearly fifty years ago.
Wednesday afternoon, following q
praise service led by Charles F. Ridlon
of Norway, there were addresses on the
Fatherhood of God by Rev. G. r. Tenney
of Auburn, and Christ's authority and
Leadership by Rev. c. A. Knickerbocker
of Paris Hill. The discussion Of these
topics was continued by Rev. Frank
Mansfield of Bethel and Rev. Fl. Fl.
Hoyt of Hiram, the state superintendent.
The occasional sermon was given We'd
nesday evening by Rev. I. P. Codding-
ton, D. D., of Gorham, N. a., following
a praise service led by Mrs. 81. A. Mark
ley Of Turner. DR.. Coddington's subject
was "a Growing Church." and his treat
ment of it, while intensely practical, was
impressive and eloquent. The sermon
was followed by a communion service,
administered by Rev. G. A. Knicker-
booker.
The visitors were entertained for the
night at the homes of the Paris Hill
people. Dinners and suppers were serv-
ed at Academy Hall, and the Paris
Hill ladies in this matter lived up to
their deserved reputation, furnishing .
quality of entertainment which it would
be difficult to excel.
As this was the semi-annual meeting
of the association, there was little bust
ness to do, but after a conference meet
ing Thursday morning encouraging re-
ports were heard from the parishes
which were represented. The principal
addresses of the forenoon session were
on "The Integrity and Revelation of the
Scriptures" by Rev. j. NJ. Paige of
Livermore Falls, and on the work of the
Women's Universalist Missionary So
ciety, by Rev. Eleanor B. Forbes.
The addresses of the afternoon service,
which was somewhat shortened to allow
the visitors to catch the trains, were on
"The Certainty and Justice of Retribu-
tion," by Rev. Frank Mansfield of Bethel,
aud "Harmony of all with God," by Rev.
d. A. Narkley of Turner.
A highly pleasing feature of the meet
ings to all was the singing of Mrs. Wyni-
fred Staples Smith Of Carthage, who
led the singing, and gave number OF
solos. Mrs. Smith Is fine singer,
whose services are much in demand, and
her singing furnished much enjoy
ment to all who were favored BY hearing
her. Mrs. e. e. Wilson OF South Paris
presided at the organ,