Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-07-09
CHURCH eeoERArloM.
SCOPE Of Work Undertaken BY the
Comfy Commission.


The time has come when the Vermont
lnterdenominstional Commission must
he something more than q name. Since
its esta Enlistment in 1899 its chief func-
tiop has been that OF an organized seDti-
ment against excessive deDominationsl
zeal within the state. Its research and
advisory work has thus far been but very
slight.
AT the last meeting of the commission,
Jan. 10. 1905, at Montpelier, it was voted
to instruct the executive committee 10
secure q research secretary who should
be able to give some time to the careful
study of the situation, that he serve with
out pay. but empowered to raise money
for necessary expenses, such funds to be
expended under the supervision OF the
executive committee" Even this at its
best il but humble beginning OF more
positive work in behalf of united and
effective Christian work in Vermont. e--
pecially at time when church federation
Is recognized as the most necessary and
significant reform in organized christen-
dom.
Immediately after this last meeting oil
the comfy commission, the executive
committee began correspondence with the
Rev. George Frederick Wells. pastor OF
the Federated churches of Lincoln, to Sc
cure him a. the research secretary Of the
commission. Mr.. Wells has had both
scientific and theological training, being
a Bachelor Of Science from the University
OF Vermont and Bachelor of Divinity
from Drew Theological seminary. For
three years he has been pastor Of union or
federated churches. Perhaps no one in
the state has made a more thorough study
of the local federation needs, bis princi-
pie investigation in this field having been
made for the National Federation OF
churches. At the present time he has
charge of Investigations of country
church condition for the county depart
ment Of the Young Mems Christian asso-
citation and for the Carnegie Institution
at Washington.
II was not until after two months,
when an associate pastor vas engaged for
the Lincoln Federated churches, that Mr..
Wells consented to do the work for the
commission, and then under slightly
modified conditions. His work for the
comfy commission will form q part of q
larger study, the field work of which
will occupy July and August. 1905. and
aside from tire annual report. the investi-
gator il to have first right 10 the material
secured. The scope of the work of the
research secretary OF the comfy commits
sion, which is already begun, is about as
follows:-
1. A study and classification OF coun-
try communities according TO their social
and religious conditions TO get basis for
determining the adyissbiIity of fedora
tion work. This study will not be con-
fined to Vermont towns.
2. A study OF local church declarations
and unions to determine the means and
the methods of the practical work This
phzse OF the work, also, will not be con-
fined TO our state.
3. Special studies in Vermont will be
made TO determine the best use Of domes-
tic missionary moneys, and of the means
OF adjusting the salaries Of pastors In the
smaller communities.
4. The separate state denoninstionsI
propagandss will be studied, inpsrtislIy
and in detail, with reference TO the pres
ence of excessive secfsrizn zeal
5. Mr.. Wells especially desires 10 be
consulted in regard TO peculiar local con-
ditions where there is apparent overlap
ping or the presence OF sectsrian strife.
Personal attention will be given to these
cases as far a. the time and the means AZ
hand will permit
II il estimated that this specific inyes-
tigation for the Vermont Interdenonins-
tionsl Comfy commission will cost for
necessary expenses alone not less than
$500. This item IL but slight item by
the side OF the present wastes of church
funds in the religious overlapping and in
adequate administration. The sole pur-
pose OF the investigation shall be that Of
securing up-to-date, practical information
az to our own conditions and needs The
results Of the study will be given to the
public through the general press and I'm a
printed report Of the years work. which
will be given to each contributor Of 81 or
more toward the expenses of the study.
A prompt response from churches. pas
tors and laymen il asked for this appeal
in behalf of the greatest need Of the
churches and the small towns OF Yer
mont Remittance may be made direct
TO the research secretary or to any MEN,
Der Of the executive committee.
Rev. Fraser Metzger, chairman. Ran
doiph; Rev. +. ID. Penney, ID. ID. ,Buriing-
ton. Rev. Lewis Dexter, West Tcpsham.
Rev. w. :. smithers, Montpelier, execu-
tive committee; George Frederick Wells.
Lincoln, VT, research secretary.