Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1909-10-23
CoNaREGATIoNALIsTs MEETING.


The Black Hills Association of Congre-
gational Churches convened in regular
session at the First Congregational
church of Custer, October 10th and 18th,
1909. There was a good representation
of pastors and delegates, Rev. d. J. Per-
rim of Belle Fourche, Mrs. K. w. Powell,
pastor and Prof H. G. Pryor and Miss
NJ. Heidepriem of Custer, Rev. w. Fl.
Ashley of Deadwood, Rev. S. Z. Beatty,
pastor, and Mrs. w. E. Fonken and Mrs.
Frank Bender, delegates of the Hermosa
church, Rev. F. c. Holbrook, pastor; and
Mrs. w. ]. Ryan, delegate of the Rapid
City church. Vale was represented by
Miss Anna Truax. There was also pres.
ent at the convention Rev. Emil Diet
rich, State Missionary for Church and
Sunday School in South Dakota; also
Rev. Z. w. Jenney, who for the past two
weeks been holding series of inspiring
evangelistic services in cooperation with
Pastor Mrs. Powell in the Congregation
al church.
The session throughout has been an
inspiration to every one present. The
discussions regarding the present day
church problems were most helpful in
so far as they brought out the principles
embodied in the Church Federation en-
tered into by the leading evangelistic
churches Of the state, namely the provi-
sion that three representatives of each
church to act as a commission for settl-
ing differences which may arise over the
problem of "over-churching" commun-
ity. The consistency with which the
Presbyterian and Congregational church
.es have adhered to this plan of arbi.
trating differences is one of the most
gratifying evidences of christianity and
practical christian fellowship in advanc.
ing the highest interests in the Masters
kingdom.
A careful study of the principles ofthe
Federation as formulated by the council
Of churches represented Methodists
Baptists, Congregationalists and Presby
terians would do much toward develop
ing religious consciousness along practi
cal lines of cooperation in the work o
the churches.
The reports from the various churches
showed decided growth in member
ship and practical methods of work.
The Home Missionary and Womanl
Hour, presided over by Rev. Perrin, wa
made very interesting by the use of
large map of the State in which th
new fields were pointed out and tn
workers already on the fields, togethe
with their points of advantages indi
Gated.
Several interesting papers were reac
by the different ladies. Mrs. Ryan pre-
sented paper on Brrma which gave
life-like description Of the Burmese
their country, their customs and thei
social life.
Mrs. Holbrok prepared paper ON th
Influence of the Christian Church on ou
Nation, tracing the first beginnings o
the first Congregational church from tn
Pilgrims on the Mayflower to the pres
ent day. She not being present Mis-
Truax read the paper.
Mrs. Fonken read a letter from tn
Missionary field in New Mexico, whicl
showed that the work in the Industria
schools was not an easy task, but a mos
helpful and interesting one.
I The address Saturday evening by Rev
HoIbrok, whose theme was "Christ TO
the World" was characterized by fore.
aud enthusiasm of the speaker. Tn
central thought was "Let Your Ligh
Shine"
Rev. Dietrich spoke in Rev. Holden
stead on the theme, "The World 70
Christ" gave the strongest evidence tha
the preacher was back of his messag
and that if the World is ever taken TO
Christ it will be through the consecrate,
efforts of the Christian people. -,
Rev. Jenney concluded the services q
the evening with soul stirring evangel
istic sermon.
] The Sunday School, under the man