The Newtown bee., 1909-12-24
FELLOWSHIP IN CF;1pCH LIFE By L. D. Sanford. Bridgeport.

By L. D. Sanford. Bridgeport.
 The ancient philosophers as teach CTS had their followers or pupils. The fellowship in daily contact was con- sidered as important as direct teach ing. That received by example or teaching, by the way, or on the hill top, or in the shady mock, each afford ing it's opportunity for illustration to fix upon the attention of the pupil the instruction imparted. This form the lAaster, the great teacher, adopted, selecting a little band to be with Him, and so it obtained in the early church at Jerusalem, at An tioch, wherever they were gathered together in the breaking of bread and giving thanks. It has been the car dinal principle of the Congregational church, oneness of spirit to govern and control it's life, rather than some constituted authority, by whatever name it might be called.
 As the diverse systems of ologies seem to be passing away and the good news of the Kingdom of the Divine Master rises to its rightful place in the ministry and thinking men of all denominations, the idea of fellowship again, as with the early church, seems to be coming to the front; in evidence is the desire ex- pressed by portion of the Metho- dist and Presbyterian churches, and voice of the late Lambeth Conference to cane into line and on the basis of fellowship. One form of apostolic fellowship was by the Encyclic Let ters sent by messengers. The practice of ministerial change among Congre- gational ministers has, we think, been in keeping with this, sometimes called swapping sermons per SC. The congregation considering the neigh boring ministers with much reverence they brought with them their best sermons fully written out. These eX- changes gave larger experience to the circle of churches with the force of an educated ministry. In the line of this experience in the past of our time it may be of interest to mention some.
 The first exchange we call to mind was with the Rev MT Greenwood of New Milford, quite ministerial in his demeanor (English.) His son was with him, whom we have met at Bethel, friend as boys of Julius See ley, late president of Amherst Col lege. Another, Rev MT Hayes of Washington, without manuscript his thinking seemed to be upon his feet, running in a deeper channel than eX- tempore writing, but short, the after noon sermon so brief he could be found following up the Chepaugh when others might be on their fifthly. Rev MT Curtis of Brooktield was often heard by us although belonging to another consociation, a faithful man, giving his voice earnestly in favor Of prohibition. Rev MT Butterfield of South Britain, a good ingenious ser monizer, but of lympathic tempera- ment, gave up one which was to us a bow at venture. The text, While thy servant was busy here and there he was gone," missing the trust com mitted to our care and life's oppor- tunities. The Rev MT Whittemore of SOuthbury was heard on an eX- change occasionally in the summer time when good roads were expected. He was quite unassuming in his man. her, quite pleasing and plain in his preaching. At one time he brought with him his little son. This son grew up a plain unpretentious boy, went through college and after grad uating was offered by friend partnership in business, which form ed the firm of Futile X Whittemore of Naugatuck. where in the most quiet way he has been factor in the city and the church. At the head of several like plants of malleable iron in other cities, the one in Bridgeport CUFellHS SGkGIdl dNlEo anu HdfIuS about a dozen smoke stacks. His father resided in Brooklyn for many years, provided by his faithful son with every comfort his extended life needed. The Rev MT Isham from Roxbury was always welcome change with well prepared sermon, emphasized by his tones of voice, which were of unusual richness. His prayers were sympathetic and ever a worshipful service under his lead. His conversation was usually of the consenting ives, yes" If negation he felt more fit. It was by turn of with or "that reminds me" He come to Roxbury fresh from the seminary. He possessed a very full head of black hair. On his first exchange on enter ing the audience room, removing his tall hat one of his driving gloves re- mained upon his head. securely hold ing it's place while going up the aisle end findirr his scot i'' sFe EiTh rll- Tit. but before risin" 2 0prs0n ir the sid gallery arl ..- { '.5 attention and by signs the super