Norwich bulletin., 1910-04-01

NORWICH BULLETIN,
 Three hundred are reported as join- l ing from probation or by letter From | which it will appear that the gains will not be so large in this district this year as last Two hundred and twen- ty-five are reported as having joined on probation this year. Noticeable among the churches reporting long | lists of probationers are Danielson g. Mystic 10, Windsorville 9, Vernon 24 Sterling 8. Manchester Il, Brldgeton 7, Norwich Trinity IT, Westerly 29 Eighteen churches report an increase ! in the membership
 There has been less revival. effort than last year. partly because of sick
 ness and partly because the pastors 1 thought it not advisable to try to have a special meeting two years in 1 succession. And yet in every case where an honest and earnest effort was put forth there have been results worth tabulating. This, the great work for which we exist is in danger of being neglected. Too many are feeling that it is a hopeless thing to | undertake to increase the membership of the country churches but this is mistake. as the results this year in the small and rural churches will show. Epworth League and Other Societies It has been a good year for the Epworth leagues of the district The
 
 ton of a Norwich District Epworth League institute, which held it's first meeting at Willimantic camp ground last August. It was marked success. The enrolment was twice what was expected. The finances were success fully planned for and the whole ven- ture was a success. The young peo- pie will this year find this great opportunity to combine study of Christian work and recreation under the guidance of a splendid faculty of we'll equipped teachers.
 The study of Christian missions and the Bible is still being earnestly pros
 ecuted among the members of the Epworth leagues in the mission and Bible study classes. Twenty-Five Sun day schools report an increase in the enrolment this year. This. with general activity among the Junior Ep- worth leagues, constitutes a very hope full sign.
 WiIIimantic Camp Meeting.
 This was a year of especial interest to the lovers of Willimantic camp meeting. It was the fiftieth anniver- sary and the meeting took the form of a celebration of that fact, in some measure The address in recognition of this fact was given by Dr. D. A. Jordan, formerly of this conference, who as a boy helped to prepare the grounds for the first meeting. It was great address and was greatly en. J@yed- The association very htly eel ebrated the anniversary by buying 5 acres of land to add to the grounds. This, it is clear to those who know the development of the interest in these grounds. will be needed in the future. A new dormitory for free use of the ministers was added to the equipment of the grounds I must not forget to add that the Ladies' Improve ment society of the Willimantic Camp Meeting association has made possi- ble much of the improvement that has aahf Sr1 hA ,-t fraxrr i his year they finished paying for the series of stone steps that adorn the entrance to the ground. They have assumed and partly paid a debt of $400 that the association was carrying They have fitted and cared for the Bethel, home of the clergymen guests of the association. These and other helpful deeds have made the La edly popular with all the members and friends of the Camp Meeting associa- ton.
 The religious part of the meeting was a great success-more so than any one in many years. It did us all forgiveness for sin and peace with God through Jesus Christ that last night of the meeting
 Other Special Occasions and Services
 On October A of last year the Ma pleville M. F.. church, so long in course of construction. was dedicated. It was a great day for the society thera When it was finally finished and the cost reckoned up. it was found that with the furniture, organ etc. the church had cost over $20-000. The society had started to build a church to cost less than s6.o00 but had found it's ideals growing until they had reached these proportions Of this amount the society owed over $10,000, a great debt for SO small a company 1f 11,5 fI,a 1To- Ia church is not composed of rich peo- pie. It was a great task that con- fronted Bishop Hamilton as he came before that little company Six thou sand dollars were subscribed before the dedication exercises were complet- ed and the other four thousand was so arranged as to rest without accu- mutation of interest till plans can be made to reduce that. This completes the long and arduous work that many never expected to see finished. No wonder the people felt so glad they held a week of services with sermon and organ recitals to celebrate. It is the most beautiful church in the district. May it last a thousand years for the use of Gods dear children.
 Wi1limantic church, after extensive repairs, costing considerably over S3.O00 had it's reopening September 29 1909. This was a welcome event. For many years the society had strug- gled under debt till a few years az: this incubus was removed and under the efficient leadership of the past.', Rev l.. B. F1ocken, the other long. i,eeded work has been done. New wais and ceiling, new lights and pairt. new carpets and a rebuilt organ make the substantia1 building look almost new. pr. D A. Jordan, who was a Willimantic boy, once a member ot taat church, and whose father had built no inconsiderable part of the walls themselves. was the preacher of the occasion.
 On November 2s, 1909, a similar re- dedication took place at Attawaugan. The church there having been in con- siderable measure rebuilt at cost of Si.?0G, was re-opened with several days of services with sermons by for mer pastors. This. too was a time of rejoicing and inspiration.
 Oct. 20, 1909. the church at Crystal Lake was reopened and a new church bell consecrated. The society is very small here and when it was found that $650 had been raised and expended to beautify the church and repair it and