Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-08-24

There was an attendance of over
seven hundred at the opening session
of the 9eth annual conference of the
Seventh Day Baptist denomination in
Bliyen Opera house Wednesday morn
ing. President Samuel H. Davis of
Westerly presiding. The session OPEN
ed with a selection by an orchestra OF
stringed instruments, including bass
viol, and composed of members of
the Westerly church. Then followed
the Doxology and recitation of the 23d
Psalm. Prayer was offered by Rev.
T. L. Gardiner, editor of Sabbath. Re-
corder. The choir then sang Jordon's
Gloria in Excelsis, William II. Brown
ing singing the solo parts.
Rev. Clayton A. Burdick gave a
hearty address of welcome in behalf of
the local church, which was the fourth
time he had the pleasure of welcoming
the general conference, as he happen
ed to be pastor of the churches where
four conferences have been held, and
he referred feelingN to the changes
that had been made by death in de-
non1inational membership since he at
tended the Brookfeld conference many
years ago. Those who have builded
well a great work for those who follow
to carry along on successful lines. AL
though a small people, the Seventh
Day Baptist principles had survived
while other sects have passed away.
He welcomed the delegates for what
they represented and referred to the
tendency of the times to ignore the
Sabbath and to even a laxity of Sun
day observance, where cigar fruit ana
ice cream stores are to remain open,
but the stores of the butcher, the bak-
er and the grocer must close. He re-
ferred to Westerly as the home of the
forefatkers who preached and practic-
ed the Seventh Day doctrine, and
among the names of the members OF
the denomination elsewhere are those
who came from Westerly, and were
amons the first t. recognize religious
liberty Because Rhode Island was a
small state. he assured the delegates
that the hearts of the people were nor
small and that the granite that
abounds hereabouts was not indica-
ed He wanted the delegates to feel at
home and accorded them a cordial well
come.
Rev George w. Hills of the Salem
church responded in behalf of the con-
ference, and stated that he had never
heard welcome that was more well
come than that extended by Pastor
Burdick. He said that TO every Sew
enth Day Baptist this was a home
coming, for it was from here that the
depomination got a start in America.
While Rhode Island is small, it is
great to every Seventh Day Baptist.
Newport, Ashaway and Pawcatuck are
household words all over the land.
Delegates have come from all points
to see Uhe place in which they are so
much interested. 1t is q sacred place,
made so by the consecrated hearts and
lives that sacrificed for the advance
ment of their religious belief. He said
rhe delegates would be benefited by
having visited Westerly, and will re-
turn 10 their homes with q better love
for thar God that we see not.
Miss Emma Langworthy then rem
dered a soprano solo that was fully ap-
preciated.
President Samuel H. Davis deliver
ed an address on Our Stewardship
that was strongly denominational. He
exclaimed the duties of parents to chill
dren in teaching them to adhere
strongly TO the Christian belief that
IL in them, and not to sacrifice faith
for apparent worldly gain, and for the
sake of being with the masses. 1t is
among the sayings that Once an Epis-
copalian always an Episcopalian,' and
Once a Catholic always a. Catholic,
and why MT Once Seventh Day
Baptist always Seventh Day Bap-
list. Mr. Davis spoke at length. 60
ing into the detail of how young peo-
pie. and especially young men, are
permitted to disregard Sabbath OBJ
servance by reason of carelcsSnesS on
the part Of parents during the forna-
tive period.
At the conclusion of the address by
William Davis all united in singing
Onward. Christian Soldiers, with or
chestral accompaniment.
President Davis. by vote of the con-
ference. was authorized to appoint the
nominating and credential committees.
and they were named as follows:
Nominations Dean A. E. Main,
chairman; ID. e. Ellsworth. Eastern
association l.. n. Lowther. South
eastern association: w. T.. Phillips,
Central association Rev. J. f. Davis,
Northwestern association: Rev. G.. II.
r. Randolph, Southwestern associa-
ton. Rev. j.. A. Platt, Pacific asso-
citation.
Credentials-Rev. E. d. Van Horn,
Eastern association; Rev. +. A. Will
ter. Central: Rev. w. ID. Wilcox
Western; Rev. NJ. y. Kelley. North
western; Rev. r. j. Maxson, South
western: Rev. Alexander Randolph
Southeastern; Rev. Charles ID. Coon,
Pacific.