Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-04-22
Deering Memorial Church, South Paris,
Where the Conference was held.

governor. The frequent applause with
which he was favored showed the zeal OF
his hearers in the temperance cause.
DR.. Dorion, editor of Z'on's Herald,
spoke in behalf of that publication, the
official denominatiOnal organ.
DR.. Trimble of the commission on
finance Of the General Conference advo-
Gated a systematic and business like
plan prepared by the commission for
handling the current expenses and
benevolences. The plan includes weekly
subscriptions and personal canvass,
down to the poorest and youngest. Ac'
cording to his illustrations as given,
such plan has resulted in many places
in great benefits, not the least of which
are greater efficiency for the money ex.
pended, increased revenue, and enlarged
churches.
Wednesday afternoons session was
devoted to Conversation on the work of
God"-reports of the work in the several
charges of the conference. Before this
part of the program was begun, Bishop
Henderson introduced Rev. w. F. Shell
don of Wesleyan University, who spoke
briefly in behalf of the parent Methodist
college.
In preparation for the reception of re-
ports, the following cooperative pro-
gram" had been posted in the front of
the auditorium:
"An annual minimum gain of ten per
cent in full m embership.
Renewed emphasis ON the religious
life of the home.
"Apportionments in full through the
new financial plan, and Christian
stewardship.
enlistment of young people in the
Christian life and for Christian service.
Civilization of men and boys in king
dom extension"
Nearly three hours was occupied with
the reports from the members OF the
conference on their respective charges,
with an occasional prayer or verse or
two of hymn, generally led by Bishop
Henderson without other announcement
than to start it, a strong chorus of voices
Immediately joining in.
In general the reports showed acces-
sions to the membership Of the church,
and most of them net gains in member
ship, one as high as twenty -one per cent.
The Sunday Schools generally were re.
ported as increased, and the Epworth
Leagues as stationary, while the Junior
Leagues were almost all increased. In
finances none reported the full adoption
of the conference plan, though the larger
part reported all obligations met, and
most of them an improvement in
finances.
The church was filed to the doors
again on Wednesday evening by people
anxious to hear the two addresses by
notable speakers that were down on the
program for that time. Rev. Mr.. Kew
ley presided at the opening of the meet
ing, but soon gave way to Rev. f. A..
Leitch of Auburn, who acted as chair
man of tho meeting and introduced the
speakers. At the organ was Mr.. 4. L..
Mehaffey of the Estey Organ Company,
who was able to bring out the fine tones
of the organ with telling effect.
Rev. Mr.. Kewley explained that Rev.
Franklin Hamilton, d. D., LII. D., Presi.
dent of the American University, Wash
ington,D. c., was unable to speakIas was
expected, but In bis place the address on
Education would be given by Rev. DR..
A. G. McCrea, pastor Of the Emery
Church of Jersey City, N. j. After a
hymn by the congregation, prayer was Of
fered by DR.. Wilson and then Mr.. Leitch
introduced DR.. McCrea as the first speak
or of the evening admonishing him to
"Go at 1t and give them the best you've
got"
, After few opening remarks, express.
ing his pleasure at being present, but re-
GREETING that it was necessary for him 10
take the place of another on the pro.
gram, and stating that he had already
received much good from the Confer
ence, DR.. McCrea took up the subject oi
!, Education and the excellent work that
was being done by the Board of Educa
tion. He was very optimistic over the
present condition of affairs, but realized
that education combined with the power
Of Jesus Christ in the hearts of mer
were the only forces capable OF solving
the mighty problems that we must fact
at the present time. The speaker was
. surprised to learn the large per cent o.
! boys and girls that the state of Main,
was able to keep in its institutions o.
learning and said that the result OF thil
/ would be that Maine would 60 on pro
t ducing the finest product Of any state II
: the United States. Pennsylvania has IL
Q coal, California Its gold, other state
Q their rich minerals, but Maine produce
men, men Of the character that Is O.
, much needed In the world at the presen
}. time. Since the conference Of 1896 whe