Putnam patriot., 1913-01-17

The history of this church for the year just closed has been one of few notable events. Our membership did not increase until the rst communion of 1913 when five persons were receiv- ed by letter and two by profession of faith. There has been decrease by death Of two persons and two persons dismissed, giving us mem bership on January lst of 1l2, with large absent list numbering 2 persons, and of this remainder a number are here only q part Of the year giving us a small force of actual workers in the church.
 Early in the year we were sorely be- reayed by the death of our senior dea- con in California. We all recall his eheery good. bye with the happy antiei. pations of q winter in that beautiful land but just as the time was near for his return came the news Of severe ill., ness followed very quickly by death Deep sorrow filled our hearts, for Dea- con Berrian had been for many years a familiar presence at all our church ser vices. In sorrow or in joy his interest was always manifest. He came to Woodstock for a home and united with this church in 1894, was elected to the office Of deacon in 1897 and was con tinued in that position during his life. For eleven years he hlled tife resp0nsi- ble office of treasurer of the Eeelesiasti cal Society, being elected in 1900 and sending in his resignation just before his departure for California in Novem- Der, 1911. The recital of these facts in the life of MT. Berrian among Us but meagerty expresses the fidelity and in- terest with which he performed all the duties connected with his various of al To ri n every one and numberl rless quiet deeds manifested this friendliness. His presence is still greatly missed. The empty pew is constant reminder of his faithfulness and the closing of the home is all the more deeply felt.
 Later in the year in November came the startling news of the instant death Of one Of our younger members, Alex ander Hubbard. The ending of a life by violent accident always seems very dreadful and when it means the going out of a young life it is sad in- deed. Alec was one of our own boys, born in Woodstock, the son of Henry w. Hubbard, educated at our Acade- my, and uniting with this church in 1897. His history has been followed with interest. Four years ago lie left town to make his home in the far West. The intervening time has been spent in various localities. From letter in the current number of The Cleaner we learned that he was located in the province of Alberta when occurred the accident that caused his death. His remains were brought to Woodstock for burial. This brief tribute is due to his memory from this church.
 The review of the work of this church recalls few events of special interest;
 The coming of our summer residents always gives Us special privileges. Mir. Hinricks very kindly favored Us with familiar talks descriptive of his Visil to the Holy Land. To be able to take the journey from Nazareth to Jerusa- lem in his company and seeing the country from his reVerent attitude was privilege indeed. Later in the year this was supplemented by another des- eriptive tAik upon these localities illus trated by stereopueon.
 In the summer we received visit from MT Soule, the state superintend- ent Of Home missions, occupying the pulpit and being followed by an illus trated lecture in the evening. These addresses were very instructive and quite an eye opener to the conditions in our own state.
 Through the Academy we receive many intellectual treats that should be of lasting value. Hamilton Holt, one of our own members, very gener- ously gave an informal address upon religious conditions in Japan and il was of special value to hear his careful estimate of the work of the mission aries in that land from the standpoint of personal observation. He also gave hiS illustrated lecture for the benefit of the library which was interesting and instructive indeed.
 The Ladies Auxiliary was highly favored in being able to secure Mrs Beard to give an address upon China at the annual thank-otiering meeting The comparison of the conditions of that country at the time of their going aS missionaries eighteen years ago and the present were telling argument for the progress of the work.
 We have the announcement of the revival of the Primary department in Sunday school with promising class of liule ones and general interest has been sustained by our superintendent by various social events as well as by faithful service.
 IL was with great regret that we were called to say goodbye to our for mer pastor and wife. They are missed in all our church activities. It takes from us, hy the departure of Mir. and Mrs. kingshury, another hospitahle home and leSSens the number of our workers. But with these dlscourag- ing features of church life by the de- crease in numbers and by removal and death, we can stiil be able 10 see "God $ leadings in sunshine and in storm
 The following taken from the Provi- dence Journal of Jan. lst is of interest 10 Woodstock people as Miss Camp bell was a student of Noodssock Acad- emy in lS45, her home al that time be- ing in the Bowen homestead with the mother of the late Dr. George Bowen. There are few if any of that class left but Miss Campbell's frequent visits 10 relatives in town in which she always had strong interest has made her many friends who will hear of her death with sadness. Miss Campbell