Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-05-21
CONGREGATIONAL
CONFERENCE HAS
ITS BUSIEST DAY
Vermont Domestic Missionary
Society Also in Session-Of-
ficers Elected--Church
Problems Discussed.

Rutland, May co.-Ths was the busiest
day Of the convention of Vermont Con-
gregationalists in this city with meetings
Of the State conference and the Vermont
Domestic Missionary society demanding
the attention of the delegates. The con-
ference heard several addresses, as well
az the reports of the officers, ard the
missionary workers, to whom the time
from ten o'clock until noon was devoted,
concluded their business
At the beginning of the morning ses-
sion f. W. Baldwin of Barton gave his
report as treasurer of the convention.
There was n balance due from last year
of $50 and the receipts from the IA coun-
| ty associations during the year amount
ed to S1,0S3. 40, making 81, l,59340 available
| The treasurer paid Il orders which left
a balance of S293.59. This with association
dues collectible makes the funds avail
able at the present time sGl2.62. Reports
from the national council were given by
the Rev Benjamin Swift Of Woodstock
y.
! Falls.
The meeting of the Vermont Domestic
Missionary society opened with reports
of officers John r. Richie Of St. Johns
| bury treasurer. stated that the state
treasury showed total receipts of sl1 1,2l3. 26
for the last 10 months OF this $500 was
for the trust and annuity account leav-
ing s9,O1326 available for current work.
| The total expenses for the year were
S09S.23, leaving a substantial balance
for the general legacy fund. There has
| been an increase during the year Of s5,o5i
| In the different funds, of which $2,S54 was
added to the legacy equalization fund,
s21GO to trust funds and 500 to the an
nuity account, making the total amount
| invested s53,35O, Funds for the current
expenses were derived as follows:
Churches and individuals. s3,24267;
Womans Home Missionary Union, ST..
l6.11 interest, s1,sg72S; adjustment Of
percentages, si17ao; legacies, $3.50.
MANY ADDITIONS.
| Not since 1906 have there been so many
additions for missionary work. according
to the report of the Rev. C. w. Merrill
of St. Johnsbury secretary There have
been a3 additions by confession, and 81
| by letter. The removals from various
causes number 1o9 showing net gain
of IL.
Four addresses were given at the mis-
| sionary meeting, The Rev. Charles s.
Haynes of Merrmack. n. H., discussed
State Missionary Experiences" urging
better cooperation in religion; the keep.
ing of family quarrels and neighborhood
feuds out of the church. Miss Mabel T
| Winch of East Arlington gave Yer,
optimistic talk on "Encouragements ir
the Work" The Rev. Thomas Hall OF
Island Pond. whose topic was "Reviva
Successes" predicted that we are on tn,
verge of great age of successful re
vivals
The Rev. f. p. Treat Of Pittsford CAV
an address on THE Problem of Leader
ship in the Country Church." In which h
pointed out that a new system must b.
devised to obtain efficient pastors becaus
of the small salaries paid and the higl
cost of living
The following officers were elected b.
the missionary society: Honorary presI
dent, the Rev. Henry Fairbanks of 81
Johnsbury; president. Deacon n c. WI
lams. Bellows Falls; ce-presdent, tn
Rev. Paul d. Moody, St. Johnsbury; secre
tary, the Rev Or. Charles II. Merrill, 81
Johnsbury. treasurer, Deacon John 7
Richie, st. Johnsbury; assistant treas
urer, H. NJ Nelson, st. Johnsbury; audi
tor, Deacon Charles s, Adams, St, Johns
bury.
These directors were chosen to serv
g three years: The Rev r. NJ, Houghtor
Bratteboro. Deacon Henry F. Field. Rut
e land, Judge John f. Weeks, Middebury
r the Rev. f. G. French, Newbury.
4 At the opening of the afternoon ses
sion the convention heard repor
n from the civic justice committee. pre-
n sented by Rev. j. w. Barnet of Barr,
$ and adopted resolution to ask tn
State Legislature to pass n law t
again submit to vote of the people {
D Vermont the question of State prohi
bition.
Rev. Fraser Metzger of Randolph re
ported on church federation. NJ
Metzger said that the ministry wa
u one of the discouragng factors in tn
II problem. The clergy feel under obi
s. cations to their respective denomina
= tions. There are strong influences be
Il hind the pastors which urge this att
< tude. Another condition to be consi6
u cred is the dissipation of Christia
, forces due to segregation, resulting
- Inevitable deterioration. The evil
y separation actually alienates men fro,
church The only way of church unit
y is by way of education. This perio
: is too enlightened for men and wome
% to feel that conviction cannot be al
fected when there Is error.
The remainder OF the afternoon wa
given up to two addresses Problem
- of the Country Church" Rev, Charl'
TO- Gill, Hartland, and How Can II
, Stronger Church Aid the Weaker
- Rev Ernest II. Guthrie, Burlington.
The Mems club of the Rutland Coz
. lgregational Church entertained at SUI
per all male visiting delegates T,
night Rev. DR.. H. Paul Douglass
New York gave an address on Il
theme, THE New Religion in Great,
IUarmont