The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-06-14

New Haven, June i14-W1th dele gates, clerical and lay, present from various churches about the state, the annual convention of the Protestant Episcopal diocese of Connecticut open ed here yesterday at St. Thomas Church. Bishop Chauncey Brewster, who presided, addressed the conven- i ton and also gave the memorial ad- dress. a
 Bishop Brewster in his address said: The Rev. pr. John J. McCook i is just completing the fiftieth year {! since his ordination and entrance up- ! on the rectorship of St. John si ] church, East Hartford Heartily we rejoice with him and his people in ] this double jubilee and congratulate l him and them not only upon the length but upon the character of his priesthood, and upon what has been accomplished at St. Johns. The sub ] stantia1 and beautiful pile of build : ings stands as an outward and Yisi- ] bIe result of distinguished service ! through all these years most gener- ! ously and self-devotedly given to ! Christ and His Church.
 < sThe most important single. event of our year was the consecration of :, the Suffragan Bishop. I desire to ex- { press my grateful appreciation of the help he has given me; and I rejoice ;; with you all in the way he has taken , up the work and taken hold of the hearts of the people to whom he has i ministered.
 : The Preaching Mission
 i. "-The preaching mission was held ] in many churches throughout the dfo- : ceses@ want to express >ny ..recogni- l ton of the services of the clergy who l gave themselves so devotedly to this /. extra and exacting labor of. love. The ] mission, am confident, did good, if : to no one else, certainly to us who ! preached The experience brought, [ 4rAJn hI1Toi1- 1ty and more of reality and vitality. People standing outside of visible Christianity were not, l fear, reach ed as largely as had been hoped. But | I have from various quarters evidence of result. in deepening of the spir- ttual life of-our own people.
 Congregational Music
 ''Some incidental benefit I look to see follow the informa1ity and flex- ] ibiIity that characterized those preacn- ing services It is, in my opinion, time to inquire whether we should not have more of aggressive evangenstic preaching and whether there should not be oftener used very simple and flexible services adapted to the peo- pie we ought to be reaching, with out interference with our regular ser vices. It is high time also to con sider whether we ought not to have a much larger proportion of music which, while not poor and trashy, snail yet De 1n accOTQ- 7WlLh Ln0 OSH1- ocratic principle essential to true cathoncity, music wherein we may really let the people praise God; yea, let all the people praise Him. They will be glad to do it, if you will let them. n2
 The Church Pension Fund
 "A year ago the very competent commission appointed to consider the Church Pension Fund reported strongly in favor of the plan, using the language: if put into operation its benefits to the church would be inestimab1e-' In accordance with their recommendation it was voted that the diocese of Connecticut adopts and enters into the system of the Church Pension Fund A strong committee of 1aymen has been ap- pointed to start the movement throughout the diocese.
 Care in Admission to Ministry
 ''The hoped for inauguration of the Pension system logically necessitateS greater care, as regards candidates for the sacred ministry, to admit only men who really intend and are likely to be, as most of the clergy certainly are, Iaborers in the vineyard Ger tainIy we are to take heed that no person be admitted as candidates for Holy Orders but such as give promise of proving apt and meet to exercise their ministry duly, to the honour of God and edifying of His church. In this regard an initial responsibility rests upon the parish priest as well as upon the bishop. A bishop at the outset cannot lightly reject a young man recommended by his pastor. It seems we'll now to remind you laymen that in this matter you have Yarge share of responsibility. Before man can be admitted as a candidate for orders, and again before he can be ordained deacon, or advanced to the priesthood, at each stage there is re- quired a certificate as to his worth ness and fitness, to be signed by a number of laymen. These testimon- ia1s looking to ordination a Seri- ous thing to sign. It is not right to sign them on behalf of any person unless you have personal knowledge, or actual and satisfactory evidence as to his character and. qualifications.
 Parochia1 Finance
 ''It seems further to be necessary that should again address particular ly the 1aymen upon the subject of parochiaI finance The weakness of some parishes is to be traced chiefly to d lack of sound business methods. In the handling of moneys certain things ought to be done as a matter of course, for example, offerings talk en ~6p in church to be Immediately counted by two officers and the amount entered, full and detailed re- ports made of receipts and expendi- lures. Upon every vestry rests the obligation to insist upon the ordi- nary rules of business especially as re- gards accounts and auditing, taking for granted that every treasurer will welcome the adoption of rules which would be B protection to him and no reflection upon his honesty. There ought to be no possible ground for any complaint by parishioners tf2st they are kept in the dark as to where the funds are or where the money more information given. the greater will be the interest taken Rnd t1se more liberal the support given.
 ssrsvery parish ought to have war