The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1920-05-12
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES MEET.
Continued from Page ~

ference sermon was preached by Rev.
Donald fraser of Wells River. 1t was
evangelistic in character, earnestly and
forcefully delivered Rev Albert B. Hoag
of South Hero and Rev. Stanley Cum
mings of St Adams administered COM
munion, which was the closing feature of
the afternoon. Supper was served in the
Masonic temple banquet hall
Two selections by the Centre church
male quartet, scripture and prayer by
Rev. Herbert j. Human of I4yndonville
and memorial service for ministers who
have died during the year opened the
evening session.
Jonn NJ. Comstock OF Chelsea, the vet i
eran statistician, gave statistics in an ad- |
dress, Vermont ~Congregationalism in the
Tercentenary Year, but they were pre-
sented in an an original manner and were
far from dry. He reported total mem
bership of 230S3, or l55 less than last
year, there having been 1857 additions
or more than the average and l,4l2 losses
The losses included 466 by revision of
the rolls. the largest number ever re-
ported in one year. This is not Indicative
of an unhealthy condition, but is due to a
vote last year basing each church's as
| sessment on its total membership instead
OF its resident membership. This is caus-
ing thorough revision in order to re-
dnce the assessment One church cut off
l4l names by revision
There was loss Of 596 in Sunday school
membership, but an improvement in young
peoples societies and mems and boys or
CARNATIONS. Benevolent contributions
showed large increase and home expen-
ses increased $4,000. Mr. Comstock re-
ferred to the fact that this was the sixth
conference in Brattleboro and that he
gave his first statistical report in 1891 in
this town.
The chief address of the evening was
made by Rev DR.. Frank t. Goodspeed of
Barre, whose theme was The Call of the
Present Hour. The speaker drew a dark
picture of the times, stating that many
writers were comparing our country with
Rome just before the fall He quoted
Gibbons Rise and, Fall of the Roman En-
pire as graphic picture of this country.
Among the different evils common to both
he enumerated the amusement craze, the
decay of family life, as shown by the in
, creasing number of divorces, and ques-
| toned whether the home would become ex.
tinct Superstition was ps,inted out as a
cause, ipstancing the ouija board, the at.
tempt TO get into contact with the other
Il world as shown by Sir Oliver Lodge, and
characterized Raymond one of his pro
\ auctions, as a silly and impotent produe
ton. Wealth and power was another
symptom. The Roman eagle has its coun
terpart in the American eagle, and we fol
low them in our desire to make the eagle
scream. Merciless prohteers is another
! symptom. The speaker stated that if he
loo IA IL 4
three profiteers for one anarchist. DeeI
!, unrest is disease of the hour. Paternal
. ism is another old Roman characteristic
which we are initiating We want the
! government to take charge of everything
What is the remedy Christianity Rome
|. didn't have that and fell. America means
!, that, if it means anything Our country
was founded on the Bible The speaker
!. strongly denounced the removal of the
= Bible from the public school and stated
that it must go back if this nation il
n saved from destruction Aaterialism mus
l. be spiritualized, human brotherhood mus
be established that the nation may endur.
!. and the kingdom of God may be brough
2, in
At the morning session today followin,
it discussion of business matters, Rev. Pau
Dwight Moody of New York spoke briefly
d setting forth the great opportunity of tn,
e churches and encouraging the pastors t.
magnify their calling, keeping in mind tn
, words OF the Lords prayer, Thy will b.
:. done"
t. Rev. Charles c. Merrill of Burlington wa
reelected secretary Rev Henry L. Bal
e. lou Of Chester reported for the nominal
u ing committee and the report was accepte
D. and adopted electing these officers: Pres
dent Rev. Edward G. French of John
e. son; vice president, Judge Frank L. Fis
of Vergennes; statistical secretary, Joh
Id NJ, Comstock of Chelsea; treasurer, F W
I Baldwin of Barton; auditors, w. H Gilpi
y Of Barton and John c. Clark of St Johns
bury. Various boards and committees ais
ye were elected The reporter for WindhaI
k. county is Rev A. v Woodwork of Yves
v Brattlebora. Rev G.. S. Mills of Bennine
I. ton was elected delegate to the Nations
v Council, term to expire in 1925, Re-
$: Chauncey G. Adams of Burlington alte
nate.
n; Rev. III. P. Woodin Of Brattleboro an
y W. A. Graham of Bellows Falls wei
! elected directors of the board of pastors
sunply Rev j c. Prince Of Below
( Falls and c. d. Howe of MOrrisville wei
elected to represent the state ON the
in rectorate OF the church extension boar
l. 1t was voted to meet next year in We
= gennes and Rev G. A. Buttrick of Ru
nd land was elected to preach the annual Sc
- mon, Rev. j B. Sargent of Mortified a
W. ternate
:, At this point the annual meeting of Il
~ Vermont Domestic Missionary society Wi
legnn. President Nathan G. Williams
to. Bellows Falls in the chair
Treasurer John T. -Ritchies repo
- showed receipts of SD, 74l, including la
years balance of 1926. This years b.
I. ance is Sl,ll3.
II Secretary Charles II. Merrill, D. D..
II st. Johnsbury and Secretary c. c. Ne
II rill of Burlington reported for the dire