Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1922-09-20
Congregational Ministers Convoca-
ton

Congregational Ministers COnvOca-
ton.
The Congregationalists of Vermont
have just closed their sixth annual
convocation which was held as usual
in the college buildings at Middle
bury. The registration showed an
attendance of ITO, including some of
the leading laymen and women of the
state.
The meeting was presided over by
the state secretary, Rev. William
Frazier, of Burlington, and the con-
vocation was addressed by several
speakers from abroad, among whom
were DR.. Cornelius Patton, of the
American Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions, who gave two
lectures on world conditions, having
special relation to foreign missions;
and the recently appointed editor of
the Congregationalist, of Boston,
whose address was given in the vii
lage church, and whose optomistic
speech was full of hope and inspira-
ton.
Rather a new note for Congrega-
tionalists was struck by DR.. Maurer
of Center church of New Haven,
Conn, who gave three lectures and
whose central idea was the thought of
introducing a more liturgical service
into the worship of Congregational
churches. While not advocating the
use of the book of Common Prayer"
nor the wearing of vestments, he de-
veloped a scheme of svmpathetic wor-
ship in which the whole congregation
could join, which had many features
of interest to the ministers present,
and which will without doubt be put
into practice by many where it is
possible to do SO without friction.
Congregationalism in Vermont is
largely rural and DR.. Pratt of the
Boston University, was present to
discuss the rural church problem, a
problem which confronts many har-
assed pastor. DIR. Pratt did not deal
in generalities but out of large ex-
perience in rural parishes discussed
and pointed out quite clearly the way
out for many perplexed preacher,
who, on account of the mixed char
acter of his people, the foreigner, and
the foolish amusements of the people,
can hardly handle the situation. He
gave specific instances of how differ
ent men have met and mastered the
situation. This address was of spe-
cial help to the rural pastor and was
much appreciated by such men as
were present.
Among the outstanding addresses
given during the week there were two
which aroused great enthusiasm. One
was delivered by Rev. Vincent Raw
Booth of North Bennington, whose
lecture on "Massini, the Great Italian
Rebel and Prophet" was a work of
art. Rev. Booth is himself an Ital-
ian, with all the poetry and artistic
fervor of the race and his address
was masterpiece of eloquence, sell
dom listened to by Vermont aud
fence.
The other lecture was given by
Rev. DR.. Berry of Springfield, Mass.
DR.. DeBerry is a colored preacher,
not merely colored, he is negro ap-
parently without mixture. His par
a highly educated, cultured, and re-
fined gentleman, and he has all the
fervor of his race. He has been for
years the pastor of large church
in Springfield, Mass, and is accepted
and acknowledged there as not only
an orator, but man of sterling char
acter and a benefactor of his race.
His address was mastery presen-
tation of the cause of the black man,
his rights and purposes, and it was
applauded to the echo.
1t must not be supposed that the
time was all taken up in attendance
upon lectures. There were periods of
recreation interspersed, and the an
nual baseball game, which is an
eventful affair each year between the
east and west sides of the state call
ed forth the usual enthusiasm. The
teams were made up of baseball en-
thusiasts from both sides of the
mountains and much rivalry exists to
win. An umpire is chosen from out
side the state, who, this year happen
ed to be one of the lecturers from
abroad and he Immediately becahe
the butt of sarcastic remark from
the bleachers, where as matter of
fact, the game was largely decided.
The game went six innings and was
finally decided by the ruling of the
umpire as 6 to 5 in favor of the west
side
There were two days of rain dur
ing the convocation but the weather
had no depressing effect upon the
company, nor does it interrupt the
proceedings since the entire company
is housed in the dormatory of the col
lege, and all eat at common table
in the dining room. The occasion has
become model in it's way, and COM
ing as it does just at the opening
of the seasons work it is an inspira-
ton to every pastor who has the op-
portunity of attending, and usually
the churches of the state pay the ex-
penses of their pastor to this state
mecca for Congregational ministers,
a real spiritual retreat on mountain
top of vision, both material and spir-
itual.