USA > Vermont > Chittenden County > Burlington > Minutes and reports of the 128th annual meeting of the Vermont Congregational Conference and the 150th annual meeting of the Vermont Domestic Missionary Society > Part 6
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Advisory Committee (also on Ministerial Standing and Benevolence) -Rev. C. N. St. John, Mr. H. W. Denio, Mr. H. G. Woodruff, Mrs. E. E. Campbell, Mrs. S. F. Howard.
XIV. WINDHAM ASSOCIATION
Organized September, 1841; name changed to Association, Septem- ber 9, 1909.
Registrar, Rev. A. V. Woodworth, West Brattleboro.
Churches-West Brattleboro, Brattleboro Center, Brattleboro Swed- ish, West Dover, Dummerston, Guilford, Jamaica, Marlboro, Newfane, Putney, Saxton's River, Bellows Falls, Cambridgeport, Townshend. West Townshend, Wardsboro, Westminster, Westminster West, Wil- mington.
Met at Newfane, Oct. 3, 1922. General topic: The church as a power house. Sermon by Rev. W. R. Blackmer. Next meeting at Saxton's River.
Ministers-William F. Bissell, Walter R. Blackmer, Richard H. Bosworth, George F. Chapin, Alfred Cornell, Sydney J. L. Crouch, Walter R. Curtis, Edward C. Fellowes, Frank B. Hyde, Henry Lamb, Charles W. Mock, Theodore J. Poelman, Frederick N. Rutan, Henry H. Shaw, Fred M. Wiswall, Herbert P. Woodin, Arthur V. Woodworth.
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VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
Advisory Committee and Committee on Benevolence-Rev. W. R. Blackmer, Mr. Wilbert Renfrew, Mr. G. C. Wright.
Committee on Ministerial Standing-Rev. H. P. Woodin, Rev. R. H. Bosworth, Rev. W. R. Curtis, Rev. F. N. Rutan, Rev. A. V. Woodworth.
XV. WINDSOR ASSOCIATION
Organized September. 17, 1840; name changed to Association, May 25, 1909.
Registrar, Rev. B. A. Lucas, Windsor.
Churches-Bethel, Bridgewater, Hartford, West Hartford, Quechee. Wilder, Hartland, Norwich, Pittsfield, Pomfret, Rochester, Royalton, South Royalton, Sharon, Sherburne, Gaysville, Windsor, Woodstock.
Met at Windsor, June 7, 1923. Sermon by Rev. E. T. Ford. Next meeting at Bridgewater.
Ministers-Richard F. Beyer, Albert B. Cristy, Ernest W. Eldridge, , Edward T. Ford, Charles O. Gill, Herbert H. Hines, Burton A. Lucas, Robert W. McClure, Charles F. Partridge, Edward E. Robbins, Everett L. Shaw, Levi Wild.
Advisory Committee-Rev. H. H. Hines, Mr. H. C. Pease, Mr. H. A. Armstrong.
Committee on, Ministerial Standing-Rev. H. H. Hines, Rev. B. A. Lucas, Miss F. S. Walkley.
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATIONS
Nearly all of these Associations have become inactive, and a list will no longer be given in the Minutes. For data about them, see the Minutes of former. years.
INCORPORATED CHURCHES
(For the present method of incorporation, see Sections 5701 and 5702, General Laws of Vermont)
Windsor
Sept. 13, 1830 West Newbury
Nov. 21, 1902
Northfield
Dec. 1878 Westminster
Sept. 2, 1903
Bellows Falls
March 22, 1889
West Townshend
Sept. 6 1904
Cornwall
March 22, 1889 Bethel
Dec. 30, 1904
St. Johnsbury South
April 8, 1889
Bradford
Feb. 24, 1905
Wilder
June 5, 1889
Pittsford
March 10, 1905
Newport
July 1, 1889
Guilford
Nov. 20, 1905
Derby
August 2, 1889
Randolph
Nov. 27, 1905
South Woodbury
Sept. 2. 1889
Whiting
March 14, 1906
Barnet
Sept. 2, 1889
Edell
March 18, 1907
Underhill
Sept. 18, 1889
Jamaica
Jan. 11, 1908
Jeffersonville
Sept. 30, 1889
East Hardwick
Jan. 15, 1908
Ludlow
Dec. 24. 1889
Lyndonville
Jan. 31, 1908
St. Johnsbury North
Dec. 30, 1889
Enosburg
March 22, 1909
Stowe
Jan. 2, 1890
McIndoe Falls
Jan. 3, 1910
Chelsea
Jan. 29, 1890
Rupert
April 11, 1911
Barre
Feb. 24, 1890
Winooski
April 13, 1911
Tunbridge
March 26, 1890
Alburg
June 8, 1911
South Hero
Dec. 29, 1890
North Troy
Aug. 5, 1911
Charlotte
Feb. 4, 1891
Westford
Jan. 22, 1912
Norwich
April 14, 1891
East Dorset
Jan. 11, 1913
Colchester
April 24, 1891
Pawlet
Feb. 3, 1913
Glover
July 9, 1892
East Braintree and West
Island Pond
Oct. 17, 1892
Brookfield March 11, 1913
Brattleboro First
Dec. 13, 1892
Waterbury
April 16, 1913
Randolph Center
Dec. 19, 1892
Benson
April 26, 1913
Peacham
Dec. 19, 1892
Essex Junction
May 17, 1913
Hyde Park
Feb. 3, 1893
Bakersfield
Dec. 6, 1913
West Hartford
Jan. 8, 1894
West Pawlet, Welsh
June 25, 1914
Wells River
Feb. 14, 1894
Newfane
Dec. 30, 1914
Simonsville
March 29, 1894
Brattleboro
Jan. 12, 1915
North Hyde Park
April 28, 1894
Danby
Feb. 17. 1915
East Barre
Sept. 19, 1894
Springfield
Feb. 9, 1916
Marshfield
Oct. 12, 1894
East Berkshire
Jan. 2, 1917
Williamstown
Nov. 20, 1894
Lunenburg
Oct. 27, 1917
Richmond
Dec. 19, 1894
Wardsboro
Nov. 2, 1917
Saxton's River
Oct. 30, 1895
South Wallingford
Dec. 7, 1917
Franklin
April 28, 1896
Wallingford Corinth
Jan. 23, 1918
Westminster West
Sept. 9, 1896
East Corinth
Jan. 23, 1918 Sept. 5, 1918
Brownington and Orleans
Montpelier Hardwick
Jan. 21, 1920
Berlin
Jan. 14, 1897
Duxbury
Feb. 16, 1920
Bristol
June 21. 1897
Milton
July 12, 1920
South Royalton
Jan. 28, 1899 1900
Woodstock
July 14, 1920
Chester
North Craftsbury Windham
Apr. 11, 1921
Bennington First
Sept. 10, 1901
St. Albans
Feb. 10, 1922
St. Johnsbury East
March 5, 1902
Manchester
Aug. 31, 1922
Vergennes
Nov. 11, 1902
Pittsfield
Dec. 15, 1922
Dec. 15, 1917
West Charleston
May 14, 1896
Nov. 5, 1896
Nov. 17. 1920
Swanton
Feb. 2, 1901
APPENDIX A
Statement of Treasurer Fairbanks Board for Relief of Ministers For Year Ending May 1, 1923 Dr.
Cash on hand May 1, 1922 $ 1781.39
Contributions from churches of Vermont
1063.04
Received from Congregational Board of New York, 50% of their receipts from Vermont churches Received from Christmas Fund
365.44
471.38
Income from Investments
1742.58
Investments Paid 2000.00
$ 7423.83
Cr.
Grants to Beneficiaries
$ 2645.00
Christmas Fund Payments to Beneficiaries
385.10
Investments Made
2000.00
Paid Congregational Board of New York,
50% of our receipts from Vermont Churches Treasurer's Salary
527.46
25.00
Cash on hand, May 1, 1923
1841.27
Principal amount of investments held May 1, 1923 $31002.06
Sixteen persons have been aided from the fund during the year of whom fourteen are on the list at present. Our grants to these fourteen beneficiaries are for a total of $2420.00 per year, making the average grant at present $172.86.
ALVIN C. NOYES Treasurer
St. Johnsbury, Vt., May 10, 1923
This certifies that I have this day examined the accounts of Alvin C. Noyes, Treasurer, and have found the same correct with proper vouchers for all disbursements. Balance of cash on hand is as stated eighteen hundred forty one and 27-100 dol- lars. I have also verified the above statement of investments.
J. C. CLARK Auditor St. Johnsbury, Vt., May 12, 1923
$ 7423.83
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APPENDIX
B
Gilbert E. Woods, Treasurer, in account with The Fairbanks Education Board
May 6, 1922
To Cash on hand,
$ 105.95
Income from investments,
Liberty Loan coupons,
74.37
Western Union Tel. & Tel. Co.,
105.00
Pennsylvannia Railroad,
40.00
Fairbanks Morse & Co. Pfd.,
198.00
First National Bank, St. Johnsbury,
12.00
E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. Ltd.,
35.00
Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. coupons,
70.00
A. L. Hart interest on mortgages,
145.83
Rent Rice land,
25.00
Rent Hansen land,
12.50
$ 823.65
Cr.
By paid aid, five students,
$ 300.00
paid taxes on Rice land,
44.28
paid taxes on Hansen land,
173.42
paid Quincy Valley Irrigation Tax,
1.70
Cash on hand,
104.25
$ 823.65
Invested funds at market value
$1000 Pennsylvania Power, Light & Co. Bond, $ 1,060.00
5 shares E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. Ltd.,
500.00
33 shares Fairbanks Morse & Co. pfd.,
3,300.00
12 shares Western Union Tel. & Tel. Co.,
1,296.00
16 shares Pennsylvania Railroad Co.
04.00
2 shares First National Bank, St. Johnsbury,
200.00
Second Liberty Loan,
1,000.00
First Liberty Loan,
500.00
Savings Account, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Co.,
3,684.83
Albert L. Hart, mortgage loan,
2,000.00
$1000 Russian German, 612% credit,
110.00
$ 14,354.83
Fairbanks Education Board own 160 acres of land in Grant County, Washington, known as the W. S. Rice land ; also 1691/2
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VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
acres of land in Grant County, known as the William Hansen land. Both of these pieces of land came to us by foreclosure. The interest was defaulted, and we have been unable to find a custo- mer to purchase this property, owing to the fact that there is very little demand for land in that section. This is a country where the rain fall has been very light, and the only way that the land can be made valuable is through irrigation. There is a small income from rent which will about take care of the taxes. The directors have thought best not to include this in our list of investments as it was impossible to determine its value.
St. Johnsbury Vt., May 12, 1923
I hereby certify that I have examined the accounts of Gilbert E. Woods, Treasurer, of the Fairbanks Education Board for the year ending May 12, 1923, and find the same correct, there being proper vouchers for all payments, there being cash balance on checking account $104.25, and on savings account $3,684.83. The other securities belonging to the Board have also been examined and are all as set forth in above statement.
J. C. CLARK, Auditor
C
Report of B. E. Bristol, State Treasurer of Benevolences for Year May 5, 1922 to May 5, 1923
Receipts
Cash on hand May 8, 1922, $ 129.51
Received from three churches for envelopes,
5.65
Interest,
130.01
Received from 177 churches as contri- butions, 63,783.15
$ 64,048.32
Disbursements
American Board, $ 15,440.28
Woman's Board of Foreign Missions, 7,163.83
Woman's Home Missionary
Union, 7,266.75
51
APPENDIX
Vermont Domestic Mission-
ary Society & Cong'l Home Missionary So- ciety, 14,954.52
.
American Missionary Asso- ciation, 6,007.73
Congregational Church Build- ing Society. 4,125.27
Cong'l Sunday-School Exten- sion Society, 890.81
Cong'l Education Society, Fairbanks Board of Minis-
1,919.24
terial Relief and Con-
gregational Board of Ministerial Relief, 1,109.90
Annuity Fund Pensions (for older ministers),
1,445.15
Foundation for Education,
2,768.91
Commission on Missions of National Council (Misc.). 655.14
$ 63,747.53
Billings Institute,
6.57
Near East Relief,
27.05
Vermont Bible Society.
2.00
Envelopes,
19.06
Stationery,
2.70
Premium on Fidelity Bond to June 14, 1923, Cash on Hand May 10, 1923,
18.75
224.66
Total
$ 64,048.32
Respectfully submitted,
B. E. BRISTOL, Treasurer.
Audited and approved May 11, 1923.
G. RAYMOND STIMETS
52
VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
D Rutland, Vermont, May 10, 1923
Statement of Justus R. Hoadley, Treasurer of Vermont Con- gregational Conference, for the year ending May 10, 1923
1922 Receipts
May 22 Cash from F. W. Baldwin, former Treas., $ 50.64
27 Grafton-Orange Association, balance 1921, $ 4.08
June 23 Springfield Telephone Co., overcharge 1922 Confer- ence, 4.10
Proceeds of Note at Mont- pelier Savings Bank (borrowed), 500.00
July 8 Check No. 6 to R. H. Potter (not used), 34.04
27 Rutland Association, balance for 1921, 49.00
Sept. 22 Vermont Domestic Missionary, for printing Missionary, 1922, 60.00
Received from the Association during the year on account of 1922 contributions, 2,421.18
$ 3,072.40
$ 3,123.04
1922 Disbursements
June 12 J. C. Prince, scribe 1922, $ 4.32
F. E. Davison, press agent, 1922, 12.80
23 W. F. Frazier, Conf. programs, 29.09
W. F. Frazier, telephone, 32.81
W. F. Frazier, stenographer, 8.56
24 C. C. Merrill, bills & expenses, 88.60
R. H. Potter, (check returned), 34.04
Directors' expenses (7 items), 23.11 Mr. Jump, address & expenses 31.12 W. E. Hocking. address and expenses, 35.00
Mr. Cowles, printing & director. 27.30
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APPENDIX
July 8 R. H. Potter, expenses to Conf., 10.50 Sept. 7 Cowles Press, printing Minutes, 1922. 293.95
Nov. 2 Note at Montpelier Bank, $500.00 Interest, 10.92
510.92
Nov. 20 National Council, on acc't 1922 dues, 300.00
1923
Jan. 3 National Council, balance 1922 dues, 737.40
April 14 Cong'l Board Pastoral Supply, balance 1922, 175.60
May 8 National Council, on acc't 1923 per capita, 200.00
$ 2,555.12
Balance
$ 567.92
Assets
Cash in Baxter National Bank, Due from Associations,
Essex Association 1920 $ 4.43
Essex Association, 1921 11.84
Essex Association, 1922 11.00
Lamoille Association, 1922 1.38
Orleans Association, 1922 72.92
Rutland Association, 1922
38.04
$ 139.61
Associations overpaid,
Grafton-Orange, $ .11
Washington,
.66
.77
$ 138.84
$ 106.76
Incidental expenses of the office have been taken care of outside the Treasury.
Respectfully submitted, J. R. HOADLEY, Treasurer.
I have examined the accounts and vouchers of your treas- urer and find them correct.
May 12, 1923.
MILES I. SAWYER
$ 567.92
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VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
E
REPORT OF DIRECTORS, 1922-3
Five meetings of the Board of Directors have been held during the year with an average attendance of eleven. One meeting of the Executive Committee has been held.
At the close of the Annual Meeting in May, Rev. William F. Frazier, who had been elected Secretary to succeed Rev. Charles C. Merrill, assumed office and began at once to famil- iarize himself with his new duties. There has been no marked change in the established policy of the Conference and the work under new leadership has gone on much as usual. An out- standing feature of the year has been the constructive financial work done by Secretary Frazier and Financial Secretary Sargent and as a result of their efforts the affairs of the Conference and of the Missionary Society are on a sounder financial basis than for many years.
The Association meetings in 1922 had for their general theme, "Burning Spirits and the Day's Work." The emphasis was upon that profound relation between "the life that is" and "the life that does." Without the directing vision of the in- spired heart it is idle to expect that permanent good will result from mere activity. It is true, too, that the vision which does not seek to transform itself into deeds is certain to fade away and lose its driving power. The desire that the inner life might be more rich, significant and powerful was in evidence at these meetings.
Upon the resignation of Rev. William F. Frazier as Director for Addison County, Hon. Charles I. Button of Middlebury was elected to fill the vacancy. Rev. Robert Lawton was elected Reporter and Receiver for Addison County in place of Rev. William F. Frazier, while in Washington County Mr. Herbert W. Denio was elected Reporter and Receiver in place of Rev. James B. Sargent, resigned.
The attention of local churches is again called to the de- sirability of aiding the pastor to maintain membership in the
55
APPENDIX
Annuity Fund. The expense is small as it is suggested that the local church pay only one-half of the yearly premium. Sev- eral churches have already adopted this plan which, it seems to us, is no more than fair when we consider that our ministers spend a lifetime of service with little opportunity to provide for themselves or their families when increasing years add their burdens. We believe that this service places an obligation upon the communities where it is given that should be recognized by our churches.
The Middlebury Convocation had the second largest attend- ance in its history and the spirit of fellowship was never finer. The members of the faculty were Dr. James B. Pratt of Williams College, Rev. Oscar E. Maurer, D. D. of Center Church, New Haven, Conn., Dr. M. A. Dawber of Boston University, Dr. W. N. DeBerry of Springfield, Mass .; Rev. Cornelius H. Patton. D. D., Secretary of the American Board and Rev. Vincent Ravi- Booth, D. D., of Old Bennington. Plans are largely perfected for the 1923 Convocation which it is hoped to make larger and better than ever. The large attendance and fine spirit in evi- dence at these meetings indicate the large place which the Con- vocation holds in the hearts of our minsters-and it should not be forgotten that there is always room for any laymen who may desire to attend.
The Conferences on Evangelism were held during the month of October and early November in the various Associations. The change from the pre-Lenten season to late autumn was made with the thought that better conditions for travel might bring out a better attendance. The large and enthusiastic groups present in each Association proved the wisdom of the change. Rev. Clement G. Clarke of Springfield spent a week and a half. Secretary F. M. Sheldon spent a week and Rev. C. C. Adams of Burlington spent a day in attendance, with Secretary Frazier, at these meetings.
We are glad to report that there are very few vacant pulpits in Vermont, a condition that has obtained during the greater part of the year.
56
VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
Vermont's apportionment for 1923 is $130,000, the same as for the last two years. The largest amount ever contributed by Vermont Congregationalists in a single year under the ap- portionment plan was $101,186 in 1921. While the contribu- tions in 1922 were materially smaller, they were, on the whole, very creditable when the conditions in the state during the year are taken into consideration. The distribution to the various societies will be made this year according to the following per- centages :
A. B. C. F. M. 25
Woman's Board
14
W. H. M. U. 14
V. D. M. S. and C. H. M. S.
25
A. M. A.
81/2
C. B. S.
53/4
C. E. S.
33/4
C. S. S. E. S.
11/2
C. B. M. R. 11/2
Annuity Fund
1
100
The Board of Directors recommends the following Confer- ence budget for the year May, 1923 to May, 1924 :
National Council Dues, 6 cents per member
$1410
Board of Ministerial Supply Dues, 11/2 cents per member
352
Expenses of Annual Meeting 150
Printing Minutes
225
Other Printing
50
Expenses of Directors and Committees
150
Treasurer's Expenses
20
Salary, ($100) and Expenses of Statistical Secretary Interest
10
Margin to avoid borrowing in future years
109
Total
$2586
110
57
APPENDIX
This budget is practically the same as last year and we rec- ommend the same per capita contribution, eleven cents per en- rolled member of our churches. On the basis of our member- ship on January 1, 1923, eleven cents per enrolled member will bring the treasury $2586 if each church pays its quota. The item of $150 for expenses of the annual meeting does not proper- ly provide for so important a meeting. There seems to be no way of materially increasing this amount, however, unless some friend of the Conference should feel disposed to contribute for that specific purpose, or to establish a fund the income of which should be used to enrich the program of the annual meeting.
We commend the work which has been done during the year by Financial Secretary Sargent. The man with a genius for raising money is rare but Secretary Sargent appears to have it, together with an earnest desire to help wherever help in needed. and his ability and experience can minister to the need. Dur- ing the past year the salary of the Financial Secretary has been largely met by a contribution of $1,000 from the Commission on Missions of the National Council and by a personal gift of $500. It is understood that both of these contributions will be avail- able for the coming year thereby making it possible for us to re- tain the services of Mr. Sargent.
We also voice appreciation of the earnest, brotherly, con- scientious work of Pastor-at-large Bole; and we regret that phy- sical impairment, which we hope will be temporary, has made it seem wise for him to give up the work which during his years of service, has led him over hill and dale into every corner of Vermont. We rejoice that it will still be possible for him to serve the Master even though it seems advisable that he lay down the strenuous duties of the pastor-at-large. His work has been a large factor in the development of the country field in Vermont and his friendly counsel, sound common sense and consecration to his task have helped to smooth the way of many of our men stationed in small and difficult fields.
In accordance with a vote passed at the last annual meeting
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VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
the following men were elected members of the Governing Board of the Boston Seaman's Friend Society :
For one year, For two years, For three years,
Rev. C. C. Adams Rev. Walter Thorpe Rev. E. C. Fellowes
At the February meeting of the Board it was voted that the Board recommend to the annual meeting an increase in the num- ber of Directors-at-large from three to nine; that in 1923 three Directors-at-large be elected for one year, three for two years and three for three years; and that in each subsequent year three be elected for three years; and that Directors-at-large shall be eligible to one re-election and then for a period of one year shall be ineligible to re-election. We hope this proposed change Such action will in no way affect
will meet with your approval.
the election by each County Association of its representative. It will enable us, however, to avail ourselves of the services of men and women who are keenly interested in our Congregational program and who, under the present plan of electing directors, are restricted to brief terms of service. This additional num- ber of Directors-at-large will give stability to a Board that, of necessity, is constantly changing.
We here express our appreciation of the capable and effi- cient service which Secretary Frazier has given the Conference and the Missionary Society during the past year. It is always difficult to pick up the burden where one's predecessor has laid it down and go forward without stumbling. Yet Secretary Frazier assumed his new responsibilities and has gone on doing the day's work quietly, methodically, efficiently. He has brought to his task a clear insight into our problems, a knowledge of men and a business sagacity and financial sense rare in the Secretarial world. He has himself been in the field a consider - able part of the time because he has realized that in no other way could he so quickly familiarize himself with conditions in Congregational Vermont. The exegencies of the situation will probably require that the Secretary devote even more time to field work next year and our churches will profit thereby.
59
APPENDIX
WE BELIEVE the services of an efficient Secretary should be retained and we, therefore, present the nomination of Rev. William F. Frazier as Secretary of the Vermont Congregational Conference for the year 1923-24.
F THE SECRETARY'S REPORT
When, twelve months ago, I was chosen Secretary of this Conference, the immediate necessity seemed to call for the con- solidation of the gains registered during the five previous years rather than for any new or untried experiments. Building upon the foundation so wisely and amply laid by our honored Secre- tary Emeritus, Dr. C. H. Merrill, my immediate predecessor, Dr. C. C. Merrill, developed in outline a notable superstructure. The scaffolding must be filled in with stone and mortar. It must become the permanent possession of Vermont Congrega- tionalism. This will be a work of years. If therefore in the first half of this report, I seem to be threshing old straw, I have nothing to plead in extenuation. It is done with malice afore- thought.
The Apportionment
The Vermont Domestic Missionary Society met in this church just ninety-five years ago. The report of the Clerk read in part as follows :
"The greatest advance in the cause of missions amongst us, and the plan on which,-if judiciously prosecuted-the socie- ty may probably rely for most immediate aid, is that originated and set on foot by the Rev. Miles P. Squiers, agent of the Amer- ican Missionary Society for the Western District of the State of New York.
"This gentleman, being on a visit the last season in this state. and learning the comparative smallness of means raised amongst us for domestic missions, suggested a plan for augmenting our funds, which has met the approbation of several eccelesiastical bodies and other distinguished individuals to whom it has been submitted. .
60
VERMONT CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The scheme contemplates raising $4000 for missionary pur- poses in this State for the ensuing year, by apportioning a sup- posed reasonable share to the several congregations. One-half of this sum is supposed to be undertaken for by the counties lying on the east side of the Green Mountains, and the others by those on the west; and the amount placed in the hands of the Board is intended to establish forty local Missionaries, in as many stations, for the first year. Several congregations have already gone into the measure, and these express their surprise at the increase of means thus obtained and the facility with which it is done."
The year following he was able to say that those sanguine hopes had been quite fulfilled.
The apportionment plan is right, whether for a single socie- ty or in its larger development as the method by which all our missionary giving is carried forward. Men of long experience in the state declare that it is gaining in popularity and that never in our history was there a more avowed and wide-spread ambi- tion on the part of the churches to accept their quota and raise it.
The springs of generosity are, however, deeper than the pressure that can be exerted by quotas and drives ; more compell- ing than the rivalry between towns and counties. Christian giving has two roots, the spirit of Christ-like compassion and a knowledge of the world's needs. Let us not be deceived. If either of these roots wither the apportionment will not save us. Whether they are kept alive or not, depends as truly as ever upon the consecration, the intelligence and the persuasive mes- sage of the local minister.
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