VERMONT S. S. ASSOCIATION by H. Peebles; Frank S. Porter

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1879

VERMONT S. S. ASSOCIATION.

By H. Peebles; Frank S. Porter

The Vt. Sabbath-school Association convened upon the camp-ground at Essex Junction, Friday, Sept. 12, at 9 A. M. In the absence of both president and secretary, the meeting was called to order by Bro. W. C. White. Prayer by Eld. Butler. C. W. Stone was appointed to act as president pro tem., and Chester E. Powell, as secretary. Remarks were made by Eld. A. S. Hutchins to the effect that there were Sabbath-schools in nearly all the churches in the State, and as a general thing with a good and increasing interest. This was followed by brief remarks from several of the brethren in different churches, all saying that the schools were doing well.

Bro. Stone asked to be informed as to the best way to take the collections, and was satisfied by Bro. W. C. White’s reply that he believed the Lord had delight in free-will offerings, and that the best way was to have a box in a conspicuous place. No one need be urged, but all have the privilege of paying something. Bro. Butler then arose, expressing his great interest in the work. He made some excellent remarks, saying that the Bible and common sense plainly tell us that we should teach our children in youth and infancy what we would have them practice in maturer years.

Bro. Martin, from the Barford church in Canada, said that through the instrumentality of the Sabbath-school, three had been converted and brought into the church.

Bro. White then announced the hour for the camp-meeting Sabbath-school at a quarter before nine Sabbath morning, and also gave some very good advice relative to learning the lessons, and the duties of a good Sabbath-school teacher. The delegates were then called, and a committee on nominations and one on resolutions were appointed.

Adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND MEETING, Monday P. M., Sept. 15. Summary of last year’s reports read by Bro. H. Peebles. Report of nominating committee called for, and read as follows:—

For president, H. Peebles, So. Lunenburgh; secretary and treasurer, Frank S. Porter, North Fayston; executive committee, H. Peebles, H. W. Pierce, and M. E. Kellogg. These were unanimously elected. The committee on resolutions reported as follows:—

Resolved, That we urge all our people to avail themselves of the advantages of our Sabbath-schools, and encourage those outside our faith to attend.

Resolved, That we recommend the officers and teachers of our Sabbath-schools to hold a teachers’ meeting on the fourth Sabbath of each month.

Resolved, That we express our satisfaction with the plan of the penny contribution and recommend all Sabbath-schools to adopt it fully.

Resolved, That we recommend the Sabbath-schools to pay a tithe of their contributions to the State Association, and the State Association to pay a tithe of its receipts to the General Association.

Resolved, That we recommend the president of our association and the ministers in our Conference to hold Sabbath-school institutes, for the instruction of teachers and officers, as often as practicable.

These resolutions were acted upon separately, and all adopted. The financial report was then read by the secretary. The treasury being left so low, Bro. W. C. White took the liberty to take a contribution; and the sum of $7.30 was soon raised. Bro. White made a few remarks relative to the use of the money raised in the different schools, saying it should be used to supply the schools with maps of Palestine, Bible dictionaries, concordances, etc., for the benefit of teachers and scholars. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

H. PEEBLES, Pres.

FRANK S. PORTER, Sec.