”REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-
FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE WEST-
ERN UNITARIAN CONFERENCE.

Third Unitarian Church, Chicago, Mat 15, 16, 17, 1888.

At 8 p. M. the opening sermon of the Conference was preached by Milton J. Miller, of Geneseo, Ill.—subject,” The Spirit of Truth.”— J. C. Learned, of St. Louis, and J. R. Effinger, of Chicago, taking part in the service. The devotional hour on Wednesday morning was led by S. M. Crothers, of St. Paul.

At 10 A. M. President D. L. Shorey called the Conference to order and gave a brief opening address. In the absence of James Vila Blake, minister of the Third church, the address of welcome was given by J. LI. Jones, of All Souls church, Chicago. On motion Miss Jennie E. McCaine, of St. Paul, was chosen Assistant Secretary of the Conference. It was voted that the chair appoint a committee of five on Business and Resolutions. The committee was announced as follows: J. C. Learned, A. M. Judy, W”. C. Gannett, J. D. Ludden, J. N. Sprigg. On motion a Committee on Credentials was appointed, consisting of J. M. Good, E. M. Prince, Miss F. Le Baron.

Mr. Judy moved the chair appoint a committee of three on nominations. Carried. A. M. Judy, J. LI. Jones and James Van Inwagen were appointed on said committee.

The Directors’ report was read by the Secretary, John R. Effinger, and referred to business committee. James B. Galloway, Treasurer, submitted his report, which was referred to business committee.

Mr. John M. Ware, of Chicago, spoke earnestly in favor of considering the raising of a fund of not less than $50,000 to be devoted to the work of the Western Unitarian Conference. This was supported by Mr. Jones, who assured the Conference that if one-half of that sum could be pledged before the close of the Conference he held in his hand the pledge for one thousand more. Mr. Ware then moved that a committee of three be appointed to consider plans for raising the amount suggested; Mr. Crothers, Mr. Root, Mr. Learned, Mr. Judy and others took part in the discussion that followed.

Mr. Effinger moved that the committee be increased to five, consisting of three business laymen and two of our ministers. Amendment accepted by Mr. Ware. President Shorey spoke in favor of the motion, pledging $500 to the fund. The President appointed the committee as follows: John M. Ware, Jas. B. Galloway, A. M. Judy, J. M. Good, J. C. Learned. On motion the name of Mr. Ludden was added to this committee. Mr. Ware reported that he held in his hand a pledge from Mrs. Dupee for $500 toward the fund. Credentials were then called for.”

Reference Data:

Unity, Vol. 21, 1888, page 194