New-York daily tribune., 1844-05-02
Reported tor The Tribune.
Geueral Conference orihe Methodist Epis-
cnnnl Church.

This body, which holds its sessions quadrennai-
". convened in the Greene street Church, III this
CITY. Yesterday morning nj 9 o'clock. 1t is COM
posed of I20 Delegates, representing thirty-hree
Annual Conferences extending from Maine TO Tex
as. besides two Representatives OF the Wesleyan
Methodist Missionaries in Canada. three from the
Canada Methodist Church. and three from the Can
ada Methodist Episcopal Church.
All the Bishops of the Church were in attend
ance. as follows. viz: JOSHUA SoULE, ELIJAH
HrDDING, JAMES o. ANDREW, BEVERLY WAUGH,
Thomas A. MORRIS. There were also present as
spectators, large number OF preachers and lay
men. not members.
The scene presented nj the opening of the Con-
ference was one of deep and thrilling Interest,"
Among the members many men hoary with age. whose
venerable appearance and serious though cheerful and bcns
nan aspect calculated TO inspire no; only respect but
venerniiou. There also many IN middle LIE. and III the
l maturity gifted intellect and elolucncc. The number
of young and inexperienced men very small Few public
bodies in our country perhaps whether civil or eccesns
teal embrace greater amount G effective talent than Is com
psed among the members OF this Conference The chair
taken by the Senior Bishop JOSHUA SOrLE who commenced
tie proceedings by reading the 81 chapter Of Corinthians
The whole Conference then united in singing. IN the tune OF
Windhnm. the hymn commencing
Draw near o Son of God draw near.
Is with thy !lami!: eyes behold
Prayers were then Offered by Rev GEORGE PICKERING OF
the New England Conference ana the Rev WILLIAM "a
rrRs D. d.. OF the South Catolna Conference The Inter
concluded with repeating the Lotds Prayer, IN which Tie
whole Conference joined
The Certificates of Delegates from the several Conferences
were then called for in order when appeared that ll9 mem
bers out oihe $50 entitled to seats present THIS mum
her beng than quorum. the Conference proceeded O
elect Secretary having been agreed TO make the election
Of. DYe>pD
ell rs candidates. The gentleman first nominated 1oM
As b. SARGENT, OF the Baltimore Conference. and on the
question being put he elected by almost unanimous
vote NIeSs JAMES b. liorGHTA ALrSG. ot the Troy Con
ference and WEsLET kESSY oi the Pittsburgh Conference.
mot member ci the General Conerence were then chosen
Secretaries
The Rules ofhe last General Conference then. with
one or slight anlcndmcnt adopted the Rules oi this
Conference and. with the list OF Delegates. ordered To ue PRINT
ed Tor the use olmemie-.
Mr. EARLY. olhe Vrinm Conference offered resolution
authorizing aud requesting the Secretary Ia procure the ser
vices o competent Reporter that the proceedings othe Con
ference might be preserved IN an authentic >tnpe. ls led
10 some debate which T. P. SANFORD, DIR. BANGS. Dr. "a
prRs JouS EARLY. and Others took part The subject was
finally referred 10 nmmttee ting Of Mr. EARLY, DR.
Bases DR. CArEEs. CHARLES ELLIOTT Of the OHIO Confer
cncc and MosEs HILL of the Name Conference, who
Instructed II report this morning.
Resolutions then adopted providing Tor tho appoint
nent Of the usual Standing Committees.
The question onpponns Committee 10 regulate preaching
IN the various pupt the city and vicinity during The
o the Conference. discussed and several propositions
were male bur for o consider ;hem they
all laid upon the table.
Bishop SorLE then stated in behalf himself and colleagues
rhnr had usual prepared Address the Conference
m relation the Church. which they would he
ready present this Not knowing TINT the Confer
would he willing 10 publish It, md enring TINT 1t pub
lclv red would be gnrbcd and sepesrne by reporters.
he asked behalf of the Bishops tha, the Conference while
listening to IT. might SIT with closed doors On motion the 'e
quest was granted uud the Conference adjourned to meet ut
g.. O'Clock.