The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1860-11-23

METHODIST CohFERENcR-Frst Dny.-The
Methodist Conference of Virginia assembled
q Alexandria on Wednesday morning, Bishop
Paine presiding. We extract the following
from report OF its proceedings:
The Conference agreed 10 sit with open doors
during the examinations, which were accord
ingly proceeded WITH d, follows:
ID. S. Doggett, ID. d., Presiding Elder of the
Richmond District.-Within his district ex-
teasive reyivals Of religion had taken place,
and all the enterprises of the Church had met
with average success. The city of Richmond
was, he thought, decidedly advanced, and pro-
missed to become second to few cities in the
South. Two elegant Southern Methodist
Churches had recently been erected there,
making in all five first-olass stations in the
city. He regretted a falling off in the class
meeting system, which he thought in an al
most hopelessly declining condition. He re-
gretted this state of things, for he felt that
upon these instrumentalitles depended, to a
great degree, the vitality and peculiarity OF
the Church. He knew OF no remedy, and de-
sired, in opening, to express the wish that tbs
Presiding Elders would speak especially upon
this subject.
Rev. MIR. Cowles asked if it was not the duty
OF Presiding Elders to lead class meetings in
their Districts
Rev. Dr.. Duggett did not think it was. He
thought that the duties CT the different classes
OF the ministers of the Church were well de-
fined. and be believed that the great ends OF
doing his whole duty within the limits OF his
work.
Rev. Mr. Cowles thought that Wesley and
Asbury had lead class meetings, and that it
would be we'll for all preachers to follow their
example.
Rev. DR.. Doggett said that he had held class
many times as pastor, but never as Presiding
Elder.
Rev. Mr.. Bennett bore testimony of the
zeal, ability, and efficiency Of Dr.. Doggett as
Presiding Elder OF his District. He believed
he had inj juIed his health by devotion TO duty.
Kew. James a. Duncan also remarked upon
the exceeding acceptability with which DIR.
Doggett had discharged the duties of his office
Or. DoggettS character was passed.
As the name of each of the following preach =
ers was called, testimony was borne Of their
usefulness, as follows:
Rev. W. H. Wheelwright-during the past
year had suffered much afllictioD; was an es-
timable man. During the year there had been
no revival of religion in his charge, but he Is
much endeared to the people among whom he
has been laboring-passed. Geo. W. Motley
done good service during he past year in ais
Charge assed. J. r. WaggoneT, ]. NJ Saun-
ders, and 5. L, Moorman-all abored welt, aud
passed-the latter as a supernumerary. John
d. Observation-Disclosures tanding great discour-
asements, has labored well; & man of fine at
ta,nments, who has done his duty faithfully
passed.
H. W Beilman-received in the Confereu
last year--sent to Wesley Chapel and Rock
during which month he was taken sick, aud
after u few weeks spent 10 recuperate re urned
again TO his labor, and died at his pest, AS q
Christian man sheuld die. Rev. Robt B. Bea.
dies paid tribute TO the memory Of the de-
ceased After an inquiry as to the support OF
two children left behind by the decea sed N a.
lister, the examination of character was re-
sumed as follows:
James A. Duncan-has built a new church
ranks among the first preachers OF the city
CT Richmond, labOTS very acceptably and has
done much good-passed.
Rev. w w. Bennett-labored most accepta
bly,, and been the recipient of Bible from his
congregation at the close of his pastorship,
and his labors have been blessed. Passed.
John Bailey, now in Europe. A letter from
him was read, stating that he felt it necessary
t. remain in Europe until May next. AS q
Southern preacher, he had met with but little
sympathy, except among his own relatives
lie had, however, taken occasion to dsabuse
the minds OF many persons in relation tC
slavery, and had not been without good re-
suits following his preaching. Leave was
granted MIR. Bailey TO remain in Europe until
the lst OF May.
Leonidas Rosser said he had much less time
to preach than he desired. He had, however
expressed the great desire within him TO pros
ecute at all times the work OF The ministry
Passed.
T. l.. Wilson, suffering under diselse of the
throat and had been advised 10 remove tC
Florida. Passed.
And after u short recess, to allow meeting
of the Conference Missionary Society, the
Conference, at O'Clock, adjourned.