Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-05-18
M. E. General Conference =
Bishops Address.


The Rev. Joseph Cummings, of New
England, is chairman of the Committee
on the State of the Country, and Rev. Col.
Moody, of Ohio, Secretary. -
Bishop Scott read the Address of the
Boards of Bishops, of which 10000 copies
were ordered printed for gratuitous distri-
button. 1t is document of great impor-
tance to the whole church, reviewing its
history and progress for the past four
years. Theaddress says that the Method
ist Church had proved decidedly loyal,
and given to the Federal Government her
most undivided support. Her members,
in great numbers and many of her min
listers, had focked to the national stand
ard. 1t apprehended that churches in
the loyal States would be greatly embar-
rassed in their action by the war. But
he was happy to say this had not been
the case with the Methodist Episcopal
Church. On the contrary, she had gone
forward with the good work, and with
two exceptions her annual conferences
have been held at the places designated.
1t also presents in forcible manner
the workings and strength of the NJ. E.
Churchsduring 1868. The statistics show
ed slight falling off in the number of
members, but an increase Of 272 local
preachers, and 124 churches. OF the six
teen statistical items contained in their
annual report, there has been falling
off of three, and an increase of thirteen
Their people had also contributed large
amount of reading matter during the last
four years, and much good has been done.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion,
it was feared that the Book Concern would
be disastrously affected, yet this great in
terest was never in a more prosperous
condition than to-day. 1t IS not only able
to meet all its liabilities, but the New
York agencies had made dividends.
They are generally in cheering state
of prosperity. The Sunday School cause
has not only held its own, but has, during
the last four years, largely advanced in
every particular, although the contribu-
tions to the Tract Society have not been
so great as to the soldiers. The mission
airy interest of the church was never in
so prosperous condition. The foreign
missions had been, strengthened, and
their whole works much extended, espec-
tally in the new Territories. At the
meeting of the Board in November last,
the sum of S425 .0S4 was appropriated for
the support of domestic and foreign mis-
sions. The periodicals are doing well,
and not one discontinued on account OF
the times. Even the Sentinel, published
in Missouri, although reduced in size, has
been kept up. The course of education
felt injuIiously the shock of the Rebellion
but has gradually recovered, and is now
generally in a prosperous condition.
Particular chairs have been endowed in
seven colleges, and this whole subject of
endowment is referred to the Conference.
The Biblical schools still continue doing
their good work, and should be kept
under the supervision of the church.
In regard to lay delegation, vote had
been taken in the several churches and
conferences, and stood 1881 ministers,
and 8,03l male members voting against.
In regard to the readmission of members
into the church who had been cut of by
the rebellion, they were of the opinion
that no slave holders should be accepted.
The time had also come for them to take
action in regard to thecolored members o
the E. E. Church. They recommend that
the subject receive the early considera-
ton of the Conference. The report speaks
of the high qualification of the bishops up
on having in their midst delegates from
the English and Irish branches of the
Church.
A glowing tribute of respect was paid
to theRmemory of the Rev. Francis Burns
colored bishop in Africa, the only
one ever elected by the General Confer
ence.