The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1866-04-18
Methodist Episcopal General Conference.

We make Up short summary, as lar as known
Of the assembling and proceedings of this body,
as taken from the Nes Orleans Crescent by the
Charleston Courie7,-embracing two days,-and
which convened at NcGehec Church, Carondelet
street, in that city, April 4th.
The Rev. Bishop Early was chosen President
and Rev. Dr.. Summers elected Secretary. Dele
gates present numbered two hundred, with about
forty expected to arrive Immediately. Rules Of
last General Conference were adopted for present
guidance.
|, The President laid before the Conference a
very interesting communication from the Rev
Bishop SouIe the senior Methodist Bishop of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the old
est minister of that Church in tie United States
and probably in the world, who, at very al.
ranced age, still lives near Nashville. twas ad,
dressed to the Rev. Dr. McFerrin, and reduced
by him to writing and approved as correct. The
Bishop felt that it was impossible for him to be
present with them, though he earnestly desired
so to be- He was calmly. awaiting with steadfast
hope, the great change. He gave thcnl much
earpFFHs+ ca rFF ard n fo rescrvot;o9 4 bo ;tnc
rant system, which he thought vital to the Church
and to religion.
Speaking Of the proposed change in the name
Of the Church, he greatly favored, if any change
was made, that Of the ''Wesleyan Methodist Epis-
copal Church." as, tie Church was essentially
Wesleyan in its distinctive character.
AS to the increase Of Bishops, he thought it
should never reach the having one for each Con-
ference; evidently because it initiated some
what against the theory and system Of the itine-
rancy.
The Bishop also referred them to his views on
the principal subject, in preface to the work of
Rev. Mr. Beauchamp, which had been published
by the Methodist Episcopal Book Concern.
Bishop Soule also expressed willingness to
see the laity represented in Conference, but in
such way as not TO interfere with the ministerial
functions, and not to draw upon the treasury, as
now provided for, to pay the cost of their attend
ance.
Other suggestions were made Of great value.
Much of the business we omit as Of a general
routine character, The Rev. DR.. Sehon, OF the
Louisville Conference, presented and read a
lengthy report Of proceedings in reference to
various missions, and Of their present condition.
A report from the Montgomery Conference, on
the general condition Of the Church and proposed
changes, was presented and excited lengthy de-
bate, which was extended to, and beyond, the
regular hour for adjournment without decision
being had.
Committees were appointed and times and
places fixed upon for their meeting, after which
Conference adjourned, to meet next day.
THIRD DAY.,
The delegates of the (Southern) Baltimore Con-
ference were Introduced, and Rev. DR.. Sargent
and Rev. Mr.. Poysal we're cordially received and
took their seats
The-Episcopal Address was then read, and re-
ceived with approval and admiration.
Rev. Dr.. Palmer was introduced by the Prcsl-
dent, and invited to take seat within the bar.
Rev. DR.. Myers and Rev. Mr. Martin were ap-
pointed additional Secretaries
The report Of the book agent and publishing
house Of the church was read. It showed that in
1858 the assets were $459,733 and the liabilities
$l00,GIG, leaving balance in favor Of $35S,SS6;
but that one item Of $4,000 had been overlooked.
Entering into particulars from that time onWaTGs,
it shows how the liabilities had been reduced,
until in 1851 the agent left Nashville and did
rot return till after the surrender of the Conted-
crate States armies. After the Agent left Nash.
vile the building was taken possession of by the
military and was lbellcd for contScaton; but it
was subsequently ordered by the President to be
released on payment Of costs. Yet it was trans
ferred to the Freedmens Bureau before the agent
could regain possession of it. Everything on
the premises was more or less injured.