The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-05-12
Methodist Conference at Lewiston.
WEDNESDAYS PROCEEDINGS.

Methodist Conference at Lewiston.
WEDNESDAYS PROCEEDINGS.
Reported for the Daily Press. al
In 1859 the Maine Conference of the M. e.
Church held its annual session in lewiston
After the lapse ofseven years we find ourselves
again convened in this thriving city. Many
Iacturing interests have greatly increased.
Large sums have been expended in improving
tne water power. The religious interests of
the people have also advanced.
Inc Conference have been heartily welcom-
ed to the hospitalities of the people. The
members ofthe Conference have come up to
this, their annual gathering, with glad hearts
and joyful countenances. The usual examin-
ations Of the several classes of first, second,
third and fourth years was attended on Tues
day, and the regular session Of the Conference
commenced on Wednesday May o, at nine
o'clock A. M. bishop Ames called the Con-
ference to order and conducted the opening re-
igious services. The Lords supper was ad-
ministered to about one hundred members Of
the Conference and few of the church. The
roll of Conference was called and 7S answer
ed to their names-one had deceased. Rev.
A. Moore was reelected Secretary. The us
ual committees were appointed. Fifteen lay
delegates had been elected from the several
Districts and their names were reported to
the Conference. ~ s r. 80 4li
The Conference ordered draft on the
chartered fund for the sum of thirty dollars to
be appropriated to the superannuated preach
ers, their widows and orphans @ss 90
Documents relating to the Sunday School
Union of the NJ. E. Church--the Wesleyan
University and the Centenary of Methodism
in America were referred to the appropriate
committees. By reference to the circular of
the S. S. Union we find there are in connec-
ton with the M. E. Church 1886 Sunday
schools; 153,O39 officers and teachers; 914,-
5S7 scholars; 2,542OS7 volumes in libraries.-
s2s5,s30 dollars had been expended for schools
in 1865 and 25,122 conversions had been emu
merated. The S. S. Journal for teachers and
young people had circulation OF about $4,000
and the s. S. Advocate circulation Of 3O4,-
500. The Tract society is also in fourishing
condition. l la >- SO SIG D
The eighth question of the minutes, "Who
are the superannuated preachers ?" was taken
up and considered. Twenty-three were con-
tinued-one, Rev. and Hon. G. Stone Of Jay,
had deceased. He had been member of the
Legislature of Maine several years, having
served in both its branches. 4s ~. .
The following document, presented by the
Secretary was adopted:
- Whereas, there are several charges within
the bounds of the Maine Conference unable
to afford an adequate support to the preacher,
and .s.-- -,
Whereas, the number of charges to be sup
piled exceeds the number of ministers to sup
ply the work, Therefore, NOV
Resolred, That SO far as itmay conduee to
the interest Of the work, two or more such
feeble charges should be united.
-CResO.Ued, That we recommend that hereaf-
ter no circuit be divided unless each of the
parts be able to give an adequate support to
any preacher that may be sent to it, except it
may be necessary 10 take from charge which
shall remain self-supporting one or more APP
pOintments to form a new circuit or mission,
or to strengthen feeble charge. r,-a.,
A special committee on Parsonages was Or
dered, and a committee on Missions was ap-
pointed. ..-.. 81, r.. ,--i
The seventh question was considered: ssWho
are the Supernumeraries ?" -- ar-
The examination of effective elders was
commenced, and seven names were called be-
fore the hour of adjournment In connection
with this examination, the Presiding Elders /
give written statement of their respective
Districts. zf
In the afternoon, N. Hobart preached from
Ps. xLvI, 1, 2 3 verses. Subject-God ref
uge for them that trust in Him. The sermon
was followed by several exhortations.
A very excellent prayer meeting was held
in the evening. Ga u. -, 6ai
THURSDAY MORNING. z
On Thursday morning the religious services
were conducted by G. F. Allen.
Several members of the East Maine Confer
ence were introduced. t ESQ les
c. G. Mason and A. s. Ladd were appointed
Assistant Secretaries. sa-a4 ..lf -t-
A constitution for Church Extension So
ciety was presented by G. F. Allen, and
adopted. l ..a-aa
Preliminary arrangements were made for
reunion with our brethren of the East Maine
Conference at their session of 1867, as twenty
years will have elapsed since the division of
the Conference. a.
The examination of Elders was resumed, 4
and occupied large portion of the morning
session. 10000