The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-04-19
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE H. Z
CHURCH. SOUTH.

We present in another column OF our paper
this morning, the Bishops Address to the den-
eral Conference Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and feel assured, it Will De Pc
rused with interest by q large portion OF our
readers. The Bishops review the affairs OF inc
Church. since the Conference last met, elght
wears ago call the attention of this bedy to the
leading interests of the Church, such as Sunday
Schools and the various educational lnstitutions,
that have suffered much BY the war; recommend
some action, having in view the establishment o'
seminaries, for the training of preachers. Ihey
speak of the various changes and notifications
in Methodist economy, that seem to be de-
manded.
The Bishops we think, may reasonably be con-
sidered the representatives Of the extreme con-
seryative element Of the Church and when We
find them apparently favornbly inclined to many
of the reforms proposed, it is fair to presume
that they will be carried. They snggest that
"certain improvements in the economy OF the
Church may be wisely undertaken at this timo,
and urge an increase of the number Of Bishops,
without favoring the strictly diocesan plan, l. e..
to have Bishop for every Conference. The Ad-
dress is signed By Bishops ANDREW, PAINE, EARLY,
and KAyANAaH. The venerable soULE, the senior
of the Episcopate, is not present, being detained
at his home near Nashville, by reason of the nat
ural infrnity, incident to extreme old age.
There is every probability, we think, OF a
lengthy session Of the Conference, unless the hot
weather of New Orleans shall have an effect to
shorten debate. Never before was there 30 much
requiring the attention and legislation Of this
the Supreme Council Of the Church. We will in
dicate few only Of the leading topics.
The name Of the Church is to be changed. 1t
is alleged there is no longer any reason, why the
Southern afix should be retained; that name
pointing to such geographical limit, is calculated
to exercise an injurious influence on the efforts OF
the Church to extend the sphere Of her useful
ness.
The relations with the NJ. E. Church in the
North will necessarily become subject OF dis
cussion. The tone Of the press and pulpit in the
Northern Chursh has become much more tenn
perate Of Late and offers Of rsunion frater-
nization may yet be brought about, though not
Immediately in prospect.
There will be several new Bishops elected. How
many we cannot say. We know few only Of the
prominent ministers, spoken OF for this honorable
Office. Rev. W. NJ. WIaHTMAN, DID,, OF Charles
ton, now Chancellor Of the Southern University
at Greensboro, Ala, who for years edited the
Southern Christian Advocate in this city, is one oi
those whose name is mentioned in this connec-
ton. No one could be more suitable or better
qualified for this responsible post. DR.. Tuos. o.
SUMMERS, Of Alabama, also we'll known in this
city, and great favorlte with all denominations,
;Ioto nro
and EDWARDS Of Virginia, DR.. McTYIERE Of Ala
baln1, DR.. GREEN Of Tennessee, and DR.. KEENEn
Of Louisiana, enjoying the esteem and confidence
of the entire Church, are mentioned We shall
probably learn the decision and choice Of the
Conference in few days.
The subject Of Lay Representation, the aboi-
ton or modification of Class meetings, and vari-
ous other changes in the economy and Discipline
of the Church will be discussed and acted on.
There is evidently a great change, in respect to
all these questions in tho minds of many OF the
leading ministers, as well as in large portion Of
the laity OF the Church.
The Boundary question, the interests of the
Publishing House, the various Church periodicals,
the educational institutions, the missions, the
colored people, and the proposed establishment
OF theological seminary, all claim attention, and
must be acted on by this body. We shall look
forward with interest to the further proceedings
OF this intelligent and influential ecclesiastical
body, and communicate to our readers, from time
to time, such information, as We think would be
likely to interest them.
THE CONFEDERATE DEAD.
The Richmond Examiner, Of Tuesday, has q