Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-02-28
CORRESPONDENCE,
LETTER FROM PENNSYLVANIA.
WILLIAMsPoRT, Lycoming county, Pa,
Eahr,,nrr- 1lEe

De-,
February 18th. 1866.
The East Baltimore Conference. of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, begins its ninth annual session in
this city on the 18th proximo. Rev. Bishop Thomson
will preside, and no doubt exists to the reelection
of Rev. j. H. c. Dosh. who for number of years past
has discharged with remarkable fidelity the onerous
dutle? Of Chief Secretary. Bishop Thomson has not
exercised Episcopal office in this Conference since
his election in 1861 and his visit at this time will be
received with great cordially and good feeling He
was at one time editor of the Lddies Repostory and
again OF the Christian Advocate and Journal at New
YORK. and is graceful writer of pure classical taste.
and a man OF scholarly requirements, and with all
very able expounder of Biblical truth.
Wllamsport is a town of marked beauty, in the
midst of rich agricultural country, with salubrious
though mountainous climate well waered and highly
cultivated farms. The chief dependence of the place.
however is the lumber trade, which is conducted
extensively, giving comfortable livelihood to many
oult without regard to COST contain all modern I'M
oroVements, and are managed on magnificent scale,
INVOLVING $S.0OO, 600 in various fixtures.
In lSO6 Wiliamsport became borough by legisla-
tive enactment, and in 1870 four years later, only
numbered in population some $780, but within the
population The first s school ever held was opened
IN 1875, the first Sunday School in 1920 There are
now 10 Sabbath Schools with an attendance of 2l00
That ancient and honorable fraternity the Free
Mas9ns, the Independent order of Odd Fellows and
also the United American Mechanics United Sons Of
America and Junior Sons of America. There are
some II or IA churches. the Presbyterian and Metho
dist Episcopal being the strongest numerically, and
of equal social position to any of the others. Null
berry St. Methodist Episcopal is handsome edifice,
built of brick 50XT0 feet with tower and bell circu
lar seats, cushioned, floors neatly carpeted walls
frescoed will seat 800 persons. The religious meet
lugs of the Conference will be held in this church.
while the daily sessions will be held in the Court
House."
This body of ministers numbers some $50. beside
lay stewards committee and others having bust
ness with the Conference. Ample arrangements have
been made for the entertainment of all. 1t is ex-
pected that action will be taken concerning the
proper celebration of the introduction of Mehodism
on this continent in 1906 just hundred years ago;
by Philip Embury and Robert Strawbridge simulta-
neously; the one in New York city the other in
Frederick county, Md.
The committees of examination with the classes of
young men, who have travelled one, two, three and
four years respectively meet on Tuesday morning
March 9th, at o'clock.
The facilities for reaching city from yours are
good four trains daily arrive here the Northern
Central and Philadelphia and Erie Rail Roads.
III hours ride will bring traveller from the Monu-
mental city to (raroad casualties excepted ana
at moderate expense, say $3.50 or $500. Boarding
can be had at hotels unsurpassed by Eastern houses
at $40 or So per week. and at private houses cheaper
commodious hotel called the 'Herdie House"
kept in admirable style
Large delegations are expected from your city, as
most OF the stations change pastors according to the
old two years rule, which, it is thought will gener-
ally prevail harmonious and profitable session is
predicted by all.
You shall hear from me daily in the shape of re-
port OF Conference proceedings. TACITUS