Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-02-15

pers.
Baltimore Methodist Annual Con-
ference.
The Baltimore Annual Conference assembled
in Alexandria onWednesday, It'll inst, a large
number of ministers being present. The Con-
ference was called to order by the Rev. Samuel
Register, who nominated Rev. NOrval Wilson
as President Of the body Mr.. w. was unan-
imously elected, and at once took the Chair,
opening the session with few appropriate re-
marks, followed by singing and prayer. Rev.
J. S. Martin was elected Secretary Of the Con-
ference, and ]. E. Armstrong, assistant.
A number of ministers were proposed and
accepted as members of this Conference, hav-
inc withdrawn from the East Baltimore Con-
ference, and their names ordered to be entered
ON the rolls. John Poisal, of New York Con-
ference, was also proposed and accepted as a
member.
Rev. s. S. Roszel took the ground, in an
swer to a query, that there has been no proper
session of the Baltimore Conference since 1861,
and that he considered this the Baltimore Con-
ference proper. He moved that the entire roll,
as it stood recorded in 1861, be called, with a
view to perfectiug the present record. Among
the names called appeared that of Rev. John
Lanahan W no is amusing himself by closing
the churches Of Loudoun and the Valley cOun-
ties, with a file of soldiers to aid him in his
pious work.
The following resolution was offered aid
adopted:
ResOlred, by the Baltimore Annual Confr-
ence assembled, That Rev S. S. RoSzell, s.
Register, f. Yeitch, n. Wilson and DR.. Bond,
be appointed committee to wait upon the
President of the United States and assure him
Of the christian cooperation Of this body, in
oil matters coming within their legitimate
sphere Of operation, in so far as that may be
necessary to secure and maintain the peace and
quietness of the country.
Conference then adjourned.
SECOND DAY.
The ron Of the Conference, as revised, con-
tains ninety three names.
After the transaction of much business of
interest, even a note of whichour lmitedspace
does not admit, the Rev. Mr.. Register said that
this body had now reached a point when he
considered it time to unite with the Methodist
Church South This change in their relations,
he considered, second only to the conversion OF
the soul to God After so long period and
after passing through so many trials. he thank
cd God that so many have met under such au-
spices. He found it, under the circumstances,
impossible 10 again unite with the M. +. Church
butin them +. Church South, theymet with all
the requirements necessary for a union In an
swer to questions as to the boundaries of the
Baltimore Annual Conference, the Virginia An
nual Conference viii accord all this body will
ask. In taking the present course they may
lose much-nearly all but honor, integrity and
religion, but trusting in God, the future holds
out bright prospects, and under His guidance
they would 20 forward. In conclusion he offer
ed a Preamble and Resolutions, Of which we
can only give the following:
Resolred, BY the Baltimore Annual Confer
once in Conference assembled, that in pursuance
of the action Of this body, in 1861, wedo here
by unite with and adhere to the NJ f. Church
South and do now, through the President of this
Conference invite Bishop Early to recognize us
officially and preside over us at our present ses-
sion.
The vote being taken resulted in theafhrma-
tive without a dissenting voice.
Messrs. Register and Roszell were appointed
TO wait on Bishop Early and request him to
take charge Of and preside over the Conference.
Bishop Early, in a few moments entered the
Church, escorted by the committee, and was
received by the President, Rev n. Wilson, who
requested the Bishop, in accordance with the
resolution Of Conference to take the body I'M
der his charge and preside over its deliberations
On Monday the Conference agreed by a u
unanimous vote that the next meeting should be
in Baltimore.
The Committee, Of which Rev. n Wilson
was Chairman, appointed to wait upon Presi-
dent johnson, on Tuesday reported upon their
interesting and satisfactory interview. The
President assured them an investigation Of late
military interference in church matters should
be had
An announcement Of the appointments was
looked for yesterday, when the Conference
would adjourn.