The Portland daily press., 1866-06-09
New England Methodist Convention.
ESPECIAL REPORT FOR THE PREss.l

Boston, June 6, 1885,
Weonesddy, Pm. The Convention gath
cred In front of the old Elm Tree. where Jesse
Lee preached the first Methodist sermon in
Boston, in 1880, to be photographed, after
which they stood around the tree and SANG
"All hail the power of Jesus name.y
many spectators were present, and 1t was
very interesting scene.
Convention met at 8 o'clock. After singing.
Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of the Vermont Confer
ence, addressed the throne of grace. The au-
dience is very large. A layman from Yer
mont spoke on ministerial Support Thought
outsiders might organize auxiliary societies.
Hon. j. j. Perry, of Maine, was called for, and
came on to the platform and delivered brief
address. Our people have not been educated
up to the right point in this matter. We
need more system in practical operation.
Laymeh have different standpoint of obser-
vation. Mr.. Perry was frequently applauded
The clergy in blissful anticipation ofa better
support, greeted the speech with frequent
Amens. Mr.. North ofNew York, also address
ed the convention, in a speech full of point,
anu greeted with storms of applause. Mr..
Neal, layman from the New England Con-
terence, also spoke in very sensible manner,
and in christian spirit; expressed himself
strongly in favor Of Lay Delegation. Rev Mr..
Quimby, Of New Hampshire, spoke A res
olution was adopted, requesting W. @. Brown
toprepare treatise on Ministerial Support
and Church Finances, and present it to the
Book Concern for publication. Rev. L. ID.
Barrows, d. D., read an essay on Ministerial
Transfers. Rev. Mr.. Bailey, of the N. e. Con-
ference, made very amusing speech, and yet
thoroughly earnest effort. He was severe up-,
on place seekers and was loudly cheered.-
Rev. Mr.. Willetts, of the Providence Confer
ence spoke well on the need of a more beney-
olent spirit and practice. Hon. M. j. Talbot
of Maine took seat on the platform.
Ecening, II O'Clock. The announce
ment that Bishop Simpson would speak has
filed the Temple. Rev. Mr.. Bailey Of the N.
E. Conference offered prayer. Rev, j.. FL.
Twombly read an essay on the Development
Of the Social Power of the Church. 1t isa
paper of much importance and interest. The
artist sent In specimens Of the picture taken
this afternoon, which is pronounced very good
by those who have examined IT, The histor-
ical old elm tree is very conspicuous in the
picture. Its cost is IS 90, and it win be sent
to any part of the country. Governor Evans,
OF Colorado, a member of the NJ. E. Church,
is on the platform this evening. Also ]. t.
Peck, ID. D., recently from California.
Bishop Simpson, ON rising to speak, was
greeted with long-continued cheers. The inn
mense audience gave hum their undivided at
tention. He is considered by many the first
pulpit orator in the United States. In the
Methodist Episcopal church there are al
most million of members at the close of
the first century of her history. More than
25OO people are listening to the Bishop this
evening. The scene must cause the spirit of
Jesse Lee in Heaven to shout aloud for joy
What has God drought How great the con-
trast between this scene ami Lee preaching
under the Elm Tree. The Bishop spoke
strongly in favor of the Convention.