The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-11-20
Reported for the Dispatch.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
RST DAY-COSTISUED.

1t was ordered that the examination OF
the character of the preachers be conducted
with open doors.
Much discussion ensued here as to
whether the presiding elders should state
the deficiencies of the preachers in their
salaries with the causes thereof, the Con-
ference last year having passed resolu-
ton to that effect. The resolution was con-
firmed.
The following superannuated preachers
passed in examination of character, and
we're continued in their relation: Jacob
Slough, Alexander Stewart, Joseph Carson,
S. 7. Norman, John c.. Garlick, William
4. Robinson, H. Billups, Benjamin Devany,
NJ. NJ. Dance, NJ. Thrift, and B. NJ.
Williams.
Alexander G. Brown offered his resigna
ton as chairman Of the Joint Board of FL
nance; which the Conference declined to
accept, and he was continued in office.
A communication was received from 5. I.
Norman, Of Richmond, in reference 10 his
condition and labors. Oue Of the fathers
of Virginia Methodism, Mr.. Norman Is
one Of the most esteemed and devoted mem
bers of the Conference.
The examination Of the character Of
elders vas commenced, Bishop Early in
the chair, and the following names were
called and Approved Lconidas Rosser, n.
Head, G. ". Laughorne, r. n. Sledd, j. IL.
Crown, E. NJ. Peterson, L. NJ. Lee, g. G.
Pearson, G. c. Vanderslice, r. N. Crooks,
f. NJ. Edwards, J. l.. Shipley, F. J. Boggs,
f. n. S. Blogg, and W. ". Bennett.
W. G. L. Cunningham, Assistant Secre-
tary Board Of Foreign Missions, sent to the
Conference through Bishop Wightman
highly encouraging communication. he
reports large revivals in the Indian Mis-
sion Conference, the membership IN some
places having been more than doubled.
In that field there are five white missiona-
ries and fifteen native preachers operating
among the Cherokecs, Creeks, Choctaws,
and Chickasaws. These tribes number
about $4,000 souls, and the Methodist
Church membership is about 1000. Before
the war there were thirty preachers and
membership of 5000. There is one school
among the Creeks, but it is in an emoar-
raised condition.
In China, the missionaries have access to
every part of that vast empire. Govern
ment officers are inquiring for our books,
and attend our chapels. The native
churches are growing rapidly, and that by
the addition of the higher class OF society.
Not one soul has apostatized among the con-
verts. The missionary debt has been re-
duced to 50 900. The secretary appeals to
the Conference for pecuniary aid.
The annual exhibit Of the Southern Me-
thodist Publishing House-A. ii. BEDFORD,
AGENTS. as follows: Assets, $l73, S9S.Ol ;
liabilities, S49,822.42. Net profits from
June 80, 1867, to June 80, 1868, $4,000.
The publishing house is represented as be-
ing in a state of gratifying prosperity.
Conference adjourned with the benedic-
ton by Bishop Wightman.
SECOND DAY.
CHARLoTTEsvILLE, November 10.
| Conference met pursuant to adjourn
ment-Bishop Wighiman in the chair.
Religious exercises were conducted by
George W. Motley.
| The roll was called, and the following
members, not present on yesterday, ap-
| peared and took their seats: John W. How
ard, J. L. Spencer, j. McMul!en, W. F.
Balm, Z. NJ. Peterson, J. F. Finnell, L. NJ.
Lee, IT. A. Ware, J. P. Garland, ]. NJ.
Saunders, Fl. P. Mitchell, J. II. Amiss, H.
NJ. Linney, w. W. Bennett, J. A. Duncan,
R. B. Beadles, P. W. Archer, R. 0. Burton,
J. E. McSparren, E. H. Pritchett, L. Il.
Greybill, Y. G. Vanderslice, W. E. Allen,
J. w. F. Jones, w. w. Spain, j. w. Con-
nelly, Joseph E. Martin, F. NJ. Edwards,
T. B. Sargent, and j. D. Hauk.
The following lay members appeared: ".
Gill, J. r. Kilby, Asa Snyder, L. D. Ira
vers, and J. A. Wingfeld.
J. X. Powers was placed on the super
animated list.
| DARCY Paul, treasurer Of the Conference
Missionary Board and of the Joint Board
of Finance, rendered his resignation Of the
position he has so efficiently filled for many
years. His loss to the Conference is ire
parable.
jacob Manning, J. P. Garland, and James
C. Martin we're appointed committee on
Church property.
The examination of character was re-
sumed, and the following elders passed up,
proved examinations L. S. Reed, W. J.
Edwards, r. w. Watts, j. ]. Lafferty, G
E. Booker, M. L. Bishop, B. c. Spiller, W
W. Berry, w. G. Lumpkin, J. w. Tucker
H. M. Linney, j. NJ. Anderson, H. Fl. Gary
W. |. Hunter, D. j. y. Slaughter, and ]. f
Finnell.
II. P. Mitchell will preach tonight.
Rev. Drs. Taylor, secretary of the Ameri-
can Bible Society, and Baird, agent of same
Society in Virginia, were introduced to the
Conference. DR.. Taylor addressed the
boly at length, and in the course of hif
reanrks, speaking of the destitution OF