The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-25
cQYAECTssUT METHODIST sosyaSTi0N.

The first Methodist state Cow ention ever held in
Connecticut met at the First Methodist Episcopal
church IN New Haven yesterday. There were pre-
sent at the opening about $50 delegates, comprised
OF ministers and laymen. The Convention was
called to order by Rev. Dr. Scudder, of Hartford
and Heman B. Allen OF New Haven, appointed tenn.
porary secretary, and committee on perma.
nent organization was also selected. After
devotional exercises, conducted by Rev. Mr. Brad.
ford, OF Uncasvllle, and Rev. Mr. Smith, OF Stam-
ford, the Committee on Resolutions reported The
following for officers Of the convention, who were
eected-Presldent Rev. DR.. Joseph Cummings, OF
the Wesleyan University; Vice Presidents Charles
Parker, Meriden; Rev. E. b. Bradford. Uncasvlle;
I. G. Osborn Norwalk; Oliver Hoyt, stamford; Rev.
NJ. Q. Hill, Mystic Bridge; Rev. Il. Benton, stafford
Punderlord, New Haven Secretaries. Heman b.
Alien, New Haven; Rev. J. w. Wiietts, Rockville;
Rev. w. W. Bowdltch, East Bridgeport; John e..
The first subject taken up was "The Past and
Present Influences and Numerical State Of Method.
Brewster. OF Daniesonyhle, spoke. He referred to
the wide influence which the 9ol gladuaes from tue
wesleyan University had and would have, and urged
further aid for that institution. ON the subject Of
the falling OF In conversions he gave the following
statistics:-The increase from 1890 to 1900 was
1885, from 1900 to $780, 1,1es; from 1alo to
to 1s4o, 1855; from 1910 to 1850, ALL; from 1860
to 1890 2T7l; from 1850 to 1865, 43O from 1866 to
the population was one to ninety-hve; in 1866, one
to twenty -four. The value OF the Church properly
IN the state now Is over Il, 100000
On the subject OF the claims Of educational lnsti-
tutl1ns OF Methodsm the Rev. WILLIAM PRICE,
Professor Wesleyan University, spoke upon it,
warmly urging further enaowments Tor the Uni-
versity,
Rev. ]. NJ. CARROLL, of Bridgeport also spoke ana
advocated the sustaining OF The University. and
pointed out the failure OF the Church to do as well
for such institutions as the Congregatlonalists. He
spoke against the establishment Of another Metho-
dist College at Boston.
In the afternoon, after the appointment OF pub
icatlon committee tne subject OF "rhe Increase ana
Quail cations OF the Mnistry,n Rev. AaGA HILL, Of
New haven, urged an Increase OF churches In the
cities and larger corps OF eXhofers. fhe quaif-
cations he held were natural ability education and
spirituality. Ministers should be better able TO meet
the spirit OF inquiry now abroad, and they should
have greater faith and more love.
Rev. l. SlMoNs. OF Norwalk, spoke In regard to The
qualifications Of the ministers. They should called
OF God, should believe in the Bible aud Join
faith with tenderness and have holy heart.
The duty OF tue Church respecting the support Of
the ministry was then discussed BY OLIVER lloyr OF
Stamford. He thought this could be better secured
by permitting lay delegation at the conferences
aud thus place upon the !aymen greater respons
bility.
DR.. ocKERsHAusEN, OF New York, spoke against
lay delegation. He thought II would lead to TOO
much independence ana endanger the Church.
Rev, A. Z. EGGLEsToN spoke at length upon the
where 1t does not exist and the best way OF furnish
ing ministerial service to weak churches lie
thought 1t could be effected just In the same way
that Methodlsm had been spread through the
country.
Rev. Mr.. wrLLETTs, Of Rockville, favored more
circuit work.
Rev. J. NJ. BUCKLEY, Of Stamford, thought self
supporting churches did not need the services Of the
presiding elder out that they should pay his salary
while he attended TO the weaker churches.
The Convention then adjourned untl evening.