The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-11-21
VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE ME
THoDIsT EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH.
FIFTH DAY.
Special telegram to the Dispatch.

Special esgram TO the Dispatch.
PORTSMOUTH. VA, November 2Q.-ies-
terday Bishop Paine ordained nine preach
ers and deacons at the Dinwiddie-Street
church, and at night, in the Central
church, assisted by Bishop Doggett, be
ordained nine deacons to the Office of
elder in Gods Church. On Saturday
night the missionary anniversary was held
in the Court-Street Baptist church. About
$500 were realized as the collection.
The Conference met this morning pur-
suant to adjournment-B!shop Paine in
the chair. after prayer by John W. How
ard, the minutes were read and approved.
Leaves of absence were granted to w. W.
Duncan, T. T. Peters, W. II. Turner, L.
B. Browne, a. B. StIutton, Il. NJ. Bass,
and T. W. Garrett.
DR.. Y. l.. Spencer was granted super
nunerary relation.
Alexander G. Brown read letter from
james Carson. the oldest member of the
Conference, expressive Of his dssappoiEt-
mcnt at not being able to attend the session
and Of his warm affection for the members.
Bishop Paine stated that he was con-
vered under the mini>try Of Thomas Logan
Douglass, and that he was born and reared
to young manhood in the bounds of what
was then the Virginia Conference.
Alexander G. Brown moved that the Con-
ference express its deep affection for Brother
Carson and assure him Of its prayers for
bis welfare which was adopted.
Bishop Paine submitted letter from J.
A. RiddcE, OF Sussex county, asking a
supelnumcrary relation which had already
been granted.
On motion Of II. 3. Cowics, the Confer
cnce expressed its sympathy with Bishop
Early in his affection and its unabatcd love
for him.
On motion Of DR.. Edwards, E. NJ. Peter
son submitted the report on Sunday schools.
1t declares that religious training Of chill
drcp is next in Importance to the ministry
of The Word. During the year hundreds OF
scholars have been converted. "At no pc"
od has greater interest been manifested
in Sunday schools" There are now about
81, 0G0 scholars In bounds OF Conference.
The report asks no disappointment OF an
agent, bat urges increased efforts in tue
cause and the importance Of teachers meet
ings ; Of the adoption Of ore.lessOn system.
1t f,Yors the denomnatioral instead OF
union schools, endorses Sunday-school pub
locations of the Nashville house, r. Ks that
conversions in the schools he annually re-
ported, aud requests the Executive Com
mittcc to report 10 the next Conference q
plIn for the support Of general agent.
Alter 4 very earnest and prolractcd de-
bate The report was amended and adopted.
Bishop DogGctt took tic chair while the
Sunday school report was under discus
si0n.
Thomls W. Glrrctt, in behalf Of mauy
lay delegates, moved that the action of the
last Conference increasing the number OF
lav delegates to district Conferences be re-
sclnded, and that only two laymcn be here.
after allowed from each pastoral charge. 1t
was adopted, after the inevitable discus
sion.
Exceedingly large and chatty audiences
attend the SESSIONS of the Conference, and
the question Is often asked, Who talk most
in Conference, the ladies or the Methodist
preachers
The Conference adjourned with the ben
cdiction by Bishop Doggett.