The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1871-08-23
1 For the watcbman.l
TIER DISTRICT CONFERENCE.

beu Smter District Conference of
s. C. Conference of the NJ. E
rch, South, convened at Sumter, S.
July 9th, 1871. In the absence of
Bishop, the Presiding Elder, Rev.
e. Fleming took the Chair with the
: and dignity of one accustomed to
,onors and responsibilities.
he Conference was organized by the
tion A. j. Stokes Secretary, and
j. Carter Assistant.
he Introductory sermon was preached
Rev. S. A. Weber, in which he gave
ear exposition of the relation which
sustain to each other as members of
great brotherhood, and the privil~
and responsibilities resulting there
There was large attendance Of
listers and laymen upon the Con-
ence.
The first two days were consumed
efly in hearing reports from the diff
ent charges. These repc" .eveloped
A&t there was low state of pirituality
hin the bounds Of the District. This
! was deeply deplored, and the
theren had by faithful prayer and
nest efforts, been eudeavoring to
: buse the church to an appreciation Of
privileges and duties with some
cess.
Instead eff appointing committees on
various subjects usually considered
District Conferences, the Presiding
der fthe District selected suitable
rsous to prepare essays on the subjects,
eks before the meeting Of the Con-
ence. There was one general COM
ttee on finances appointed, composed
BED of one delegate from each charge
the District
Bishop Wightman appeared on
turday and presided over the Con-
fence with his usual ability and dis
tch. This last day of the conference
5 employed on hearing and discussing
report OF the committee on Minis
sial and general church support" and
essays on the subjects selected BY
Presiding Elder. The time allotted
these subjects was however SO short
1t the discussion OF them was neces-
lilly hurried and imperfect aud some
By importau subjects were not reached
Ball.
There was preaching daily, at II
flock, 4 NJ, and 81 Pm The
eachins was clear AID seriptural, ac-
mpauied with the Holy Ghost. The
shop preached with great power to a
bwded house at II o'clock, Saturday
ID Sunday. Sunday afternoon was
voted to "Our little People" 4
ge audience of children and grown
people assembled at 5 P NJ, and
re addressed by Revs. j. R. Little,
j. Stokes, and Bishop Wightman.
be Sunday School interest is highly
preciated 10 Sumter and efficiently
pducted. Considering the Conference
"a whole it was decided success.
&The mature deliberations Of the Cou-
Feuce were expressed in the following
Solutions
N. That we give our "aid to the ac-
edited agents of the Colored NJ. E.
8urch, in America" in the organizations
the colored people into classes and
arges.
Il. That copy Of the foregoing reso-
tion be foiwrrded by the Secretary to
shop Fanderhost.
3. That the Southern Review" pub
bhed by the South Western Publishing
)3ouse, St. Louis, No., the "New
louthly Magazine" and Christian Ad-
Scate, published by a. H. Redford.
,sshville Teun., and the Southern
hristian Advocate published at Macon,
H., by j. w. Burke & Co., are emf
ently worthy Of our favor and patron.
Is. That we regard the educational
terest intrussed to our church as
eond only to the gospel of the grace of
pd.
Is. That we pledge our encourage
ent and support to our Institutions
4 learning and to oil proper eHorts 10
Using the assessment for Wofford Col
ge, and cooperation in assisting the
Tent Rev. W. P. MouzoD, in raising
knds for its permanent endowment.
86. That an Educational commission,
Insisting of one member from every
barge, be raised by the conference to
$ise funds for the support of bene-
eiary at Woford College, preparing for
be work Of the ministry.
I 7. That in the opinion Of the confer
bee it is deemed unadvisable for the
sinistry of the church to participate in
By practical effort to raise the means
Dat may be needed for their support.
(. 8. That the Conference consider it
Al