Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-08-30


The Wilmington District Conference
held its session in Smithville, convening
August 18th.
The representation from all parts Of the
district was large and able, all the charges,
with two exceptions, being represented
The pastors and lay delegates, generally,
arrived on the first day, and were fully
ready to transact the business for which
they assembled. Perhaps no ecclesiastical
aSsemblage ever manifested more Jealous
interest in church matters. And truly it
was inspiring, especially to the ministers,
to notice the zeal evinced by the layity.
Lay representation is triumphant success
in our church. A body of wise aud pious
laymen are power in church confer
eLce. And the pastors showed by their
reports that they are fully alive to
every interest of the cause in which they
are enlisted. These earnest laborels in
the spiritual vineyard of God, showed by
The splendid fruits, which they laid upon
the table OF reports, that their efforts have
been favored by the deWs and sunshine OF
heaven, and as they planted and watered,
God gave the increase. and a glorious har-
vest is the result.
The reports OH the spiritual condition of
the church from all the charges were truly
gratifying; nor were the financial reports
less encouraging, wherever this interest was
managed according to what is known as
the Conference plan.
he committee on parsOnageS reported
that with few exceptions the district is
well provided with good parsonages. An
assessment was laid upon each charge to
be rals, ~ Immediately The remaining funds
Necessary to liquiLate the debt on dis
trlct parsonage. The value of church
property was estimated at $1S3,OOO.
The literature Of the church is widely
circulated. Many OF the pas ors haye made
it Speciality to disseminate religious
books and periodicals. BIo. Manness,
OF Whitevillc, has sold during kthe wear
over one hundred Methodist Hymn-bOoks
and Disciplines. This is d good example.
Let it be initiated.
The Sunday School is accomplishing a
great work among the children, and where
the Uniform Lesson System las been
adopted, the success has rarely, been eX-
celled since the days of Robert Raikes
Let them be universally adopted.
The Introductory sermon was preached
by Rev. Il. 5. Moran, ID. d., and vas a
finished and powerful discourse, on the
Glores and Joys of the Christian.'' On
Saturday morning, by request of The Con-
ference, DIR. Moran read his critique on
:" kev. John Wesley and his BOgraphers."
This was a learned essay, which will be
much enjoyed by all when t appears in
pint, as the Conference Ill a1imously re-
quested its publication.
The preaching each morning and night
during the entire session was fine, accom-
panied with great spiritual power, and was
a source of triumphant joy to many souls
The sentimental service on Sabbath was
indeed, feast Of spiritual life and comfort.
One striking feature among the preachers
OF The District is the fact hat the larger
number are you1g Ntef. Yet, young as
they are, they are promising and fully con-
secrated TO the work of the ministry May
God bless and teach the young men of our
District.
The Conference had for it's presiding
officer the venerable DR.. VIM. Gloss, a man
admired and loved wherever known.
He has long lived under the protection
of God to bless the church, and Low though
in his sixty-tOulth year, has tlo vigor of
body and mind which characterised his
younger life. His remarks at the close of
the Conference were deeply touching. He
tenderly spoke to his brethren in the min
istry of his old age, his love for the cause
of Christ, and stated that during a minis.
try Of forty years he had not enjoyed a
happier time than the present session.
The only thing that tended to mar the
pleasure and peace Of the session was the
sad announcement of the sudden death of
Bro. Buie's oldest son, which occurred the
last day of the session. Bro. Buie has the
prayers and sympathy of bis brethren in
Ills atlliction. The entertainment given
10y the generous and hospitable citizens of
Smithvile was fully appreciated by the
ministers and delegates, and every one was
delighted Ni, h the visit to Smithville.
The next District Conference will be
held in Whiteville.
j. Il. HARRISS, Secretary.