Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-05-08
Maine Conference NJ. +. Church.

The annual session Of a Methodist confer
ence is always period of peculiar interest
to this branch of the church. The ministers
gather for their reunion, to greet each other,
TO talk over the tolls and labors, joys and
sorrows of the past year. There is the in
terchange of ministers, which always more or
less occurs at these periods. Each finds an
other from field of labor, which Las been
occupied by him at some previous time, and,
of course, there is the mutual inquiries for
old, dear former friends. There is always
pleasure, mingled with pain, for it is gener-
ally found that some dear friend has depart
ed; tender ties broken. Then again the rou-
tine of business, though always nearly the
same, yet has an interest in it which is always
new. SO also the anxiety naturally attend
ant upon the uncertainty of the future field
of labor contributes tothe impressiveness ofthe
gathering. Although the sessions are always
more or less business gatherings, yet these
are SO mingled with religious devotions and
anniversary exercises as places them beyond
the usual dryness of religious sessions.
As in all public gatherings, so on this oecs-
sion the place of gathering modifies very
much the pleasure or otherwise Of the meet
ing. Biddeford, though not externally very
beautiful city, yet contains very warm
hearted and generou. people. The confer
ence is very cheerfully, bountfully and con-
veniently entertained.
The church editce is one of the prettiest
and most convenient in the State, with YES.
tries. class rooms, etc, which afford every
facility for the transaction of the business of
the conference. This is the tiitieth session
since its organ cation.
The conference assembled at g o'clock A.
NJ, 9th inst, and was opened by the presd-
ing bishop, M, Simpson, ID. d., by reading
portion Of scripture from the prophecy of
Isaiah, and singing of enc Of their appro-
pirate hymns, alter which / e called upon Rev.
5. Allen, d. d., and Rev. Z. Robinson to Of
fer prayer. These prayers were appropriate,
was then administered according to the usage
of the denomination, over three hundred
preachers and people partaking.
The conference was then called to order
and the secretary of last year called the roll
of members. Nearly all the members were
present and responded as their names were
called. Two had died during the year, Revs.
r. j. Aver and VIM. Wyman. Rev. P.
Jaques was reelected secretary and Rev. c.
j. Clark assistant secretary. The usual COM
mittees were then appointed and after some
missionary business the usual ''minute bust
ness" WAS entered upon.
The examination of the character of the
defective elders and the reports from the
several charges was heard. Rev. l. Luce,
the presiding elder of the Portland district,
read a very interesting report of the progress
of the work in his district. There has been
more or less revivals and much mutual pros
perity, such as erection and Improvement of
churches and parsonages, etc. The charac-
ter of the ''elders" was all found fautless.
Considerable improvement in the finances
and amount of collections for benevolent
purposes was also reported.
Geo. Weber, ID. d., presiding elder of the
Gardiner district, also presented very favor
able report from his district. DR.. Weber,
by reason of infrmity, has decided, l hear,
to retire from the presidency of the district.
He also intends to take rest from active SER
vice.
In the afternoon was held the Sunday
School anniversary, Rev. N. Hobart presid-
| ing. Interesting and able speeches were
made by Rev. DR.. Pierce, editor of Zio1s
Herald, Rev. Mr.. Jones of Gardiner and
others.
In the evening was held the anniversary Of
the Church Extension society, Rev. ID. b.
Randall, vice president in the chair. Speeches
were made by Rev. John Collins and Rev.
DR.. Kynett, corresponding secretary of the
parent organization. The occasion was one
of very great interest and the facts and rep
RESERVATIONS presented of the needs of the
society and the work that has already been
accomplished were of very great Importance.
The conference opens well. The weather
is fine and there is promise of a very success
full and profitable session. The conference
voted to celebrate its fiftieth birthday by an
excursion, dinner and speeches at sold Or