The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-04-20
BY TELEGRAPH.
MATTERS IN MAINE
Methodist Conference.
OPENING DAYS SESSION.
Especial to the Press.l


LEWISTON, April 19.-The ffty-second ses-
sion of the Maine Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church was opened in Park street
church this morning by Bishop Gilbert Haven
instead of Bishop Merrill as expected, the latter
Icing Frustrated with sickness in New York.
The session was opened as usual by singing,
reading the scriptures, and prayer, followed by
the administration of the Lords supper, 10
which 40 participated.
The conference roll was called by P. Jaques
the Secretary, and 70 responded. When the
names Of B. Burnham, P. G. Richmond, G.
Weber, 81. Abbott, and j. E. Walker were
called there was a sad silence, for their work is
done, land they are crowned at last"
A. s. Ladd was elected Secretary, but de-
clined serving. G. G. Mason was also elected,
but he declined. P. Jaques was then re. elect
ed and accepted; G. G. Andrews, assistant.
The usual standing committees were ordered
and on nominations were elected, the following
being the names of the chosen:
Public Worship-H. w. Bolton,
Stewards-S. F. Wetherbee.
Education-C Munger.
Sabbath. Lord.
Temperament. Hawks.
Amusements-J. 81. Trask.
Tobacco. Collins.
Memoirs-S Allen.
Family Worship-A. r. Sylvester
Centennial-D. B. Randall.
Minutes-J. r. Day.
Tracts-E. X Colby.
Post ofices-G. +. Cobb.
Presiding Eldership-S Allen.
Historian-C. G. Mason.
Statistical Secretary-A. w. Pott!e.
The names Of all the effective men in the
conference passed in review without challenge
or impeachment.
c. W. Morse asked and received superan-
nuated relation, being unable to take active
service. He made a moving address to the con.
ference, at the close of which movement was
made by A. s. Ladd to raise $500 for him by
one hundred minister's each paying S.
Mr. Morse protested against it, as he was
not needy, but the movement went on till about
one-half the amount was raised, when the
whole matter was committed to Mr. Ladd to
finish up
The presiding elders gave very encouraging
accounts of the progress of the work through
the year.
The superannuated preachers were then ex-
amined and their relation was continued.
The supernumerary preachers were examin-
c1s OohA oiicu was ulduo suptIaunuaLeQ ana
X. Atkinson was made effective. The rela.
tions of the others was continued.
AFTERNOON.
The Conference assembled at o'clock to lis.
ten to the annual missionary sermon by A. r,
Sylvester. After Introductory services by Rev.
Messrs. Bean and Hutchinson the speaker read
. his text from Tim. ID, 4tb,-"Who will have
all men to be saved" etc. The terms of the
apostolic commission show the extent of the
missionary field and Providence as we'll as the
word OF God indicate methods and agencies.
The obligations to the work rest on Gods will.
The leading thoughts presented were: /, Gods
purpose to have all men saved; 2, The means
and agencies by which salvation is to be OBJ
tanned. These thoughts were presented in a
clear and forcibe manner, and were often en-
phasized with ringing amens and halle
lnjahs 1t was good sermon, and yet there
was feeling of disappointment as Rev. Mr..
JOKES of Chestnut street, Portland, Was expect
ed to preach the sermon, as it would be the
last time we should have the pleasure of listen
ing to one so esteemed for his high order of
pulpit qualification and his gentle courtesy and
modesty. 1t is supposed he will be trans.
ferred to the city of Providence. OF course we
do not know this, but even cabinet counsels
sometimes leak out.
In the evening the Weman's Foreign Mis-
sionary Society held their anniversary. W.