National Republican., 1883-11-17
THE vIRe1NIA MErnoD1sTs.
Full Notes OF the Third Days Proceedings
OF the state Conference.

Special Dispatch.
RICHMOND, Nov. 16.-The Virginia Metho-
dist conference reassembled In this city this
morning, Bishop George L. Pierce presiding.
The proceedings were opened with religious
services by Rev. Jacob Manning, of Ettricks
Tho second day of the next conference was
fixed for tho date of the preaching of Rev.
DIR. John Il. Edwards semi-centennial sermon.
The Rosebud Missionary society recon-
mended Rev. w. G.. Starr and Mr.. Littleton
Cockrell as members Of tho advisory board Of
that society. Tho conference confirmed the
recommendation,
Rev. A. G.. Brown read letter from Rev. f.
A. Davis, of the superannuated list, stating
that i'll health prevented his presence.
Mr.. Brown read letter also from Rev. ].
M. Saunders, ON tho superannuated list, ask
ing renewal of his relations.
Letters wero road from Rev. B. Woodward
of Spartanburg, $. G., asking renewal of his
superannuated relations. Ono from Rev. S.
II. Norman, of Amelia, aud one from Rev.
B. NJ. Williams, of Texas; Rev. Jacob Schoop
and j. A. Rddick, all of which were referred
Rev. DIR. LafTerty addressed the conference
warmly commanding new work, Studies
in the Book Of Revelations" by Rev. William
A. Crocker.
Edward c. Parham, of Chatham, N. c., and
John II. Payne, of King George, Va, and
Thomas G.. Pullen, of Northampton county,
Va, were elected to deacons' orders.
Minute question: What local preachers
are electedP
Tho name of James W. Schackford, of King
and Queen county, Va, was presented and
confirmed.
The names of Walter G. Gates of Edenton.
N G.; w. e. Grant, of Chesterfield; Arthur G..
Iordon, of Patrick; Joseph T. Roulten, of
Wicomico county, Maryland; w. A. Tomp-
kins, of Albemarlo county, Virginia. and w.
nf h,rar tvha LaI H.. Il.
the itinerant ministry three years, were
passed.
Rev. w. +. Tilett of Nashville, Tennessee,
was admitted to full fellowship, and elected
to deacon's orders.
Rev. w. L. Tillett stated that the Rev. L.
roy M. Leo had left the manuscript of work
entitled "Dispensaton of the Spirit" If a
thousand copies were taken by the conference
the work would be published. canvasser
was appointed by the bishop to canvass the
body.
The bishop called especial attention to the
work of revivals and its Importance, and ex-
horted the brethren to renewed zeal in this
work.
The following elders passed on examination
of character:
Richmond district: Rows. Paul Whitehead,
]. w. Bledsoe, A. c. Bledsoe p. A. Peterson
John Harmon, II. G. Cheatham, Joseph Lear,
Il. p. Wilson, George w. Ray J. w. Tucker,
John p. Woodward, 7. o. Edwards, A. G. Mar
tin, A. G. Watson, and James Il. Gates.
Rev. DR.. Brown offered tho following,
which was adopted unanimously
RESOLVED, That the presence of Bishop Pierce at
this conference gives us peculiar pleasure and
the, Improvement of his health flis our hearts
Resotved, That hoping that his engagement may
allow him to remain with us during the session
and to preach for us, we authorize the payment OF
his expenses, and will ever Welcome him in our
midst.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK.
A communication was received from w. G..
L. Cunningham, Sunday school editor,
dated at Nashville, Tenn, and addressed to
the Bishop and members of the Virginia con-
ference He says the Sunday school depart
ment Is in q prosperous condition. The in
! crease in scholars and teachers during the
past year was 23,86l. The circulation of our
Sunday school literature is larger than ever
before. We believe the methods of teaching
have improved and that all the interests OF
the department have materially advanced.
Rev. William Il. Edwards offered the fol-
lowing; .sar .sr.
Whereas provision was made by our last gen.
eral conference looking to the Inauguration Of a
plan for the better education of the preachers and
church in America; and whereas the Rev. ]. f.
Evans, d. d., now present In attendance upon this
the proper authorities as commissioner to raise
money for the establishment of an institution to
be known as the Paine institute, and located al
Augusta, Ga, for the purposes stated above; there
fore
Resolued, l. That we hereby give expression OF
our approval of the measures adopted for the object
proposed in the premises.
ResOiUed, g That we hereby express our graft
ficaton IN the visit of DR.. Evans to our conference
as commissioner for raising funds for the Paine
institute and the information which he has
given in reference to its present status and future
prospects.
Resolved, g. That it will be our pleasure, SO far as
may be practicable, to aid in raising the necessary
means for putting the Paine institute into speedy
and efficient operation.
Agreed TO-.
Rev. w. w. Bennett, Rev. w. w. Walker,
Rev. DIR. j. l.. NJ. Curry, and Mr. Richard
Pollard spoke warmly in behalf of the cause
Of the education of colored men.
collection was taken up for the benefit of
the Paine institute, and $229.19 raised.
Tho conference then adjourned to meet
again tomorrow morning.