The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-05-25
Methodist Convention.

Inc DunNuit DsJflCt VI thc 0ohuhi
Pennsylvania Conference held their an
nual session in the Methodist church OF
this place this week. The Convention
represented over 40 pastoral charges The
delegates were called to order by Rev. NJ
l.. Smyscr p. f., OF the district, on Mon
day evening. The opening religious ser
vices were conducted by Revs. NJ. L.
Smyser, II. G. Pardoe and II. s. Reay.
The following persons were elected officers
for the ensuing year; President, Rev. NJ.
l.. Smyser Secretaries, Revs. NJ. l..
Drum and H. Z. Sutherland; Treasurer,
Lloyd Sharpless Several visiting brethren
together with the pastors OF churc hes in
the town were invited on motion to take
part In the convention. The subj ect Of
ministerial courtesy, or what is due one
pastor to another, was discussed at length.
This is live question in the Methodist
church, and elected considerable attention.
Inasmuch as the pastors are constantly
changing, Rev. w. w. Evans thought that
one very important thing for pastor to do
after he has been removed from place
was to cease to act as pastor. AS this is
not always done it causes trouble. Pas
tors visiting members OF other churches
was considered by Rev. d. Monroe as a
breach of ministerial etiquette. The rela-
ton of u pastor to his people, and the peo.
pies duty to their pastor, was also thor
ougbly ventilated. The audience enjoyed
the several salies of wit which this dis
cussion called forth.
The second days session was devoted to
the further discussion Of the pastoral work,
and the work of the Sunday School. Rev.
j. Buckley spoke upon the subject Of
mutual helps at rcvivals. He thought the
cooperation OF several ministers would re-
suit IN an increased variety Of thought
giving greater efficiency as the result. A
resolution, the subject of which was to
make practical test of the matter, was
presented and discussed by Rev. F. b.
Riddle, who thought that Evangclists
should not be employed. Rey. w. w.
Evans and others made addresses upon the
subject.
Rev. z. Lloyd created a smile by the re-
mark that IL part of the passengers on
board of the ships OF Zion were thrown
overheard she would float more easily.
The interest manifested in this part Of the
programme was such that the time was ex-
tended. Rev. j. b. Mann, II. G. Pardoe,
r. L. Armstrong j. w. Buckley, r. r.
Wilson, z. Lloyd and D. Monroe made ad-
dresses pro and con, after which the con-
vention voted in favor of trying the matter
during the year.
The best method Of lifting the benevolent
collections was discussed by Revs r. L.
Armstrong, w. W. Evans, r. Wilson and
Others
The subject of mission work IN unoccu-
pied fields in the district took up the bal
ance Of the morning session. In the after
noon the Pastors relation to the Sunday
School was defined by the Rev. II. G. Par
doe. Revs. II. b. Fortner and ID. +.
Styles spoke upon the qualifications and
duties of the Superintendent. Rev. z. Lloyd
and others enlarged upon the same sub
ject. Rev. d. II. Shields, and J. X. Rote
called the attention of the Convention to
the training Of children, as performed in
the home, the school and the church. Rev.
Y. Lloyd favored the delegates with a
hymn, after which the work of the teacher
was thoroughly discussed for the remain
der OF the afternoons session. A fine es.
say upon the subject Of helps at the Teach
ers disposal was read by l.. B. Kline M.
d.
WEDNESDAYS SESSION.
An effort was made to take up the topic
| discussed Tuesday evening, viz "The
| Church Lyceum and the Chautauqua Lit
erary and Scientific circle, contrasted."
| After mutual explanations and concessions
by number Of delegates who participated
| in the discussion Tuesday evening the con-
vention thought it best TO take up the reg
ular program. Both sessions Of Wcdnes-
| day were occupied in discussing question
peculiar to Methodism since its beginning
that of classes and class meetings. This
church, we believe, is the only one that
maintains the necessity of sub-pastoral
relationship. The design OF the class
meeting was the subject of an address by
Rev. ]. II. Mortimer The two problems
for solution in the church of to-day, were
1st. How to secure attendance. end.
How to secure efficient leaders. Rev. W..
w. Evans, ]. z. Lloyd, Z. d. Leidy, and
others, followed in short addresses. 1t
was very apparent that the convention was
of the opinion that this peculiar feature of
Methodism was a necessity as promoter
of spiritual life.
| Rev. |. ii. Terrence, Secretary Of the
American Bible Society, and Rev. M. P.
Crosswait were introduced to the conven-
ton. After which the duties of the Leader
to his pastor, his members, and to the
church at large were defined by Rev., d.
Monroe, d. d., II. c. Pardoe, S. Smith,
and several others. A special committee
of four, with the President as chairman,
were selected to arrange for the next an.
nual meeting.
The afternoons session was occupied by
the delegates in considering the best
means to secure the attendance OF the
members. OF late years there has been
a neglect on their part, and the church is
endeavoring to change the current. After
the queston-box had been opened and the
questions answered, the convention ad.
journed,
Programme for Memorial Day.