The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-03
NJ. E. GENERAL CONFERENCE.
Something About the Methods Of This
Great Methodist Assemblage.
Bishops Simpson and Bowman-Tiyely In
terest in the Election of Officers
Probabilities About the BishOpricS,
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

! Special to the indianapolis Journal
PHILADELPHIA May 2.-This great body, the
only lawmaking power of Episcopal Methodism
began its quadrennial session for 1884, yester-
day. The venerable Bishop Matthew Simpson
presided. He has held the episcopal Office for
thirty two years, exceptionally long period,
as it is seldom that minister is elected to this
high office until he has already attained to
UNCONVENTIONAL if not national dis
tinction. Indiana is proud of Bishop
Simpson, for, from 1889 to 1S48 he was pres-
dent of Asbury University at Greencastle and
while there earned the fame which since he has
achieved. Many an old Indiana Methodist de-
lights to speak of the eloquence and geniality of
President DR.. Simpson, who has since en-
chanted the ear of the world with his remark
able pulpit powers. He is now in feeble health
and will, therefore, not take very active part
in the transactions of the conference
Bishop Bowman is man in whom Indiana is
no less interested, as an ex president of Asbury
University and a great church dedicator In
deed, the Methodists of this age enjoy closer
intimacy with Bowman, inasmuch as it is but
twelve years since he left the State for an Off
cial residence in st. Louis. Much of his family
interest still remains in Greencastle. His in
him in the rank of leadership among men as
well as preachers.
1t is customary for each of the ten bishops to
preside in turn over the meetings of the General
Conference The relation of these digni taries to
the body, as to the church is somewhat singu-
lar While they are members of the church,
they have no local or conference relation, and
though they are the creatures of the General Con-
ference and preside over its sessions, they are
in no other sense connected with it. The gen
eral session is held in the morning of each day.
The committee work which constitutes the chief
part of the business is done in the afternoon.
| Evening sessions devoted to the reception of
fraternal delegates possibly and other miscel-
laneous business, will be held from time to time.
The conference meets in the Y. M. G. A. Hall,
on the corner of Fifteenth and Chestnut streets.
This is better than when the body met in Gin
cinnati four years ago, in an opera house, which
had to be given up in the afternoon for theatre
cal purposes. The conscience of the average
Methodist was somewhat wounded by the
seemly association, and while one place may be
as good as another, II only properly used, 1t
hardly seemed fitting for this rigidly orthodox
body to be so nearly identified with or reminded
of the stage. The present accommodations are
ample, though it is difficult to secure every con
venience desired for FIVE hundred dele
gates and the many visitors who will
seek admittance The delegates are the
guests of the Philadelphia Methodists and their
friends, and these entitled to reserved seats.
The entertainment of so large company for a
month is, pretty severe strain on the old
fashioned Methodist hospitality, but the denomi-
nation is quite strong and healthy in the city,
and a special invitation offered and accepted
four years ago. The next session, in 1883, may
be held in Boston, the famous Peoples Church,
Just completed, having offered the use of its
house for the occasion. The most lively interest
is taken in the election of all the correctional
officers; but as the bishops serve for lifetime and
WELD power greater perhaps than that of any
other dlgnitaries in the land, the excitement
and curiosity in reference to them is exceedingly
intense throughout the entire church Three OF
the incumbentS, Haven, Scott and Peck, have
died during the quadrennium, and it is probable
that as many or more will be elected at this
session. The conference its discretion in
the matter. committee on episcopacy is con
stituted and early report from it is expected,
and day is set for the election. There is
tendency to elect greater number than is nee
essary to meet the present demand. The sur
viving bishops seem to prefer a limited number,
while the conference for various reasons is in
clined to make more than are asked for OF
course some of the members hope for the dignity
| to be thrust on them, and Others who may not
sit in another General Conference, delight in
helping to select the chief officers of the church
There are strong arguments in favor of both
sides; but if there are only few bishops,
it is necessary to appoint more presiding elders,
who are in fact diocesan bishops, while those
who hold the Office in name are general superin-
tendents.
No minister is supposed to be candidate for
this high Office, but several have been prom
inently named for the place. Among them are
Rev. w. x. Ninds, of the Garrett Biblical InSti-
tute, in Evanston, Ill; Rev. H. A. Buttz, of the
Drew Theological Seminary, near New York;
Rev. DR.. Vincent of the Sunday school Union
of the church; Rev. G. N. Sims president of
Syracuse University in New York State, and
formerly pastor of Meridian street Church.
in indianapolis, and of Trinity, in Evans
vile; Rev DR.. Buckley, of the Chris
tian Advocate, New York; President Alexander
Martin, of DePauw University, Greencastle
Indiana; Rev. J. M. Walden, of the Book Con
Germ, in Cincinnati Dr. Payne, of the Ohio Yves
leyan University; Rev. w. +. Mallalieu. of Bos-
ton, and several others. Some will move for the
election of a colored bishop to represent the
merous members of African descent in the
church. but as it has been the policy of Method
ism to recognize caste in religion it is proba
BILE that there will be attempt to cater to any
race prejudice, and an effort will be made to
choose the very best men for the places to be
occupied.
The election of corresponding secretaries of
certain benevolent societies. agents of the Book
Concern and editors of the official periodicals is
of no small Importance. 1ndianians will be
specially interested in the choice of editor
for the Western Christian Advocate, pub
lished for Ohio Indiana and Kentucky,
from Cincinnati. The present editor, DR.. Hoyt,
has served for twelve years. No one has hereto
fore served longer term; but there is nothing
in the law of the church to prevent his re-elec-
ton. Rev. J. H. Bayliss, d. D. formerly of
Indianapolis will have strong and enthusiastic
support for that position. Rev j. w. Menden-
hall, whose parents reside in indianapolis, has
developed unusual talent with his pen for so
young man, and-he has also been mentioned
for the place. Rev. W. R. Goodwin, d. D., of
Hoosier birth, and a presiding elder in
Illinois, with several others. has been favorably
spoken of for the Central Advocate of St Louis,
whose present editor, DIR. Fry, also has served
twelve years. Another Indiana man, Rev. H.
c. Benson, d. D., is editor of the California
Advocate and Dr. B. F. Crazy. form
ery presiding elder of the indianapolis
district Indiana Conference, sits or the tripod
for the Pacific Advocate. In the list of dele
gates your correspondent has noticed the names
of P. G. Gllett, as a layman, son of one of
your honored citizens also Rev. II. G. jackson,
of the st. Louis Conference, who was raised in
southeastern Indiana and graduated at Asbury
University. Indiana Methodists have been
prominent in the affairs of the church at large.