National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-07
Election Of Delegates to the General
Conference Fixed for To-Day,
A Member Wihdraws to Enter the Ministry Of the
P. Z Church.
The Centennial Sermon Delivered by Rev.
DIR. l.. Il. Morgan.

Of the last conference were adopted.
Rev. Mr.. Myers offered resolution that
the election of delegates to the general con-
ference take place OF $3.50 o'clock this morn
ing.
Rev. Mr.. Richardson thought that more
time should be given to think over the mat
ter A great difference of opinion existed
among many of the members as to their choice
of delegates. There were more candidates
than ever before known.
Rev. Mr. Myers wanted to supplement the
resolution by having tho tellers count the
votes outside. An objection caused him to
withdraw the motion.
Rev. Mr.. Harmon desired Friday, as no
would have to leave in the afternoon, having
come from Carlisle, Pa, to vote for certain
delegates Unless the election took place
that morning some one would lose his vote.
Rev. Mr.. Waterman thought that a post
ponement should be had, as the conference
seminary was set apart for Friday and the
election of delegates was too important to be
acted upon hastily and IL would interfere
with the seminary matter. 1t looked as if
the discussion of the seminary matter would
influence the election of delegates
Rev. DR.. Lauahan thought that the gentle
man had left unsaid what he should have
said, and said that which he ought not to
have said, and in saying what he said there
tended to be said. Laughter. Friday had
been set apart for this purpose as far back as
he could remember, and he hoped that the
motion weuld prevail. He remembered an
instance of postponement of this matter, and
discovered that it was done to defeat Il can
didate. 1t would facilitate measures by pass
ing the resolution. A brief passage occurred
between Mr.. Waterman: and DR.. Lanahan
which ended in n mutual understanding of
the
Rev. Mr.. Gardner was in favor of Friday
and did not believe in interfering with the
usage of the church.
Rev. Mr.. GLENN thought that the old GUS
tom ought to be observed He had settled on
his candidates. and believed so much in their
worth that he felt that they would be elected.
The resolution was adopted.
By request the character of tho Rev. Her
bart II. Smith, pastor Of a church at Mount
Savage, Allegheny caunty, was examined and
passed.
Mr. Smith arose and stated that he desired
to withdraw from the conference and the
ministry of the NJ. +. church. In a brief
speech he stated that his step had been care
fully taken, and he felt that in retiring he
would carry with him in his new field of labor
the love and prayers of his brethren.
At the conclusion no returned his creden-
tials as q minister to the secretary. He will
enter the Episcopal ministry. A paper from
the Freedman's aid society was presented and
referred to the proper committee.
Notice was given that the Methodist Epis-
copal Historical society desired short sketches
Of the lives of the ministers of the conference
Referred to the centennial committee Rev.
Mr. Freysn"er, president of the Centenary
Biblical institute (colored, was introduced
to the conference. He spoke of the needs of
the institute, aud urged that the sum of $50
600 be raised during the centennial year.
The property OF the institute was worth $780,
600. There were 100 students, a well organ
lied school, and good instructors.
The influence of the church among the
colUred people was becoming widespread.
Their preachers and people were evincng a
tidal wave of enthusiasm. Only two white
Baltimore churches had contributed. while
five colored churches in this city had done
nobly. Fifty thousand dollars more would
insure its usefulness for all times. Without
financial aid it would be crippled. The only
income at present was from the Baltimore,
Wilmington, and Philadelphia conferences.
These collections have not met one
half the expenses. Without an endow-
ment it would be crippled beggar.
Two years ago the trustees were forced
into an emergency by the increased demands
of students, the faculty was enlarged on that
account. He believed God worked through
instrumentalities and his called servants. lie
believed that they would help on to success
the needs of this institution. He did not ex-
poet them to make it the first object, Where
Methodism stands in community it has a
representation. He expected aid of all in the
church. The colored conference would dc
their share. The Washington conference had
pledged $1,000. He feared that prejudces
would be found, and cited an instance of q
worthy brother in Baltimore who stopped
him on the street and inquired If he was the
president of that colored institute; if he was
the brother hoped that both president and
institute would soon burst up. Some time
afterward the same brother met him and
apologized for his former remarks, and
wished him aud his enterprise success. 81
found out" said the president, "that ht
owned lot near the institute, and oui
building had increased the value Of his prop
erty. His apology was we'll understood
Laugh, or He hoped that no prejudice
would exist He had confidence in the
church. aud felt assured that the sum would
be raised.
Rev. j. w. Cornelius presented a paper
asking aid TO complete the Canton N. L
| church.
The characters of several ministers wer,
passed upon, and the financial reports of sew
eral churches read,
Bishop II. j.. Warren entered the church
and was introduced to the conference, the
members all standing up. The bishop hal
lust returned from Mexico. Tho Rev. Mr.
GLENN, of TOwson, Baltimore county. whC
was interrupted in the reading of his repor
by the arrival of the bishop, continued by
saying that his people did what they could
He was not only pastor of a church. but thu
chaplain at the Jail. lie could only note thai
one of his Pensioners during tho year haC
been sent to the penitentiary. Great pro
gress could not be expected in that direction
| Laughter.
Rev. Mr.. Rudisell, presiding elder, Yves
Baltimore district, read lengthy report II
which % tribute was paid to the memory o
Mrs. Margaret Golden, widow Of Rev. Rober
| Golden. Several churches and parsonage
had been erected during the year. There wa
| still an indebtedness on some Of the churches
! The church has suffered much by the negleC
and failure of proper attention TO the educa
| ton of young ladies. The spiritual work wa
good. Nearly 1900 souls were c0nverte
during the year; 92 ploiessed faith. The elias
meetings were attended by 3425 persons
The encouraging signs of the times were tina
the children of the church were attendin
regularly their class meetings.
Rev. DR.. Van Meter presented paper fror
the Woman's Memorial association. repoI
on church relief fund was submitted and II
ferred to committee. Notices were the
given for the meetings of the various commit
tees in the different parts of the church.
Rev, Messrs. Stocking, Wright Domer. Coz
Gardiner, and ChickerinR, visiting minister
were introduced TO the conference.
On motion tho ban of the conference WI
removed for the admission of the ladies Of tn
congregation. Bishop Andrews announce
that the hour had arrived for the delivery
the centennial sermon.
The hynn "Watchman Tell Us of Il