The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-29
INDIANA M. E. CONFERENCE.
Condition of the Book Concern and the
Preachers Aid SOciety-EducatiOnal.
pecial TO the Indiananolis LournaI.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
SPENCER, Aug 2S.--The conference opened
this morning at $50 o'clock, DR.. j. j. Hight of
the Western Advocate, of Cincinnati, conducting
the devotional services Most of those absent
yesterday answered rollcall this morning After
the minutes were read DR.. W. A. Spencer Of
Rock River Conference, was introduced. He is
acting assistant corresponding secretary of the
board of church extension. DR.. Earl Cranston,
book agent at Cincinnati, was introduced Mr.
Cranston represented that the Methodist Episco-
pal Church has invested in her publishing houses
East and West ST., 750, 900. The results of this
vast enterprise cannot be measured. In 1886
the Book Concern sustained loss by fire of
$250,OCO. The only aid ever received was at
this time when $4,000 were given, that
the work of the concern might 90
on. A loss of $275,OOO was sus-
tanned in 1874, consequent upon the
separation of the church South from the mother
church. More than 100000 was lost by the
great Chicago fire. Notwithstanding these and
other losses the concern stands today with
assets aggregating 81. 600 600, and net capital
of million and three-quarters A million and
half dollars have been paid out for various
church purposes The concern has published
2,700 different books and !, 800 tracts beside the
various periodicals and papers constantly issued
from its presses Rev. Z. G. Smith, district
agent for Illinois and Indiana was introduced
and presented the interests Of the American
Bible Society,
At 10 o'clock the annual session Of the Preach
ers' Aid Society was held. T. A. Goodwin pre-
sented the reports of the secretary and treasurer
This society has capital Of 500 so. Interest
on general fund.- $500. 3d. on DePauw fund,
81 ,05O on Lowry fund SO The assets of the
general fund are as follows: Secured notes.
$12947 cash, 1888 3d. DePauw fund, $15, 900;
Lowry fund, s., 600; total, $29, l00S0. The
officers elected for the ensuing year W.
Morrow, president; W. c. DePauw, vice-presi-
dent; r. a. Goodwin, secretary; IT, 2. Haughey,
treasurer.
On the recommendation of the board Of con-
troll, changes were made in the constitution
follows: That none but those who contribute
shall be members of the society and, therefore,
beneficiaries: 2. Before an appropriation shall
be made it shall be necessary That the beneficiary
be a contributing member of the society.
On the adjournment of the Preachers Aid
Society the case of Rev j. f. Cooper was called.
Mr.. Cooper had brought suit against
the trustees of the Mount Vernon circuit
had set apart from certain property proceeds.
The committee reported that be had been before
them, and while lie believed he was right in
bringing suit, on maturer consideration he con-
clUGed to withdraw the suit. The committee
recommended the passage of his character, and
the report was adopted.
Rev. John Poucher presented the report of
the committee on education. The report indi-
Gated the resignation of F. A Friedlcy from the
presidency of DePauw Female College and the
election by the trustees of l.. NJ. Albright, ID. D..
of Fostoria, Q. The report named for trustees
p. r. Stoy, j. II. Harrison, VI. A Wier and w. c.
DePauw. The pastors of Main street and St
John street, New Albany and Salem, were APP
pointed conference visitors. This institution
was represented as enjoying a good degree Of
prosperity.
The report in reference to De Paw Univers-
ity, while very encouraging, indicated the neces-
sity Of paying the $l5. 600 the conference pledged
as it's part of the 200 due from the four con-
ferences Of the State. The McKim observatory
had been completed, and is now ready for use;
$50 students had been in attendance at the
various departments Of the university during
the past year. These students represented
twenty one different States. still greater
number 10 eApecIed during the coming year
Hon. Asa Iglehart and Rev. John Poucher were
Revs. A. r. Julian and II. j. Talbot conference
visitors. Tho board of education WAS repre-
sented by President Martin ID. p. kdder d. d.,
the corresponding secretary not being present
The collections on children's day applied
to the educational work of the church The
pastors this year had taken more general in
terest in this work than ever before.
The anniversary of the Conference Churci.
Extension Society was held in the Wigwam this
afternoon. The address was made by w. A.
optHCSI, ~ ~, VI NIlCdso DuflUS IHiS SeFElCe
Chaplain McCabe thrilled the audience with
sacred songs 1t is only necessary to announce
McCabe to secure the attendance Of all within
reach.
Mr.. Spencer stated that the Board Of Church
Extension had aided in building APT churches
during the year and altogether 5000 churches
have been built by its aid.
Rev. John Alabaster d. D., lectured on China
last night Those who heard him de-
lighted. 1t was a mastery effort and sustains
we'll the reputation as an orator he has already
won.