The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1886-09-16
western Christian Advocated
CENTRAL CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD, G.

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Western Christian Advocated
CENTRAL CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD, G..
So much has been said about this
church, and DR.. Leonard's work as its
pastor, that we lay before our readers
the exact facts as certified by the sec
retary and the recording steward of
the quarterly conference. This is SIM
pie justice to man who has probably
been more slandered by the secular
press than any other minister Of the
gospel in Ohio. Whe learn that the
resolutions were adopted unanimously
by rising vote, and, coming as they
do, from those who have been init
mately associated with DR.. Leonard
in his labors in the church, some of
whom hold diverging political opin-
ions, may be regarded as correct
statement of facts:
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO,
August 25, 1886.
Editor Western Christian Advocate:
The following summary of the pas
tors report and action of the Quar-
terly Conference of Central Metho-
dist Episcopal Church at its last ses-
sion Of the present conference year
(held last night was ordered to be
given to the press by the official
board:
QUARTERLY REPORT
Of the Preacher in charge Of Central
Methodist Episcopal Church, to Fourth
Quarterly Conference, held August "a,
1886:
As | am so near the close of my
term Of pastoral service in Central
Church, and as this is my last official
report to this body, it will not deemed
out Of place for me to pct upon rec
ord some items that are not usually
incorporated into reports of this char
acter.
First of all, | desire to express
my sense of gratitude to Almighty
God. for his constant goodness to me
personally. So far as | can now re-
member, | have not been off duty a
single Sabbath, in the three years now
closing, by reason of sickness. Dur
ing this period | have preached in
Central Church 303 times, and deliv-
cred 155 sermons and addresses in 9TH
er places, total of 45S sermons and
addresses in three years. I have at
tended AZ funerals and married 81
couples. Besides | have tried to be
diligent in all pastoral duties.
wish to record my sense of graft
tude, also, to the members of this
quarterly conference, for their CO op-
Grafton and support But for these
my ministry would have been a con-
spicuous failure.
When enemies laid plans and con-
cocted schemes for the disruption of
this church, and the destruction of its
pastor, you stood shoulder to shoul-
der and defeated the end they sought.
There has been no discord in your
councils; where differences of opinions
have been held, there has been also
brotherly kindness, and rarely indeed
has there been the least sign of an
unchristian spirit. You have man
aged the finances of the church with
rare wisdom, and you have sustained
the pastor in his efforts to promote
its spiritual welfare.
The three years now closing have
not been barren of fruit A revival
spirit has obtained almost without in
terruption since january, 1884. A
statistical statement. submitted here
with, will show the result. | now
charge you, brethren, to keep alive
this revival spirit. Let your great
aim be to save the people, and so long
as you do this, you will have all the
money you need. You can keep this
revival spirit if you resolve to do it.
Financially you have succeeded
splendidly. Three years ago there
was lot debt against you of $4,000.
Eighteen hundred dollars have been
paid upon that, and about So, 800 more
for general and special repairs. Not
withstanding all this expenditure,
you have paid two hundred dollars per
year more salary than formerly, and
increased your benevolent collections
over any equal period in your history.
During the quarter now closing this
house OF worship has been thoroughly
renovated, repaired, and beautifed,
and the parsonage has been painted,
and additions made to it's Punishment,
at a cost in all Of nearly $4,000.
The Sunday School is in a flourish
ing condition, under the efficient sn-
perintendency of Brother J. A. New
ers and competent and faithful band
Of officers and teachers. The statis-
tical report commencing September,
1888, and ending September, 1886, is
as follows: 1888: Full members,
COL; probationers, IS; whole number,
619. 1885: Full members, sos; pro-
bationers, 124; whole number, S22:
net gain, 203. Whole number re-
ceiyed on probation, 300; received into
fui! membership, 1O9; recommended
for membership, 81; remaining on
probation, 35; probationers dismissed
by letter, 6; probationers deceased, 9;
probationers dropped from roll, 67-
300. Received by letter since 1888,
159; dismissed by letter, 1913; gain,
36. Deaths since 1888, 80; removed
without letter, Is; withdrawn, 7;
whole number, 81. Baptisms: Adults,
SO; infants, Al; whole number, 1856;
funerals attended, At; couples mar
ried, 81. Sermons preached, 3O3; SER
mons and addresses in other places,
155; whole number, 45S.
Respectfully submitted,