The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-08
AN AUGUST METHODIST BODY,
Oelseatss From all Parts Of the World at
the ECumeIiCal Conference.
PROCEEDINGS OF The FIRST SESSION
England, ireland, Scotland, wales, France,
West indies, South Africa, China and
America Represented.

WASHINGTON. D. G.. Oct. Five hundred
clerical gentlemen. uniformed in black frock
coats and white ties began assembling IN the
Methodist church this morning while the
chimes Of the structure were ringing out
welcome to the members Of the second
Ecumenical Methodist Conference wmon
began its sessions to-day.
All parts Of the globe were represented
Three hundred OF those in attendance are
from the United States aud Canada The re-
naming two hundred are from several foreign
countries majority. however, being from
England A poody, NUMBER fepresenteo
tbe Yeet Indies. South Africa and China also
had delegates present The presence of
Dnmber of negro ministers principally from
TIE Southern states. was noticeable.
Ten years ago an ecnmenlcai conference OK
Methodists was held IN London. The ono
which began to-day, like its predecessor. Is 20
be confined 10 discussion. From its nature
there can bo no legislation. No delegate or
organization viii be bound by what Is said or
done here The animating purpose IS 10
bring out tie brightest and most practical
ble ideas OF the most thoughtful and
Wisest representatives Of the Church. and the
application of these ideas VIII be left to the
separate divisions.
CALLED TO ORDER.
The distinguished gathering was called TO
order shortly after 10 o'clock uy bshop
Thomas Bowman. OF St Louis. lie looked
down on many hundreds OF faces, clergy ana
lavmen while the galleries above hIm were
crowded % their capacity with lay brothers
aud sisters the latter seeming TO he IN the
majority. After the hymn Jesus. the Name
High over AL" had been sung and prayer
pronounced by Bishop Bowman the audience
re0ted the Apost es Creed and repeated les
sons from tho Scriptures
Rev. William Arthur. distinguished min
lister of London was then introduced. lie
cave out the hymn. Thou. Jesus. Thou My
Breast Inspire" DIR. Arthur was down on
the programme for the opening sermon, but
owing e. the feeble condition OF his voice he
turned ser his manuscript TO Rev. j. b. Ste
phensOn. another English divine, who read in
clear loud tones Dr. Arthurs eloquent
words Of advice 10 the assembled council, be
ing frequently interrupted by cries OF Amen
from the congregation. The repetition oi
more scriptural passages and the singing Of
the Dox0logy followed the sermon, and then
the Sacrament Of the Last Supper was admin
istered 70 tie members OF the council. 1hs
concluded the morning exercises and recess
was taken until TINS afternoon.
ADDRESS or WELCOME.
Bishop +. t. Keener, Of New Orlea ns
called the afternoon meetingt TO order. Bishop
John 4. Hurst was elected permanent chair
man Of the business committee and Rev. j.
NJ. King secretary. Bishop j. +. Hurst de
l7ered an address Of welcome. He spoke
of the long struggle and growth Of
MethOdism reviewed its work. strength
and unity, and paid a glowing tribute
& those who had attended the conference IN
1881 and had now lOlDed the great majority
lie extended cordial welcome TO the presid-
ing officers 20 the del crates throughout the
United States. and 10 those who had come
from iar-O1 lands. and in conclusion pad
handsome tribute to the Methodist workers
who have through their exertions aided Me-
thodism 30 inspire the globe.
Bishop Hurst was followed by J. II. Car
Isle. IL. d.. of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South. He spoke Of the begin
ming OF MetnOdism IN America and its
strength throu. hout the world. After
giving all tie delegates a hearty wei
come Mr. Carlisle concluded by saying that
the Wesley brothers did not agree in
all matters Of the church and the small differ
ences Las caused so many branches OF Meth
odism. that at this meeting they must think
more of concord than discord. Rev. George
douglas, ID. d., LII. d., of Canada, made the
last welcoming address. ln winch he invited
a. TO help IN formu uating plans for improve
ment aud organization of MethodlsIn.
THE EEsPoNsrs
Rev r. B. Stevenson. d. D., Ii. D..
president Of the Wesleyan Methodist Confer
ence of England. responded TO these ad-
dresses Of welcome in a bright and witty
manner He said he was glad TO be present at
tie conference. The visiting delegates did
uot require such eloquence 80 make them feel
welcome. and he rejoiced III the affections
and was delighted with the interchange of
fellowship. The first conference. be said,
did more good than was thought possible,
aud he hoped the second one would draw
them closer together, and that great results
uld come from it.
Other responses were made by Mr.. George
Green. of the Primitive Methodist Church.
Glasgow. and Rev. Il. Abercrombie, Nj. A.. Of
the United Methodist Free Church. The