The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-06-22

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ton in 1887; the Methodist Young PEOPLES
union, formed in Detroit later in the same
year, and n fifth society organized under
the auspices of the north Ohio conference
In 1883. Twenty-seven representatives of
these societies gathered here four years ago,
% OF whom were ministers, and after thor
ough discussion and consideration the new
Epworth league was evolved, possessing
the characteristics of all, but following
what was known as the "Ohio plan" of the
Oxford league more closely than any of the
others.
This "Ohio plan" or Cleveland plan" rs
it has been variously designated, was
drawn in this city by Mr.. Byron E. Hell
man in 1885, and upon this justly lies the
claim of Mr.. Helman's friends that he is the
founder of the Epworth league. The plan
was suggested by the federal system of ex-
ecutive work, and 1.-THE Oxford Wheel" as
1t was then called, now 1.-The Epworth
wheel" embodies the idea. The six
"spokes' show the departments into which
its work is divided-spirtual, mercy and
help, literary, social, correspondence and
finance. Six vice presidents of each chap
ter are in charge OF these departments, and
through them the president directs the
work of each local society.
This wheel WAS drawn by Mr.. Holman
In 1883 and became the system under which
all the Methodist young peoples societies
of this city which before had had no COM
mon organization We're brought together
Its success was so marked that the Oxford
league soon adopted it as n model constitu-
ton. The later growth of that organza-
ton was largely due to the popularity Of
this scheme of work But for it the mem
bership of the Oxford league would hardly
have exceeded that of any of the other so
cieties when union took place.
With the junior league, which is special
ly designed for the children, and of which
there are over 5000 chapters, the cross of
the Epworth league now has enlisted under
1t the immense army of nearly 1000, 900
young people. A conference representing
such vast organization, working so ear
nestly and sincerely for noble Christian liv-
ing, is one of the great events of the year.
Already word has been received of train.
loads coming from southern California, Ne
braska. Kansas, Toronto and Minneapolis.
besides smaller excursions from all parts of
the country. The conference will be par.
ticularly notable in that it is the first time
representative Methodist organizations
from Canada and the south have joined
hands and work with the north The lines
that keep the various branches of Metho-
dism apart on other occasions will here dis
solve in n general discussion of the best
methods of enlightened, progressive Chris
tian work, and the important results in
lessening differences and promoting unity
of purpose and community of feeling and
sympathy are certain tofollow
1t is impossible within the space of this
article to more than briefly outline the pro
ceedings. Among the themes discussed
will be 1.-The Work of the Junior Leagne,n
Supplementary Methods of Education
Through League Work" Education 10y
Observation, Devotional Culture" 1.-The
Epworth League and the College, ""Dutiss
Of a Young Christian to the Church, ""City
Evangelizatiop," DUTY TO the Heather
World" The last two subjects will be han
died respectively by Hugh Price Hughes,
the wonderfully successful worker in the
slums of west London, and Bishop James
NJ. Thoburn, the father of Methodist mis-
sions in India. Others equally notable in
their fields of labor will participate in the
discussions OF the other themes In word,
the best talent OF Methodism is expected to
be present to treat the many important
phases of Christian effort, and no pains will
be spared by Cleveland Epworthians TO
make the sojourn of all who come pleasant
as well as profitable. Delegates are ex-
pected from is foreign nations and colo
MES besides the large representation from
Canada SAMUEL G. MCCLURE.