Middletown transcript., 1893-03-18
A WARM DEBATE.
OVER THE STANDARD OF QUAIL
IFICATIONs
FOR CONFERENCE ADMISSION
A Close Vote on the Question, but the
Memorial From Wesley Church, (
Dover, with Amyndments Goes
Through-The Bishop Addresses
the Candidates.


| c. W. Prettyman led the devotional ex.
ercises at $50 o'clock.
At o'clock the business session was
opened with the usual preliminary exer-
cises.
Vhe report of the committee on local
deacons orders was read, and the following
local preachers were recommended to this
order: William Hamilton, John B. Roberts,
Charles Norstrom, John B. Roberts, John
P. Outer, William J. Tindale and Levin T.
McLain.
The class of deacons desirous of becoming
| elders is composed of Mark E. Bowman, HI.
c. Turner, Edwin Gardner, F. B. Short.
Joseph HI. Geohegan. George P. Jones and
Elmer E. Cross.
Bishop Merrill, before proceeding to pro-
| pound the questions to the class summoned
them.before the ehancel rail, where he gave
them some wholesome advice as to what
| was expected of them at this examination
/ When the questions and answers were
given received, the candidates were re-
turned to their seats, and the Bishop pro-
ceeded to explain what was meant by
christian Perfection"
Bishop Merrill stated that as this was
about the only time the Bishop had a
chance to make a speech, and it would be
| very tiresome for the candidates to stand
while he would take advantage of the op-
portunity they might be seated.
And 1t was much desired opportunity
| IN the mart 0f the cnn faronco 90 tho PishoT,
had made no speech at any of the previous
sessions
| His remarks were solely given to the
| duty and the work of the preachers
and reviewing the questions propounded to
the GLASS. 1t was an able talk, plain and
simple; free from that gushing style that
| marks many public speakers. What the
bishop said contained so much good ad-
vice that it cannot fail to bear good fruit
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION.
The committee to whom was referred the
memorial from Wesley Church, Dover, ask
ing to fix standard of qualification for ad-
mission into the ministry made their report
which elected considerable debate
The committees report favored the me-
mortal and resolutions were adopted to that
effect
Mr.. Price moved an amendment, but as
| there was no second the question was put
and the resolution was passed.
During the taking of the vote, Rev. ]. D.
c. Hanna attempted to speak, but not being
seen the resolution was carried.
A reconsideration of the resolution was
asked for, but the bishop allowed the floor
to MI. Hanna.
Rev. Collins, as a committeeman on the
admission to the class of the first year gave
some very amusing answers to questions
of geography and history that had been re-
ceived at the examinations.
Rev. Bowen thought the resolutions
should be abolished as it would be an in
justice to the conference.
Rev. England thought it ''extra-judicial I"
and was not in favor of it. Rev. England
did not think it was necessary to reflect on
the work of the general conference. Rev
Carkran was opposed to it if it went into
effect this year, but if not until next year
he was heartily in favor it. As he thought
every one should measure up to the qualifi-
cations.
Elder Adams thought the resolution was
to impress the young men. Let the young
men have their wisdom to get an educa-
ton. Don't let them in until they are pre-
pared.
Professor Gooding was given the floor to
give little information on the subject. He
thought we owed the young men stern
duty. That they should feel that they
were thoroughly prepared.
Vonburkalow was in hearty sympathy
with the movement. But" said he. ''if it
had been applied to our class of % when l
was admitted not half dozen would have
passed." Some one in the conference in
soto voice replied: "What a mercy it would
have been,' which created great laughter
in the house. But it was we'll received by
the speaker, and he said he did not doubt it
might have been.
duced and addressed the conference on the
care of its old and infirm preachers.
Chairman Grise of the committee on En-
dowment Fund, presented the following re-
port; which was made the order of the day
for 10 o'clock Monday morning.
ENDOWMENT FUND.
Your committee recommend that the
veteran cause be made the great object of
appeal during the coming year.
That secretary shall be appointed to
secure pledges to the Endowment Fund,
the principal of which may be paid at the |
option of the subscriber, but the interest of |
which shall be expected annually.
And that we pledge such secretary our |
ready cooperation.
We would also recommend the adoption |
of the following plan for celebrating and |
distributing our annual fund.
Each congregation shall observe Sunday |
to be known as Veterans Day, upon
which the pastors shall present this cause
to the member of the church, and empha |
size their obligations to the conference
claimants A collection shall be taken in
the public congregation for the support of
conference claimants separate from any |
other interest.
All moneys received for annual distribu-
ton in aid of the support of Conference
claimants shall be divided in two sums; the
first, consisting of rs per cent. of the whole,
shall be called the annuity fund;the second,
consisting of 25 per cent. of the whole
shall be called the Necessitous Fund All
ministers, the widows and
children under fifteen years of age of de-
ceased ministers shall be conference claim
ants unless the claim be voluntarily re-
linquished.
The Annuity Fund shall be divided
among the conference claimants upon
the following basis. Each minister
shall receive annually ten dollars for each
year of his effective service; each widow
claim; each child shall receive one-fifth of
its fathers claim. These claims shall be
paid pro rata from the money in hand.
The Necessitous Fund shall be divided |
among the claimants, whether superannu
ates, widows or children, whose annuities
are insufficient for their needs in such pro-
portions as the Board of Conference Stew
ards may deem equitable.
The gross allowance to each claimant
from the above funds shall be reported to
and approved by the annual conference
WHEREAS, the carrying out of this plan
viii require an increased income for the
support of Conference claimants, therefore. |
Reso iUed, That each member of the con-
ference, except those who are superannu-
ated, will be expected to contribute at least |
five dollars annually to the Endowment |
Fund.
After the appointments for Sunday had |
been made the conference adjourned.
Bishop Merrill will preach in the church |
in the morning, and ordination services will |
be held at 2 clock, p. m and temper
ance meeting will be held in the hall at 8
O'Clock, y. m. 1