The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-09-26
THE LAYMEN TOO
Want the Methodist Women Ad'
mitted to the General
Conference.
A VERY CLOSE VOTE.

But It's women won by FOur NOtes-
Many Refused to Vote-Other I'm
portant Questions Decided at the
Lay Conference-Session Ended.
The Friday afternoon session of the lay
electoral conference was called to order at
2 p. III. by Vice-President John A. Mans.
field, of Steubenville. Judge Wells re-
sumed his speech of the morning and
brought out some more good points.
A. G. Carpenter of Cleveland then
opened the discussion, "Aro notifications
of the office and work Of the presiding
elder desirable or expedientY He ad-
vanced some good arguments for his be-
liefs in the negative which were atten-
lively listened to and applauded.
He was followed by Judge John A.
Mansfield, of Steubenville in an eloquent
address. He argued that the presiding
elder was necessary for the welfare of the
church. and that If the office was abol-
ished, an irreparable damage would be
done the church. He explained the work
done by the presiding elder and showed
the Importance of having, as 1t were, an
assistant bishop, who should have per-
sonal knowledge of the work and practical
experience with the people. The presid-
ing elders could then report the condition
of affairs to the bishop in an instructive
manner.
The discussion was then turned over to
the conference for general remarks. Ex-
cellent speeches were made by Messrs. W..
II. Buchanan, J. II. Penfeld, and Mr.
Evans, Of the GAINESVILLE district; Mr..
Lee, of the Steubenville district, n u.
Waller, of East Liverpool; Mr.. Kelvey and
others. The general trend of thought
favored the continuance of the office Of
presiding elder, though several advocated
its abolition.
Regular business was then resumed.
The following resolution was introduced
by Lee Evans: Resolved, That we the
delegates of the lay electoral conference
Of the East Ohio conference of the NJ. K.
church in session at Canton, Ohio, Sep
tember 20, 1895 feel that it would be for
the best interests of Methodism for wo-
men to be admitted as delegates to our
general conference with equal rights with
men. The resolution was adopted by
vote of 2l to II many delegates refusing
to vote.
The following resolution presented by
b. II. Helm of Cleveland was adopted
unanimously: "The delegates of the lay
electoral conference here assembled de-
sire to express their thanks to the presid-
ing officers; to the brethren who have pre-
sented the various subjects to this body;
to the trustees of Simpson NJ. f. church
for the use of their church for the sessions
of the conference; also to the members of
the local churches and citizens of Canton
generally who have so graciously opened
their homes to the delegates. May this
intermingling of brethren bring blessings
to each and all and In turn benefit the
churches of which we are members and
also give strength and power to our
Zion.
The Bacon resolution was presented and
adopted without a dissenting vote. 1t
reads as follows: Resolved, That we
favor the admission of laymen to the an
nual conference in such proportion as
shall hereafter be determined.
A resolution was also passed request
ing the general conference which meets in
Cleveland next May to accord to the
church lay representation equal to the
ministerial representation.
The conference decided to organize n
lay association Of the East Ohio confer
enoe which shall meet annually and the
president was empowered to appoint
VI Oiio OuNh
presiding elders district to arrange for
the first meeting. The committee will
be announced later.
The objects Of the new association were
declared to be for the purpose of 'promot.
ing Christian fellowship; of familierizing
its members IN the usages and enterprises
of the church; of engaging their active
co operation and assistance therein and Of
doing such other things as the association
may decide upon from time to time"
The delegates then arose and N. U.
Walker, of East Liverpool, ponounced the
benedicition and the lay olectoal confer
ence was thing of the past. This con.
ference was declared 20 be the best ever
held and the delegates were jubilant over
their success as they believe 1t clearly
augers the day when they will be accord
ed equal representation in the general
conference.