Semi=weekly graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1895-1902, 1896-11-18
ANNUAL C0NFERE NCE.
OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Now in 2ln Annual Session at
FOrdyce-The Proceedings.

AV4uyG TIC 1IuUebuiHE8.
FoRDYcE, ARK, Nov. H.-The West
Arkansas Conference of TIA African
Methodist Episcopal church held
three interesting and Instructive
sessions today, presided over by the
re. Rev. William Benz, Derrick. d. b.
i4Is. D., the Scholarly bishop of the
Episcopal church.
The Conference was called to or
der at 8 o'clock by Bishop Derrick
and after IN impressive opening eer-
emony, Secretary 8ensley read the
journal OF the previous day which
was approved after short discus
sion. Rev. Dr. Green. Pastor of the
First Baptist Churchof this city was
introduced to the Conference and
made "A short address OF welcome.
He spoke OF the friendly feeling ex
isting between The Bnpfists and
Methodists saving that it Indicated
better times.
Bishop Derrick nude short re-
spouse saying that the churches rep
resented train, the Baptlats were
stationed all along the road with
their water tanks to furnish the
water, the Methodist with their soul
stirring enthusiasm furnished the
fire, and it required fire and water
together TO furnish the steam with
which to carry the train into glory.
Rev. T. w. Wide. u. D., Of Little
Rock, who is one of the most distin-
guished Presiding Elders in the coun-
try, and prominedt member Of the
Arkansas Conference was also Intro
duced 10 the Conference and made
few remarks. He was proud OF the
work his church WIS doing for the
elevation OF the race. and urged up
on the members OF the Conference To
follow Bishop Derrick ia his Efforts
to extend the educational work
throughout the Stule and to build
up Shorter University.
Another DISTINGUISHED visitor
who was introduced was the Rev.
pr J. NJ Common, of Little Rock,
who is Pastor of the largest Method
ist ehurche in the State and author
III Outlines of Christian Theology.
REV, G. T. Shaffer, ei Philadelphia,
Penn, arrived yesterday afternoon
and as introduced to the Confer
ence totav. FIe SPOKE 0f what the
department. was doing to assist
churches in destitute circumstances
Rev. W. G. Cox. p b., represented
the Voice OF the Missions, The organ
of the Missionary department under
the management nj Bishop Henry
NJ, Turner, DID, d. &. t., ofAtlanta.
Ga, while DR.. Conner repre-
sented the Southern Christian
Recorder edited by Or. R.M. Cheeks.
Last night Tire Conference held
their annual Missionary meeting
which was presided over 10y Pre-
siding Elder Wade The ehnrch was
crowded from alter to door and
many people were turned away be-
inc unable TO gain admissions Adj
dresses were made ny ReV. l.. w. w.
Manaway, Md, az Miss, Prof. j f.
Garter. A. h. and Prof John II.
Hawkins, OF N G The addresses
were appropriate received with
approyal
Rev. j. NJ 3Joh6a, Dean Of the
University Extensran Department OF
Shorter University was introduced
to the Conference antl after brief
address over Il hundred of the mi.iis
ters enrolled and pnid their llrRt
months tuition
Monday night the ministers will be
given their work for the next year
by Bishop Derrick who WIN tell
them OF the Importance atof their
work. and request lheHsto wortt for
race elevation.
EHeh one will be expected to re-
port Progress next searand to show
an increase Of receipts OVER last year
they viii go forth with that lie
Termination