Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-11-12
ANNUAL CONFERENCE. OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST
 EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Now in 21st Annual Session at
 Fordyce-The Proceedings.

FoRDYCE, ARK, Nov. 12.-Repre- sentative eolored men are coming in the city on every train, to attend the West Arkansas conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church which opened yesterday morning.
 \ large number of citizens were present to witness the opening eXer- eises presided over by Bishop Wm Benj. Derrick, who is recognized as one Of the most noted negro Bishops in the world, and a leading man ot his race.
 Rev. II. c. Beasley was elected chief secretary over Reys. D. NJ Argile, and J. E. Carter, who in turn appointed his assistants Revs Gaskin and !. k. Beaver were ap- pointed marshals. Chas. Stewart was appointed official stenographer 4 large number of visitors were in. treduced to the conference and made some remarks.
 Yesterday afternoon the pastors spent their time in reporting the re- suit of their past years work and paying in their contributions to the support of the general departments of tue church. Each pastors report showed that in spite of hard times they had been able to do great work in many eases raised large amounts for their support and brought an in. crease of money for the general fund This was received with a1arge degree of appreciation by the Bishop. who, with dignifed smile, said: Vel done.
 But the Bishop in outlining his policy, told the ministers in plain language what he expected of them in the future. He said that he was for the upbuilding of his race in this country, and that education was the best plan of elevation. For that reason he wanted the boys and girls in the State to be educated Tt is your duty my brethren, ht said, ito see that the parents o children in your respective charges send their children to school.
 .The standard of the ministry must be raised, he continued "Men in this conference with charges and expect to hold these charges must study. The young men whe are knocking at our doors for ad mission must be up-to-date from al educational stand point, or we dc not want them, he told the preach CTS who did not carry out his in struction, and thought it hard te apply to him for his transfer
 The Bishop spoke of the Shorter University, at Philadelphia, and re quested all to rally te it's support The school is owned by the 4. NJ. E church and is supported by the three conferences in this State.
 Last night TOO people crowded il the little church; it was the annua celebration of qualifications depart ment. Bishop Derrick presided, an6 after song and prayer service lasting one hour, he made the opening ad dress, speaking of the Book Concerf and the publication house of tn, church under the management of tn, Dr. T. W. Henderson, of Philadelphia He said that the department pub lished the oldest negro journal il America, the christian Recorder which is the organ of the church He introduced it's editor, Rev H. T Johnson, Ph. D., whom he said wa, one of the most scholarly men of his race, and was at one time pastor il the West Arkansas conference. Dr Johnson spoke at length, giving tn, condition of the department. ant making some suggestion as to tn, future of the work. He said tha- the 4. NJ. E. church was doing nor, for the elevation of the race tha any other organization in tn, country.