The San Francisco call., 1896-09-24
Higher Mission of the Church
Explained in an Inspir.
ing Address.
a FRIEND OF THE MASSES
It's Field of Labor Among the Com.
mon People-Opening Work
of the Session.
Los ANGELES OFFICE OF THE CALL
328 South Broadw way.
Los ANGELES. Cal. Sent. 3

Z
Los ANGELES, CAL. Sept. 49,
The Southern California Methodist
Episcopal Conference began its public
work in Simpson Tabernacle here this
forenoon under the most favorable
auspices. Over 200 ministers OF the church
were in attendance. The great tabernacle
was filed with people at the hour of open
ing. Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, DID,, LID,
presided. Communion was administered
and at the close Bishop Foss addressed
the conference in an inspiring manner on
the work of the church in general.
Bishop Foss said that the Methodist
church was raised up to preach Scriptural
doctrines; to herald missionary zeal
throughout the world and 10 be friend
of the masses of the people, especially in
this decade of strife between the wage
Garner and the multi-millionaire. With
such resources as were at her hand she
faced the twentieth century with grander
prospects of triumph than ever before in
her history.
The Bishop first reviewed in a general
way the work done by the church since its
organization and dwelt on the good infu-
ence which it had exerted. He pointed
out the necessity of following along those
lines. The power and influence which
had come to the church by reason of the
increase OF members and the prestige of
previous deeds had increased the response
bllity OF the Methodist church. The power
of the Methodist church did not lie so
much with the wealthy classes rs with the
middle and poorer people. Unless the
masses were Christianized, the speaker
maintained, this Government could not
stand. Mob violence would prevail, and
it was to prevent this that the influence of
the church could be exerted to good and
practical ends in arbitration.
As an illustration he told how, through
the agency of himself, an Episcopal Bishop
and Catholic Bishop, streetcar strike
had been settled satisfactorily in Phila-
deIphia. The mob had been growing more
violent, and at last the three churchmen
held consultation with the owners OF the
car lines and discussed with them their
responsibilities. The lapor leaders were
next called in, and after talking over the
situation with both interests the Bishops
drew up an agreement which the street.
car owners and the labor representatives
signed, and thus the strike was brought to
a termination.
The officers of the conference were then
chosen as follows: Secretary, II. ]. Crist;
dooiotdutS IL Js 1uWOOQ, STATISTICAL Secre-
tary, }. NJ. Rich; assistants, n. j. Burton
A. NJ. Gibbon, H. w. Waltz and A. III.
Gunnett. The roll OF the honored dead
was called and nominations for the various
committees made. A number of visiting
brethren wereIgreeted by Bishop Foss and
introduced to the conference. Among them
We're: Robert Barton and d. r. Collins of
Centralia, ILL.,, S. l.. Hamilton of Michigan,
9. X. Pattee OF Kansas and j. II. Slime of
Minnesota.
Resolutions were passed indorsing the
Deaconesses' Home. The committee on
public worship reported Sunday afternoon
as the day for holding memorial services.
but after a general discussion it was
decided to include ordination services at
the meeting also. Friday morning at 10
O'Clock vas selected as the time Tor dis
cusslng constitutional issues. The princi-
pal question which will come before this
session Will be that OF admitting women
as delegates to the general conference.
statistical session was held in the
afternoon when the various pastors made
reports OF the condition of their respective
churches as regards numbers anG finances
The wives OF the various ministers attend
ing the conference also held meeting at
3 O'Clock at which musical ana literary
programme was given.
a rally OF all Epworthians in Southern
California will be held in Los Angeles
during the session. Tomorrow IS the day
selected for this gathering of young wal
rlors. The convention will open at / P. M.
In Simpson Tabernacle. An elaborate
programme by represen tative Young peo-
pie of Southern California has becn pre-
pared for the afternoon session At 7:3O
P. M: the anniversary of the league will be
cele brated in the auditorium OF Simpson
Tabernacle. Bishop Foss will address the
assembly. Rev. Clarence True Wilson
will deliver his speech on 1.-THE Force of
Forces"