The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-12-16
THE CONFERENCE.
A Delightful Week in AbbeviIle.

Having two Methodist reporters, we make
no attempt at adding anything TO what they
large and Influential body. of Christians
which have just concluded the labors OF an
other Annual Conference.
The Annual Conference Is an important
event in the work OF the church, and its de
liberations are always looked forward TO with
the greatest Interest by both preachers and
people, and this meeting was no exception tc
the eruie. Many of the best preachers in the
State were present, and they were supported
by able. earnest and conscientious laymen
all Of whom had at heart the good OF The
The citizens Of Abbeville had made great
preparation for entertaining these gent tlemen,
and all of our people threw wide their doors
for their reception. AS far as we know all
were furnished comfortable and pleasant
homes during their stay. The best OF every
eathSpg Gpeat was set before them.
The interest IN this meeting OF conference
was so great that members began to arrive
ON Saturday. A great number came on Mon
day, and a full delegation came on the mid
D Ese WIe anaay oofnR Ra ep them eas
but they were none the less welcome and
none the less heartily greeted.
Some brought female members OF their
families, and at least, one brought his family
ed for and given the best OF everything by
hosts who were proud to do them honor
The members Of the Conference were not
only accorded full privileges OF the city. but
were equally as free and unembarrassed at
our private houses. Guests invited their
friends at pleasure to dine with them. with,
out hindrance or embarrassment and this
privilege was freely yeXercised. In one instan ce,
we learn, that host had one guest, and that
guest carried eight of his friends at one time
TO meal.
The preachers were well treated and they
seemed to have a glorious time. The Confer
ence held q morning session which was u.s.
ually adjourned about hatfPast t. one go ocioSS sa
orally spent in social intercourse, and al
night religious services were held to the edih.
cation Of immense audiences, who were de-
Methodist brethren conducted religious SER
vices in the other churches.
On Monday night the appointments were
read. and Conference adjourned: ,u,. ,s
nearly all Of them will be gone by tonight,
the greater number having left yesterday. .
AS far as we know the ladies Of the city
never worked harder on any occasion. There
. were present about $40 members and dele.
gates not counting the wives, children and
nurses. To furnish lodging and board for SO
large q number required considerable effort,
but our people were equal TO the task, and no
people ever entertained q religious body
more Hospitality. To have in the communi-
" so large body OF good % men en- must s have ave It's 9
less preacher and q missionary to promul-
gate the Christian religion and to inspire us
with greater religious zeal.
directions in the most difficult surgical oper-
tion. he is also prepared TO make suggestions
op the practical business work OF the church.
The religion, the theology. and the pious
practices of the church are all right. but we
believe that two things should be done by
Conference. The body should be divided, and
shorter sessions should be had, and we are
glad to hear that members are already dis
cussing these very questions, which are not
new with us, but which were first mentioned
by others.
There ale few communities which can we'll
afford TO accommodate $40 members for q
week or more. While 1t Is true that Able
VILE would have been glad 10 have the Con-
ference remain for another week. yet there
are little communities that could not we'll en-
tertain the Conference for more than four or
fl vero six days.
II Conference, like the General Assembly,
met on Tuesday at noon, and, IT, like the
Legislature, they held night sessions, the
work could easily enough be finished the
same week, and the housewives would have a
chance to take the much needed rest on Sum-
day.