Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-11-14
ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Now in 2lst Annual Session at
Fordyce-The Proceedings

pAbl1E5 n hA., NOV. r. lit
city is crowded with the most
learned eoIored preachers in the
f State who are attendinding the 21st
annual session Of the West Arkassas
conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal church which opened this
morning in the A. NJ e. church.
The conference represents the
Oldest and most aggressive church
organization in America Its organ
ization dates back to the dark days
Of slavery over one hundred years
ago by Richard Allen, and, who
withdrew from the NJ. e. church
and established the church of which
ne later became the First Bishop.
The church did not make much
progress until after the Emancipa-
ton of the slaves, its borders being
confined to Philadelphia where it
was organized in a blacksmith shop.
From membership of % they now
have over 600, 600 in the United
States, 30, coo of which are in this
State.
The conference now is session is
presided over by the most noted
negro Bishop in the world Although
a young man he has established a
national reputation as a scholar,
pulpit orator and publ, speaker.
For eight years past be had charge
of the missionary department of the
church which elevated him to the
Episcapaey, last May, in tue general
conference held az Wilmington, N.
c., and was placed in charge of the
Eighth Episcapol District, embrace
ing the Arkansas, Western Arkan-
sas, Southern Arkansas, Mississippi,
North Mississippi and Central Mis-
sissippi conferences.
The Bishop arrived yesterday
afternoon from Newport, Ark,
where he held the Arkansas confer
ence. He was accompanied by
Rows H. f. Johnson, Philadelphia,
POM, editor of the Christian
Record, the church organ; w. C.
Cox, MolriIton, Secretary OF Bishop
Henry McNeal Turner ,. D., LII.
D.. Senior Bishop, Of the A. NJ. E.
church, and editor of the Voice of
Missions Z. W, w, Manaway, M. D.
of Mississippi, the travelling com
panion of the Bishop; |. Lowe, D. D.
Presiding E der of the Clarendon
District
The opening exercises this morn
ing at 8 o'clock were conducted by
Bishop Derrick, who was assisted
by the Presiding Elders and others.
Rev. W. H. J. Philips, lined the
opening hymn Rev. S. L. Win
stead made the opening prayer and
DR. f. H. Jackson read the Scrip
ture lesson. After the annual SER
mon by Dir. H. c. Beasley, the Holy
Communion was administered by
the Bishop. The election of officers
followed and the Bishop made his adj
dress to the Conference. He out
lined the work of the ministers of
the gospel and admonished them to
use their pulpits for holy purposes.
FoRDYeE, ARK. Nov. 12-Repre-
sentative colored men are coming in
the city ON every train, to attend
the West Arkansas conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal church,
which opened YES .erday morning.
A large number OF citizens were
present to witness the opening exer-
cises presided over by Bishop VIM.
Benz. Derrick, who il recognized as
one of the most noted negro Bishops
in the world. and a leading man OF
his race.
Rev. II. g Beaslcy was elected
chief secretary oyer Reys. E. NJ.
Argyle. and J E. Carter, who in turn
appointed his assistants. Revs.
Gaskin and ! X beaver were ap-
pointed malshals. Chas Stewart
was appointed official stenographer
A large number ii visitors were in
PRODUCED to tho conf renee 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 nf the general departments
, oil the church Earl, pastors report
showed that in spite of hard times
they had been able TODD great work
} in many cases raised large amounts
for Their support and brought all in
crease Of money for the general fund
F.. This was received with alarge degree
OF appreciation by the Bishop, who
with dignified smile, said: wei
J, done"
e But the Bishop in outlining hi
. policy, told the ministers in plail
: language what he expected of then
i. in the future. He said that he wa