The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-04-10

Wythevillc, va, April 9-(Special)
the ministers were present this morning
at U O'Clock at the opening of the second
days session of the Virginia conference
of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, and all took part in the divine
services. Bishop James A. Handy, who
was confined in his bed the opening dav
by illness, was present and presided over
the session. This was Il source of pleas.
IRE to the members.
The conference represents the oldest
church organization in this country
among the colored -ple. It was estab-
lished in 1897 by Richard Allen, of Phila-
delphia, who was consequently made the
first bishop of the connection From n
blacksmith shop where they first met,
they have grown to IL large membership
with some very fine church edifices, and
the members in the United States mum.
Der 500, 900. 1t requires eleven bishops
to superintend the work of the church.
The connection publishes two papers
ana one magazine, which is said co be the
finest literary production of the negro
race in this country.
Or. Z. ,. Smith, of Nashville, who is Mt
the head Of the Sunday school publishing
house of the A. M. T.. Church, was also
present, and delivered short address.
Bishop Handy called the conference to
order at o'clock and Rev j. Strange
made the opening prayer. DR.. e. II. Boil
den read the Scripture lesson. Rev. A.
l.. Gaines conducted the liturgic service.
The conference being opened the bishop
made short address on ministerial
Dignity He was opposed 60 preachers
smoking on the street and chewing to.
bacco, and told them that if they would
smoke they should not do it on the street.
lie made some reference o the import
ance of the ministers living pure lives
and working to elevate the race along the
line of morality. The bishops experience
gives him thorough knowledge of the
colored race in America. He concluded
his remarks by saying that to him the
conference was opened, except they sing
that good old Methodist hymn of Charles
wesley, which was, "And Are We Yet
Alive, and See Each Others Face9"
The congregation joined in singing, as
the bishop read the verses, and Dr.. d. p.
Seaton offered prayer.
The conference was duly organized by
electing the following officers: C. A.
Holmes, chief secretary. George d. Jim
mersort, recording secretary: J. B. Tyres,
statistician; J. G. Young, j. Yore. A. J.
Nottingham, marshals; r. Gullins,D. d.,
A. Il. Gaines and a. j. Nottingham, re-
porters to the church organs
DR.. Seaton was announced as transfer
from the Baltimore conference and served
in the charge at Norfolk, Va.
The following young men made appli-
cation for admission, being recommended
by their several quarterly conferences:
A. r. Mordocai, l.. f. Gibson, George
Jones. w. r. Howerton, W. J. Wright.
VIM. Penn and w. T.. j. Hampton.
The.roll was called and the journal read
and approved. The bishop announced a
list of committees
During the first days session, the con-
ference was presided over by Revs.
Strange, Cook, Davis ami Bolden, which
developed some good bishopric timber :.
This afternoon was spent in hearing re.
ports OF pastors and to night Rev. w. r.
Gallins, D. D., of Richmond, preached to
large congregation.