Evening star., 1897-03-05
THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE.
Progress Of the Annual Session Of
Methodist Deleg0tes,
Special (SnrreSpODtlence of The Evening Star

Progress Of the Annual Session of
/ Methodist Delegotes,
Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
BALTIMORE, March 4. 1897.
.s Two veteran preachers are removed from
active pastoral duty by the announcements
at conference yesterday of the retirement
of Rev. G. W. Cooper and Rev. Richard
Norris
Mr.. Cooper entered the conference forty
rine years ago, after year of service
under the presiding elder. making total
and continuous service of fifty years in
the ministry. Before the reorganization of
the Baltimore conference in 1866 he spent
several years in Pennsylvania charges.
He has served as presiding elder of what
is now the Frederick district: as pastor Of
NICK endree Church Washington: of Frost
burg Church, organized Hartford Avenue
Station. and was pastor of Emory. Jeffer-
son Street and Franklin Street churches
Baltimore. He has just closed pastorate of
five years at Mount Vernon Church, Hamp-
den, Of which his last year has been the
most successful of all, and his people ask
ed for his return to the charge. However.
he cid rot feel equal to the task of serv-
ing another year in active ministry.
Presiding Elder William McFerguson.
through whom the request was made for
Mr.. Cooper's retirement. was received into
the church by him when Mr.. Cooper was
| pastor of Jefferson Street Church. Mr..
Cooper was granted supernrmerary rela-
TORS.
Rev. Richard Norris asked for the su-
perahnrate relation, which was granted
| him en- account of a general break down
| in health. He has been pastor of Harfori
Avenue Church for the full term of five
years. and is now seeking recuperaticn in
Philadelphia.
1865 and served successively at Wesley
Chapel, Dumbarton and Waugh churches,
Washington: Hartford Avenue, Monument
Street. Caroline Street and Jefferson Street
churC hes. Baltimore, and at Cumberland.
Probably his best known work has been
| In charge of the religious services at Sum-
init Grove Camp for a number of years.
and at Washington Grove Camp for
season. His power an evangelist was
recognized by his brother ministers.
Bishop Mallalieu is welding an historic
gavei in presiding over the conference. 1t
was presented him yesterday by Rev. Geo.
| E. Maydwell pastor of Eutaw Street
Church. The lead of the gavel is made
from a piece of the wood of the pulpit in
the church from which Bishop Asbury
| preached the dedicatory sermon May 10,
leoS. The handle is a piece of the tree
under which Robert Strawbridge preached
at Sans Creek. Md, in 1862.
me 1ishop accepted the gavel with
touch Of the dry humor which crops out
! frequently In his control of the body of
preachers. Firm and forceful is the touch
behind the pleasant manner and the good
huner which turks in wrinkles in his eyes
Yesterday renewed a motion to have all
| applicants for charitable collections sifted
thro, gh a committee before they make
| their appeals to the members. The body
good-humoredy granted the motion, and
| MI. Boggs heads the committee, with Rev
DE- John Lanahan as his colleague
"ould-be witnesses of the inaugural
| monies were disappointed Yesterday
| V.hen the bishop intimated that the duty
or the members would be in attending to
| bt Stress Rev. DIR. B. F. Clarkson who is
| one OF the leading republicans of the city,
| asked for leave OF absence for TODAY. If
| was evidently his intention to witness Nc
klhieys inauguration. hut the bishop put
| a camper on 1t by saying he would do his
patrlotc duty by presiding over the con-
| ference session and he expected the mem
| Ders 10 let their consciences decide where
their duty lies.
Prayers for the President-elect were the
especial concern Of the preachers taking
| part in the devotional services this morn
ing Rev. w. G. Herbert was in charge.
Recognition of the Day.
Shortly before noon Bishop Mallelieu in
| terrupted the proceedings of the conference
| to recogniz, the Inauguration of the ma
| tion's President. He said: AN event is
| transpring in the nation today which is
| attracting the attention of the civilized
world. 1t is source of qualification to
| me that the members of conference have
| been so prompt in their attendance under
the circumstances. l would do a wrong to
| your sentiments and sense of patriotism if
| l I'D not give opportunity for some recog-
milton OF the event now takin., place 1
believe our nation is worth praying, for
| Hope is centered in the nation today as
| never before. The future of the world for
good or for i'll centers on this government
| of ours.
"Dr. Neal will lead Us N prayer for the
| blessings of God the outgoing and IN
coming Presidents
Rev. DIR. ]. Stellar Neal in his prayer
| said: I'VE ask the blessing of God on the
! outgoing President. Many of US admire
| him for his sterling qualities and for his
independence Of character. May the h;ess-
! ings go with him into the private walks of
| life and may he dwell IN the sha low CT
| the protection.
May the Presi1ent now going in have
strength and wisdom from on high. May
he never forget in his toll ot business that
he belongs to God. Strengthen and sus-
tain his Christian character. Help him
and all who associated with his rule
for all the people of this country"
The members arose from their knees and
with the congregation joined in singing.
Rev. DR.. Luther B.Wilson. presiding elder
of the Washington district moved that a
telegram of greetings from the conference
he sent to President Mckinley, which was
done
Regular Proceedings.
John T. Ensor, Amos E. Spielman and
George w. Evans were passed from fourth
year studies, and are now elibible for ordi-
nation elders Sunday.
Robert S. Barnes was continued in studies
| of the fourth year.
Members of the third-year class were
passed to the fourth year as follows: Keos-
towel l.. Bryant, jeremiah l.. Wingar
| Walter 6. Mcneil. Jacob NJ. Gillum, l.. e..
men Dutton, L. Emory Bennett.
The following students, who are trial
were passed from the studies of the frs:
year to those of the second year: Keo
| Kenneth, g. Murray, William d. knight:
| John w. r. Sumwalt, Francis b. Harvey
t Martin l.. Beall, Robert E. Benson, Jonn
A. Gross, Charles S. Biggs
Bertram o. Hill, Oliver NJ Ruark and u
S. Wright were continued in the frst-yeal
studies.
: Rev. J. H. NJ. Lemon was changed from
supernumerary to superannuate relations
, and Rev. G. w. Cecil was made an effect
| i've her hoi