The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-11
METHODISTS OF THE, SOUTH.
EPWORTH LEAGUE SECRETARY
SHIP AND EDITORSHIP.

Proposition to Separate the Two Of
fees Causes Prolonged Debate.
Matter Left Unsettled and WIN he
Discussed at "a Future Session.
Bishop j. C. Keener RELOCATED to
the Superannunted List.
Baltimore. May 10.-Almost all of to
days session of the conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was
taken up in discussing the ACCESSIBILITY OF
separating the offices of the secretary OF
worth Era, both places having heretofore
been filled by one person.
Many animated speeches were made on
both sides, and the matter was finally left
unsettled and viii be discussed further at
a future session. sr
The committee on episcopacy reported
favorahly on the application of Bishop J.
c. Keener to be retired, and the report
was adopted, thus RELOCATING to the super
animated list this venerable divine and
comforting the title of Senior Bishop
upon Bishop Wilson of this city.
A memorial asking that the word
South be dropped from the title of the
church was presented by a delegate from
the Southwest Missouri conference and
referred to a committee
There is much opposition to it, and little
likelihood of its adoption. There was also
some discussion as to the disposition of
a fund of $685. recently paid to the con-
ference by the United States government
in settlement of claims for property be-
longing to the church destroyed during the
civil war, but no decision was reached.
Bishop r. K. Hargrove called the con-
ference to order to-day. The Rev. Dr.
T.. A. Yates of Durham n. c., offered the
opening prayer Bishop Hargrove was
succeeded as presiding officer by Bishop
duncan who presided the remainder OF
the session
During the discussion over the Epwortb
League secretaryship the Rev. ]. o. Keen
er OF Greensboro, Ala. made a lengthy ad-
dress favoring an editor and a secretary.
Rev. W. L. helms of Waco, Tex. said il
was not right to discourage the publica ton
OF the Epworth Era because 1t brought in
no revenue to the church.
The Rev. ]. C. Simmons, a presiding ell
oer from Modesto, Cal, spoke eloquently
Tor increased facilities for the young peo-
pie He said he was more than three
score and ten and held il was a great
friend of the young people. He said he
preached four and a half sermons every
week
Judge j. P Strother of Fresno, Cal.
spoke for increased facilities.
Col. E. w. Cole, wealthy phlanthropIst
OF Nashville, Tenn., spoke for both secre-
tary and editor.
Rev. DR.. John o. Wilson of Greenville G
c., opposed the plan for secretary and ed
itor.
Rev. Dr. E. E. Hoss of Nashville on
posed the appointment of a separate ed
ltor and secretary. He said it would have
the effect of making the Epworth League
tWo-headed, and that even saints might
disagree when two men were given equal
authority In running a thing
After number had spoken a motion
to adjourn cut short the discussion.
Some of the delegates are obiectinny IA
the ritual for the burial of the dead. A
memorial was introduced to-day asking
| that the following words be stricken out,
Suffer us not at our last hour for any
pains of death to fall from Thee"
Leave of absence was asked from Pres
ident John A. Rice of Columbia. s G
! 1t was announced that he was presiden,
of female college and desired to go tc
quiet scare over a contagious disease
which threatened to injure the attendance
| at the college.
President Rice was appointed fraternal
| delegate to the general conference of the
colored Methodist Church, now in session
at Columbia, S. c.