The San Francisco call., 1898-04-23

Success has marked the first attemp to bring together the workers of tht Epworth League from all portions of th' State. The convention concert, which marked the opening of the exercises ar ranged for, has apparently paved the way for social and interesting meetings, ant without an exception the members have entered the work with all the spirit ol which they are possessed.
 Early yesterday morning the first i'm portant gathering in the beautifully deco rated Howard-street Church was held There was a large attendance and the days work and pleasure was opened with song led by Robert Husband, followed by & prayer service by Rev. Nj. c. Alexander The church has been turned into a yer itable color booth, as the league colors scarlet and white. are draped in pro- fusion, and here and there the national colors lend beauty to the scene.
 The platform in the church has been built forward into the auditorium for the purpose of better accommodating the large chorus of voices which will lend their assistance in making the gathering a success not soon to be forgotten. The ladies and gentlemen of the reception committee have received praise from all sides for the interest taken in the work and they graciously act as guides, bureaus of information, messengers and have as well taken 1t upon themselves to meet every incoming train on which any visit ing delegates were expected.
 At g o'clock, eight-minute reports con- corning the features of this years work in the league were submitted by the dis trict presidents, Miss Mary L. Dickson of Napa, w. H. Young of Oakland George D. Kellogg of Sacramento and Professor R. D. Hunt of San Francisco. It was re- marked by the president of the San Fran cisco district that for each month during the past year wedding had taken place among the members of the Santa Cruz branch, and the speaker seemed to be of the opinion that many other branches of the organization should stir their mem bers up to the wedding pitch.
 The interest that has been taken by the Chinese in this city in the work was demonstrated by a large gathering of Chinese members. who attentively listened to words of praise delivered by their leader, Rev. Chan Hon Eau. The Chinese members have taken large parties through their quarters free of charge, excursions nightly. The young people present were congratulated by Rev. E. P Dennett, president of the California Con- ference League. upon the good work done throughout the State during the past year. The improvement of the organiza- ton was shown to be due to the united efforts of the members to improve the organization.
 Miss E. J. Dornin of Grace NJ. E.. Church read an interesting paper en- titled Preparation for Leading a Devo- tional Meeting" and among other things stated that the devotional meeting of the league was the source whence the real spiritual life of the league is de- rived, and that better work was accom- plished where prayer was heard. Where much fs to be accomplished the accom- plshment of the object in view is made magnitude of the undertaking.
 l.. l.. Dennett, popular attorney from Modesto spoke on 'Harmonizing With and Helping the Other Church Ser that the league has many fields, but the one point to be undertaken should be to pr tb.TT1ng @ souls to the Lord Jesus Christ. no more antagonizing to other denomina- tions than soldier to his regiment was antagonistic to any other regiment in the
 At times during the meeting the speak CTS referred to the soldiers and govern ment, and patriotism was shown by loud eno Pao,, continued 9ntd s{l applause. Rev; H. w. League and Revivals" Among other things he said: From its very birth Methodism has been characterized by energy, spiritual fire and a determination to eVangelize the world. Our church Is peculiarly adapted to the spiritual needs or our people, and under God 1t has been the means, and Is largely the result. of the worlds greatest revivals."
 The speaker, after reviewing the snlen- did work accomplished by both the church and auxiliary organizations, step ped from the platform and the work en- titled The Spiritual Department" had been completed. Sectional conferences followed, and the gathering separated to near the words of the speakers who held the exercises in separate rooms in the church. " '--'
 Miss F. E. Johnston. M. S., was in charge of the literary department, and spoke of Bible study, reading courses, lectures and classes. Rolla V Watt re- viewed the financial work and spoke of proportional and liberal giving, but c. w. Coyle,. who spoke on the Pen and portion of the members. The presidents or various districts, the presidents of con Ventions and the presiding elders met to listen to his words In a brief but in- teresting way he reviewed progress from many points, and the learning and energy which has seemed to follow in her wake.
 The afternoon session commenced at ? o'clock, opening with a song service led by Professor W. c. Stadtfeld which was followed by devotional exercises con the Board of Control of the United States
 Relation to Christian Experience and Evangelism" was reviewed by Rev Bar ton ". Berry, followed by a paper on ''Missionary Situation and It's Lesson to Leaguers," read by Rev. F. J. Masters, and Rev. A. J. Hanson contributed some Ideas on Practical Measures for Con- serving" followed by Rev John A B Wilson on Missionary Information and
 The afternoons work concluded with a Junior rally, conducted by Mrs. M D. Buck. Yesterday afternoon a reception was held at the Chinese mission, 916 Washington street, where refreshments