The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-04-18

Of Syracuse university, was introduced
and made pleasing speech, urging the
higher education of young men and
women.
Following him Rev. DR.. Murdoch. of
kingston, reported for the board of
trustees of Wyoming seminary. He
made special reference to Mrs. Caroline
Pettebone, who built the new gymna-
stun for the seminary. The school is
in excellent condition and prosperous.
The reading of the report was followed
by the election of the following trus-
teees: r. II. Dale l.. II. Taylor and j.
j. Schank. DR.. Hard introduced a reso-
luton of thanks and blessing to Mrs
Pettehone, which the conference unani-
mously adopted.
About 4.3O in the afternoon the stand
Ing committees began to submit their
reports. They did not get more than
half way through the list before ad-
journment.
The committees reported in order as
follows: Rev. G. T.. Nanwork reported
for the bible committee He reported "A
decrease in the work of the committee
last year.
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION.
Rev DR. Hard reported for the board
of church extension. It took a long
time to receive the report of the com
mittee on conference relations. The re-
port had To dispose of an the super
numeraries on the list. but nearly all
of them were continued in the same
relation as they We're last year. Rev.
! Fred. j. Jones was allowed to with
draw from the conference at his own
request.
The anniversary of the Preachers
Aid society was held Saturday evening
and was attended by the largest audi
ence of the week. Much interest has
been felt in this theme, as it is probable
that the work of the agent will be dis
continued, owing to lack of support
DR.. Y. c. Smith, the president, presided
Rev. Joseph Madison. Of Yatesvlle,
offered prayer. The quartettc choir of
the Broad street church sang.
DR.. \. j. Van Cleft, the agent of the
society read the report Of the past
year. He spoke with emotion of the
pathos in the history of the aged
preachers ana their wives, their depri-
vations and often actual suffering. The
society was organized in 1855. and since
that time has raised and distributed
much money. He made an earnest plea
for greater effort in behalf Of the work
for the supcranuated preachers. The
fund, through the generosity of noble
citizens was originally $4,000. Later
it has been increased to about S27. 1000
Four years ago an agent was appoint-
ed. The increase has not been what
was hoped, as the financial depression
hppn eli t,
have been secured and more has been
collected during this year than in the
past two years. Or. Van Cleft said he
had preached l75 times, had given 40
addresses. sent out 5000 letters, and
travelled 5000 miles. The majority of
the ministers are in favor of the soci-
ETY.. a few do not believe in securing
funds by this means, while some are
enthusiastic over the plan, except when
a portion is to be raised on their
charge. A few words Of the minister
may turn a bcquest into the sOcietv's
treasury. There is strong need Of con-
tinuine the work and many laymen are
interested.
REV. MIR. SEVERSON'S ADDRESS.
Rev. O. L. Severson made an elouuent
address on the same subject He told
of many instances of pitiful poverty in
the families Of worn out preachers. He
plead that an inspiration would over
take the ministry of the Wyoming con-
ference that they would make an earn
est stand for this great cause and that
the church membership would also
unite in these efforts.
Dr. Smith told of the history of the
society, saying that on the board OF
stewards were as good men as there
are in Pennsylvania. Some mistakes
had been made, but the efforts had in
the main been well directed. He was
about to retire from the presidency of
the society and hoped that his last
words in its interest would be needed.
Revs. Jaw, Race and Thomas sang a
beautiful trio before the session.
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