Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-07-23

only explanation he could give was that
the delegates were not present.: that ne
had urged upon them the importance CT
attending conference, and that no one
regretted their absence more than he.
Then the presiding elder suggested that
IF tho Middiesex delegates will not come
20 the conference, the conference should
be carried to them" whereupon the pas
tor Of Aliddlesex Circuit said that the con-
ference would be invited TO meet in Md
dleseX next year.
The reports showed rapid progress made
by some of the circuits. Pastor Williams.
OF Spotsylvania, said he was ssgving his
fourth year on the circuit that had long
been known as the "calr pasture OF the
virginia Conference" His report show
ed his circuit 70 be in a most prosperous
condition, and il was evident that it must
now take it's place among the important,
working circuits of the district, and would
hereafter be envied as Glover heid
instead Of Stunned as 4 calf pasture
The conference suspended business at
1f:3O A. N. each day. and gave place 70
religious worship. The opening sermon
on Wednesday. the first day, was preach
ell by Rev. W. b. Jet, Of Essex circuit
who is q native Of King George and son
OF Or. William y. Jet. of Port Conway.
this coInty. a large audience listened
very attentively 20 the young divine, and
hosts Of King Georgians gave him most
cordial greeting after tho service was
concluded.
on the afternoon Of Wednesday con-
ference suspended business for another
short service. when Rev John l.. De
shazo. of Mathews. preached one Of the
finest and most eloquent and impressive
sermons heard in King George in many
years.
The big day" Of the conference was
Thursday. At l.3O a. VI. that day Bishop
Wilson preached a sermon Of rare ability
and the previous announcement that the
Bishop would preach then drew 20 Trinity
church and the courthouse village vast
concourse of people f:om an parts or
King George and many other counties IN
the district. and also from stafford coun-
~ which belongs to the Baltimore Con-
ference. The multitude had looked for
ward with great anxiety 10 Bishop VII
sons sermon. and no one In the great
audience was disappointed for the as
course was q masterpiece. the IKE OF
which tho people of the rural districts
are not accustomed 90.
Dr. W. W. smith. Of Randolph Macon
College. arrived In time 10 participate IN
the sessions OF l~IAd1 ANA li'+''s '''-HN
delivered some talking addresses.
one of the most prominent and in
teresting figures on the floor Of the con-
ference was Rev Dr. W 4. Crocker, OF
northumberland county. who is at pres-
emf on the supcraunuated list. but VINO,
nevertheless. is man Of power and in-
fuence. and Is doing q great deal OF Work
for Nothodism and the cause OF Christ.
DIR. Croeker's face was familiar 10 nun
drcds present. he having served the dis
trict some years ago as presiding elder,
when he won the love and admiration OF
the masses This venerable divine Is In
his 18th year Of age. and has spent htty-
six years of his life in the Methodist MIN
istry. and il IS noticeable that his iacul-
ties are wonderfully preserved for a
hnrd-worked man who has seen three
quarters Of a century pass by.
Rev. r. j. Wray, pastor .n charge or
the King George Circuit. worked hard Tor
weeks prior to and all during the confer
ence 10 provide comfortable homes ana
ample dinners for the ministers ana dtle-
gates. and also for the hundreds or Nisi-
tors. and h. succeeded we'll. FOR the bap-
lists and EpiscopaIians joined with the
Methodists Iu throwing open their do'i7
TO the ministers. delegates. and NisltOi7'
All manner of eatables were hauled 10
the courthouse green. and every one
present each day was hounuiu.ly ted'
Good things" were daily provided in pro-
fusion. and the pastor and HIS committee
saw 90 IL that no man. woman. or chlld
went away without good dinner MIS-
sion work was one Of the leading SUBJ
iects considered. and il was very inter-
ostiaelv discussed by Presiding Elder
Amiss. DR.. ". A. Croker Rev C.. H..
lanes. Rev. Anderson. Colonel W. Nc
Donald Lee. Rev. John +. Deshazo. Mr..
John w. C.. Davis. and others. and the
report % the Committee Of Missionary
Work was lengthy and able paper.
The place Of holding the district con-
ference I'm 1909 was considered Thursia lay
morning. 4 number Of places were Oht
I'm nomination. and the vote on the ques-
ton resulted in favor Of White stone
church. IN Lancaster county.
While Bishop Wilson was preaching IN
Trinity Methodist Episcopal church
THURSDAY. the overflow congregation re-
paired 10 81. Johns Episcopal ehurch'
ana listened 10 q fine sermon by Rev
lanes Cannon. OF Blacksburg Female In
stitute.
The conference closed Friday afternoon,
and distinguished members OF the bouy
pronounced Il very pleasant and very
successful and satisfactory meeting. The
King George people are very much grau-
fled az having the pleasure ot the confer
once in this county. and at the pleasure
Of entertaining so pleasant and distin-
p1Iished body. No pains We're spared 70
make the occasion pleasant and success
full. and that this conference Will long Do
remembered by hundreds Of persons gees
without saying